The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1898-11-25
SHOES FOR SISTERS"
They Are Made Very Plain and With
out Regard to Fright" or
"Left" Feet.

The world, the flesh and the devil
are the chief customers of shoe manu-
facturers. And pretty restless, crit
ical crowd of customers they are. For
them, makers oflasts rack their brains
for change and novelty of style; and
tanners draw the colors of the rain
bow to their feathers, using all kinds
of glazes and finishes, to tempt puz-
zled buyers to try their wares.
There is class of shoe buyers, how
ever, sweet-faced, patient, minister
ing angels ON earth, who, in their self
abnegation, require specially plain and
austere shoes, reflective of theft luiet
lives and restrained feelings. Nurses,
sisters of charity, old ladies and wom-
en- who have renounced the world
form body of people for whom spe-
cial shoes are made.
These shoes, as rule, are of black
glazed kid, plain uppers unadorned
with patent tips or any signs OF van
ity. The soles are of oak leather,
very flexible and fairly thick. No in
sole is used, but little filling, so as
to avoid any squeaking. The side
stays are strictly simple, and the lin
ings are virgin white.
The soles are not rights" and
'lefts;" they are all of the same
shape, so that the shoes, which are
roomy and large, can be worn on
either foot. This is valuable accom-
modation for nurses, who are liable
to be suddenly aroused to attend sick
patients.
Theseatcomfort" shoes are all that
is clairEHh for them, and are equally
popular among those who attend the
sick or devote themselves to charity
or religion.
A bright salesman connected with
this class of goods said: 1--WE sell di-
rect to jobbers, whose men visit city
retailers. The retailer, usually one
who has been long established in busi-
ness, will call at convent or similar
place. The lady superior gives him
a list of the shoes needed, SO that it
is not necessary to interview the SIS
ters themselves. 1t is curious busi-
ness, and one that is not easily mas
tered. Our people have been making
these easy shoes for years, and know
exactly what is wanted. Sometimes
jobbers desiring. to sell our lines in
struct us to brighten the shoes up
little with patent leather trimmings
or colored Innings. We explain that
the shoes cannot be made too plainly,
and that style or ornamentation would
be frowned on by the gentle class for
whom they were intended.
These shoes, having fairly thick
.soles. can be used indoors or OF the
streets. They are, unusually easy and
noiseless. Winter shoes contain an
insole of felt. which is damp proof.
Many retailers carry them in stock, as
there are lots of old ladies in the world
anxious for ease before elegance. in
footwear"
And the plail, homely shoes con-
tiuutu 70 rest apparently III pi III
silence on the shelves of the manu-
facturer's sample-room, on which were
highcnts and Iowcuts, tans and patent
feathers. in wide variety Of gay man
ipulation. But there seemed some
thing almost eloquent about those
black, round-toed shoes for good
women. whose lives are affairs Of duty
and silent monuments Of all that is
pure and good. Hide. and Leather.
While the courts are declaring
that the Curtis bill is ulconstitu-
tional and therefore cannot be en-
forced. the Dawes commission are
still threatening the Indians with
the dire results of its enforcement.
II these fnnctionaries Of the gov
eminent would get together on
this thing, il would be q source Of
some satisfaction u the Indians.
i. S. Cobb has the largest line Or
rubher boots. hoes and coats in town