The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-11-03


froshen,ng influence of a single bright
thought. Human nature IS, by reason or
its own propeusties, a seeker or recrea-
ton and do you wonder, sisters, that our
people squander thousands of dollars
weekly on the doubtful amusements al
forded by the Spanish Fort picnics. Dld
IL never strike you that they turn TO
these places out Of sheer WEAKNESS or
work? Just think, in all New Orleans
with its population OF over 5000 negroes,
there is not one decent place of amuse-
ment, not one free circulating library or
reading room, where the young might go
for an evenings rest, except at Central
Church. I.d il ever strike you, sisters,
that we need missionaries here right at
home missionaries TO go among our peo-
pie and teach them how 70 get enjoyment
out Of a book or out Of a paper2 why,
sometimes even the patent stories in
newspaper are Infinitely better than the
endless inertia which makes women sit
idly about on steps and men stroll the
streets. why, my dear Madame of the
upper ten, If you didn't read what would
you do? How would you yawn away
your Sundays without your monster Sun
day paper? Now, think about the great
unwashed who are deprived Of the JOY
of reading" Some of the missionaries
who are preparing to 80 to China, 10 At
RIGA, and 10 the islands of the sea, should
turn their attention to rthe neglected
heather in the slums Of Southern cities.
As child, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, or
Elizabeth Cady, as she was then. was
precocious-perhaps self-reiant express
es ii better. She tells how. when she was
ten years old, her only brother died, how
her father grieved over his sons death,
and how one dag he took her on his knee
and gave voice 10 the wish that his
daughter was a boy" Then, Mrs.
Stanton says, she made up her mind that.
as she could not be a boy, she would try
TO accomplish what boy could Her first
step toward this end was 10 learn TO
ride her pony. She was also imbued with
a desire TO master Greek, and she ap-
piled TO her pastor, an old Scotch clergy
man, for instruction Being of an alert
mind and blessed with a good constitu-
ton she made rapid progress in both I'M
dortakings. She then TOOK up Latin,
mathematics and other manntsh studies.
She had a very proficient Instructor in
her brother-in-law, Edward Bayard, Of
Delaware. From this gentleman she
learned much of poetry and art, and also
of physical culture 1t was no trouble
10 her then TO scale a fOur-bar fence
with the agility of college athlete.
IL 1s interesting TO hear Mrs. Stanton
tell of how she wanted the laws cut ont
of her fathers law books, and how great
was her disappointment when she Has
Informed that even such an apparently
heroic remedy would not be the means
of doing away with obnoxious statutes.
All that Mrs. Stanton has since accom-
plishcd In behalf of woman suffrage
doubtless derived impetus from constant
study in her fathers library.
Mrs. w. X. Vanderbilt and Miss Con-
suelo Vanderbilt were among the first 10
take up the bike ana this autumn ...ey
have had many spin since the summer
gayeties have in some degree lessened
Mrs. William Jay, Mrs. Vanderbilt's most
intimate friend Is also devoted TO the
sport and is one OF the best riders in the
country. Last spring, before Mrs. Jay
went out of town, she went every morn
Ing for an hours ride on Riverside Drive
or through the Park. Her costume is
always exceedingly simple. but very
smart. her fayorlte gown being black
serge, made with a Norfolk jacket and
a soft felt hat. the skirt of the gown full
enough TO hang gracefully.
Mrs. Stanley Mortimer is another good
rider and has male some marvellous
runs. She looks particularly well in her
bicycle costume. generally Of brown serge
with covert coat and brown felt hat.
There is, OF course, a great deal OF dis
cussion as to the best sort OF bicycle cos
tune. Boomers are not even considered
hut the length and width of the skirt and
the cut Of the jacket form all absorbing
topics of conversation. rhe serge GOWNS
heavy serges-are the favorites for the
present, and skirt a little on the plan
OF the old-fashioned bell skirt seems best
adapted TO bicycling. Some women look
well In Elton jackets. and wnea Eton
Jackets ARE becoming and fwell made
they certainly are delightfully."- trim little
garments.
Bicycle boots are by many preferred
to shoes and leggings. but either Is fash
ionable Indeed. in all the details now
Individual taste largely governs. and
while there must. as in -iding habit, be
a lock OF fitness. II is allowable TO con-
suit somewhat the becomingness or hat
and gown.
II Is said that the widow OF Senator