Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-13
TATTOO MARKS A FAD
ART OF SAVAGE GAINS FAVOR
WITH GENTLE FOLK.
Women Of Fashion Have Emblems
Wrought In Colors on
aTheir Arms.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer.
PhffadelphiG society has adopted the tat
tooing craze. and sthe polite art of the saw
age has become the fad, it is said, among
the upper ten bf this city, According to the
statements made, by professors Of the
disfguring art, many young girls. the
daughters Of the best families of the city,
are not only being tattooed themselves, but
are taking lessons in the application Of the
tattoo, SO that they may thus ornament
their friends
The fad, though Of long duration among
the masses Of the people, has only been
known in society for comparatively short
time, and 1t Is said to have been encour-
aged principally by the prevalence of sim
liar craze in London. Philadelphians trav-
ehne abroad last summer are supposed to
have brought home the fad with them.
according to the statement made yester-
day by the proprietor Of a tattoong studio
IN the central section of the city, society
women are even greater enthusiasts on the
SUBJECT of tattooing than are the men.
"lattooers in this city," said the ''profes-
sor, are now doing the greatest bust
ness In their careers. 1t is only lately that
we nave been getting much patronage from
the better classes, but there is scarcely a
uay passes now that we do not tattoo at
least five persons prominent in polite So
ciety. These persons seldom come to our
studios, though, as they consider it a bit
100 public to do SO. Most of our work is
done at their homes.
A Tattooing Party.
1T seems to be curious fad in connec-
ton with the tattooing craze that when
an engagement Is announced in polite cir
cles- that a professional tattooer is instant
ly summoned to the house Of the bride.
There he tattooes the initials of the groom
on the. brides arm, and those Of the bride
on the groom. Last Thursday afternoon I
was the master of ceremonies at a tattoo
Ing party at a fashionable West Walnut
street home, and succeeded fn-pfaeing en-
olems or hearts on six young debutantes
present. + have now three young women
who are learning to do the tattooing them
selves, in order that they may ornament
their friends in this manner"
When asked as to the extent of the craze
among the. better classes. a Well-known So
ciety woman who objects to having her
name published, said: Personally, I am
bitterly opposed to the fad, as it seems to
>me,ito be a vile imitation OF the, habits of
savagery, and should have no place in
civilized community like philadelphia.
However, I cannot but admit that many
-of'"the very best people In society ''have
OF the terrible disfigurements' which they
have undergone. To my mind, the worst
phase of the present fad Is the fact that
many young women are actually taking les
professors in order that they may. practice
it in their homes. -.
- Habit Should Be Discouraged.
~, 'LombrOso saids several years ago that
tattooing was proof of degeneracy. That
is bit exaggerated, 1 am Inclined to be-
lieve, as L know matter of fact that
persons who are in every way all that they
should be otherwise are being tattooed. and
are -tattooing others. However, the habit
should be discouraged. unless we decide to
move backwards and do away with civiIiza-
ton generally
The craze is reported as being at its
height in London at the present time. The
Prince of Wales is said to have most ex-
traordinary design Of a fearful-looking
dragon tattooed On his arm, and Prince
George Of Denmark Is reported to have q
similar design on his body. Prince Francis
of 'Teck is said to be tattooed with the
design Of an ugly-lookng toad. Among the
other notables reported to, be- tattooed are
Grand Duke Alexis Of Russia, Grand Duke
Constantine. King Oscar of Sweden, Queen
Ogla Of Greece, Lady Randolph Churchill
and the Duke Of Newcastle. Many numer-
Gus and varied designs are favored by the
lords and ladies. Birds, butterflies and pic
lures are popular, as are also regimental
badges, serpents and dragons.