The record-union., 1893-04-28
FADS OF TEE DAY.
Some of Them Described and Criti-
cised by Beselena.
The Step-Dancing Mania and Other
Sew-Fangled Notions-Hints
for Tourists.

y
airy fad; the fair danes meet at the
homes of their respective members, do
good deal of talking, look profoundly
wise, and maybe one of them will read a
learned paper on 1.-The Transmigration of
the Soul" or "What Comes After Death?'
or "Will We Ever be Able to Communi-
cate With Mars?" and all the members
endeavor to look as though they thor
oughly enjoyed and appreciated the situ-
alton.
Then it may be an mprovement-in-con-
versation class. And over dainty tea
table the conversation is held UP to an
ethical and intellectual standpoint. l
will not say that later on they so far for
get their ideal as to merge into vulgar
gossip. Oh, dear, mol
Then there was the physical culture
fad. These delicate danes then arose
with the lark; in other words, at A. NJ,
took heroic bath of icy-cold water, and
after they were dressed took tive-mlle
walk, ate the plainest kind OF food and
made themselves sore and stiff by their
numerous and frequent gymnastic eXer-
cises.
There are great many other fads, but
they have long ago been relegated to the
things of the past, and the present fad
dancing. Everybody goes in for it. 1t
has struck Seattle with a resounding
thud, which could be heard even in
the little City of (alleged) Destiny. Nearly
every woman in town is at present deep
in the intricate mysteries of the Sailors
Hornpipe," the Highland Fling" the
skirt Dance" the 'Serpentine Dance"
and a half-dozen more of the same caliber;
and the various teachers of the terpsi-
chorean art are enriching their never too
plethoric pockets.
The step-dancing fad hadn't been here
long when l, too, was seized with the
fever. Thereupon l hied me to certain
well-known professor of the noble art,
and unto his listening ear made known
my desire. When l had finished he
cast his optics upon me; after long and
critical inspection he finally said he
thought might do, and requested me to
call the next day, when he would Initiate
me into the 'Hornpipe."
Before | go any further in my sad ex-
perience, let me give my gentle readers
who are contemplating this eneryating
study just one little word of advice,
which is composed of four letters, and
spells don't" If you do, you'll regret
it. Horseback riding, the first time,
isn't in 1t just little bit for soreness.
Every particular bone in your anatomy
will ache. You will find it much more
convenient to stand, as you'll find con-
siderable inconvenience in rising-if you
sit down-and as for walking, well, you
may, perhaps be able to hobble around
with the aid OF stick at the end of three
or four days.
So much tor the after effects. don't
know whether all teachers are alike, but
/ know my particular one made Inc hop
around for all the world like a lively
little bullfrog. But l learned the horn
pipe, and now / am resting upon my
alc I falra ha iuhl nd
| intend going through the whole list,
and if at the end l still survive, and if
writing for the newspapers ceases to be
a lucrative occupation, l shall join some
theatrical company and do the high
Kicking act.
1 suppose every one, accompanied by
his sisters, his cousins and his aunts, viii
attend the great Chicago Worlds Fair.
AS spring, gentle spring, with its
warm, invigorating sunshine ~ and
blooming flowers draws on apace the
proposed journey which has been
planned for and discussed in every con-
ceivable form all winter, now becomes a
soon-to-be realized possibility. In such
an important journey there are many
minor points to be considered, which,
though tritling in themselves, should not
on that account be overlooked, as trities
are oftentimes of the utmost importance.
There are a host OF questions arising in
the minds of the would-be tourist which
must be satisfactorily answered e'er the
journey can be undertaken with any de-
gree of comfort. The first question
which naturally arises is, when is the
best time to make the start?" My advice
upon this would not rest in the time
honored principle of "Come early and
avoid the rush." but 1 would transpose
this little and say, "Come late and
avoid the rush." and all sorts of un-
thought of inconveniences, for instance,
the latter part Of August or the first of
September would be very good. By
starting then you would avoid the in
tense heat of the Chicago summers.
The next question, and this to the
ladies Is most important one, is, ''How
much baggage might L carry?' l un-
hesitatingly answer, as little as possible
If you can possibly do so, dispense alto
gether with trunk, and instead take one
very large grip, which will answer the
purpose very well ana be of much less
bother. However, if a trunk is found
utterly Indispensable, then take only a
steamer trunk, which is light and small
takes up but little room and will hold ali
the gowns you will need on the trip, AS
Tor the gowns themselves, l would not
advise taking over three-a travelling
dress of serge (blue is the best color, a
street suit and for evening wear pretty
challe or changeable silk.
For travelling, it would be a good idea
which could be worn with any skirt.
These will be found very comfortable on
the train when the weather grows oD-
pressively warm, instead of the ordi-
nary dress waist. Another thing which
is quite Indispensable to the lady tourist
is loose wrapper of tlannelette or pom
gee silk. This could serve the double
purpose of night robe and dressing
gown when on the way to the dressing
room in the moning.
L would also advise wearing silk under
wear; it is healthier, cooler and cleaner.
Black is the preferable color. A jaunty
travelling cap completes the costume;
of course the skirt OF balloon-like proper
tionS is at present a la mode, although as
far as am concerned myself l will not
wear them, having no desire to be all
skirt and no girl.
The last question is, "Where shall we
stay after we arrive, stranger IN a
strange land?" Take my advice, nv
friends, and hunt up Your long-lost Chi
cago relatives. Never mind II they are
1ifty-fourth cousins.
Do l hear someone say this would be
"sponging ?" Not at all; one might as
well pay board to relatives as 10 strangers.
TIE hotel-keepers of "Pork opolis'' are
not going TO keep open house Tor nothing.
They propose having a nice little pile
laid safely away when the festive tourist
turns homeward. Summed up altogether
nv advice is this: DO not start until the
heat of the summer Is past; do not carry
too much luggage, dress for comfort in
the train, and do not let the Chicago Boni-
faces get away with too many of our
good. hard Western dollars.
Some day l may write more upon this
subject; for the present this will suffice.
It is given you by woman who wishes
Won all well, and who is known to YOU