New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-13
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80 zB}'N1 llNyAy'

THE CLUB AND THE DRESS PROBLEM.
Dress was the topic for discussion at the meet
ing of the Thursday Club Of HustieviIle. and all
the smart members the best they had and
the clubroom gowed with charming combinations
color in silk and panne velvet. and blossomed
with picture hats In contrast to this was the
studied severity of hue and outline affected by
certain members. either on principle or by neces-
sty 1t was a grand opportunity for the members
with theories. They smiling but pre-
occupied look as If rehearsng their remarks for
the discussion
When the time speak came. however nobody
ventured begin Without doubt, this was stu
pendous question. At last the resourceful member
took the floor and relieved the situation by say
ing:
Madame President will open this discussion by
quoting a line from Poonius's instructions to his
son. in Hamlet: Costly thy habit as thy purse
buy 1 would like to hear the opinions OF the
members as whether Shakespeare was right IN
giving forth this dictum. | contend that he was
that the line contains touch of profound phioso-
ply. Carlyle has made it clear that to certain
extent. the clothes the man. Much more, then
the clothes the woman! The undisputed soclal
supremacy of the woman demands that her stand
ing shall be in a manner determined by her cos
tune Her personality is embodied and interpreted
hv IT, The limit Of her purse. therefore. should be
the only limit to her self-interpretation by dress
'.Rut VINO is 10 determine the limit of her purse?
put in the practical member. dryly.
her limitations" the response.
Then that's another story. murmured some
half audbly.
pretty member clad in dream of waist
half rose and said: Madame President, think
Shakespeare was right; we ought all 10 dFess dS
we'll : can
She sat down abruptly. looking scared and two
thirds of her auditors appauded her vigorously
Then a serious minded member. in plain cloth
suit took the floor and said earnestly:
Madame President. l glad to have this op-
portunty say that l think we are making our
club meetings too much of occasion for display
There is rivalry in dress that causes many Sc
cret heartburnings and adds greatly 10 the cares
of lives If il goes on II will tend TO put an
end altogether to club life the true basis. We
meet to- exchange ideas but not the subject of
the latest fashions We adding to the list of
those who sin through extravaganza. and their
name is legion
and some Of us can't keep UP with the process
sion,' interrupted the audacous member.
Then up member with a strong, resolute
face simply clad in dark cloth suit and fine felt
outing hat.
Madame President" she said. Il am glad 10 in
dorse words Of the last speaker, anc more than
glad that this question has come before the club.
have long felt that nothing threatens the useful
ness and even the very life OF womens clubs more
than the prevailing rivalry in dress. Organizations
brought together for earnest purposes Of self-im-
provement or public reform are degenerating into
dress parades: and the federation meetings
amount TO A of spring opening an oppor-
tunity for the exhibition OF costumes. Women Of
slight resources overstrained in their efforts TO
vie with their fortunate sisters. We are fos-
terng extravaganza and vanity. our clubs should
stand for something better! 1t is high time for
movement of reform.
viii Mrs Plane kindly suggest some method OF
reforrn?' asked another member
II have been studying the question in my own
mind" said Mrs. Plane: and am. as usual con-
fronted the difficulty Of regulating by rule or
law what should be regulated by reason and con-
science
.'Fxactlv," interrupted the other member. who
was impulsve. You have anticipated the point
was about make. I say YOU can't do ii! What