New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-12-20
THE HIGH HAT.

There IS no doubt that the nuisance when
has come TO he Familiarity designated as the high
hat nuisance ought to he abolished. and we are
interested 10 observe that Assembyman Wilson.
of Brooklyn. has determined that it shall br.
Mr. Wilson. not being a novice in legislation, Is
aware that some things can he done just as
easily as others and is therefore hopeful OF con
ferring a sweet boon upon his fellow-crcatures
and of laundering down the ages as pubic
bencfactor lie has constructed n bill providing
that any Snowman who shall permit would-be
SPECTATORS view to be INSTRUCTED by the head
covering of any person shall be guilty OF mis-
demeanor and upon conviction fined not less
than 50 nor more than So The theory OF THIS
measure obviously is that. though the fault lies
with the wcarer of the high hat. the legal re-
sponsibity can he most conveniently placed
upon the man who hires the hall. 1t Is an
nounccd that n drastic enactment on similar
lines works well in Ohio and the expectation IS
that what is good for Ohio would be good for
New-York.
While recognizing the love OF justice which
fills the bosom of Mr.. Wilson. we are not abso-
lutely certain that the bill which he has drawn
Is incapable of iudcious amendment. 1t applies.
for example. 10 Objectionable hcadgear only
when worn at performances to which IN al
mission fee is charged. thus clearly permitting
hats of any contour and dimensions to he worn
without penalty at regular church services
though the courts might possibly hold that fairs.
rafiles. oyster suppers and other entertainments
in ecclesiastical buildings came within the pur-
view of tho act in case admission thereto were
In any way conditional upon the presentation
Of ticket or other evidence OF pecunary quar-
fcaton. II appears 10 us that this II not
mere inadyertcnce. is pretty serious mistake
on the part Of Mr. Wilson. IIllng. n he does
from the City of Churches. Mr. Wilson probably
has no intention Of antagonizing the prevailing
sentiment Of his constituents. and yet h. must
be aware that. in common with most moral ana
intelligent citizens. they consider the church TO
be an even more important institution than the
theatre and worshippcrs 10 be better entitled
than play-goers to statutory protection from I'M
necessary Interference with their comfort. More
over, houses OF public entertainment and wor-
ship are by no means the only places whore fash
ion may inirudc on private rights, nor are nigh
hats the only nuiSanccs Of apparel when Ought
to be abatcd Gratitude for the partial Suhsid-
cnce Of balloon sleeves indispoScs us 70 dwell
upon the physical and mental torture and The
moral degradation which those monStrouS con
fcctions have Occasloncd, Int the mere alluson
to them must suggest 10 every mind the extent
and variety of abuses which Mr.. Wilson's bill
Is powcrIcss 10 eradicate.
On the whole. therefore. It appears to Us that
II dress reform is TO have place in the statute
book it ought TO have "A larger place than this:
,l.o la,, Il fnr N on
further But. inasmuch rs it would he IN cX-
tremey difficult matter 10 regulate all the de-
tails Of fashion and costume by legislation. II
might he better 10 leave the high hat where il
now is. within the domain Of moral suason.
cherishing meanwhile the consoling hope that
the present altruisic tendency will spread. AMI
that the law Of love will ere long do its perfect
work