The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1911-10-27

invites such criticism. and so do the
absuraly high-heeled shoes. Those
who demand full suffrage rights for
women might well turn their battery
of arguments to the persuasion of wo-
men to assert their good sense where
they have the right to do so, and the
opportunity to demonstrate mastery
that Is much needed. The need for
such campaign Is the more urgent
because positive peril attends upon
these two extravagances of fashion.
Many OF us have noticed the attempts
of women to quicken their advance
toward waiting railroad trains, how
they twisted and perhaps fell down
because the narrow skirts hampered
their advance in a truly ridiculous
way. The Pennsylvania railroad Of
ficials assert, after an investigation
of three months in which 70 cases
were investigated, that high heels and
hobble skirts are responsible for a
large proportion Of injuries received
BY women in getting on and of trains
and mounting and descending stair
ways in stations.
Gould there be more impressive
demonstration of the folly of whim-
sy OF the autocratic dressmakers than
is here brought out? Not only are
women who consent to be the victims
made supremely ridiculous, but they
are placed in peril Of their lives in a
way that Is capable of the demonstra-
ton which has thus been made. The
fashions of men are often quite as
silly as those OF women. but we are
unable to recall any which involved
danger to the lives OF the wearers.
Perhaps such an exhibit as has now
been made was necessary in order 20
make clear to the feminine conscious
ness that the time has come for de-
claration Of independence in the mat
tie. OF the fashion plates. Women are
capable OF united and successful ef-
fort along many sensible and helpful
lines. They are demanding OF right
a fuller participation In the affairs
of government. which effect them as
directly as any other members OF the
community. That battle will 20 on.
but here is very important matter
where no enlargement OF power need
be called for. but where real abuse
needs to be righted in strong and SEN
sible fashion.
men are powerless to effect this
issue. and women alone are capable
OF graphing with 1t in any hope Of
commanding remedial action. II Is
wholly for them to say. Are they
ready. at this enlightened stage In
human affairs. To- be thg-siayes and
the playthings Of those who assume
TO say what shall be worn? There
has been nothing more dcspotic in
life than the sway Of those who make
the fashions and cInningly devise for
their own financial gain. Is this con-
dision Of things. which has no legiti-
mate standing. to be continued indef-
nitely? Here Is battle for freedom
In which every woman can join,
whether or not she cares TO vote. II
concerns tie sex, and II is very i'm
portant-
There Is already a tendency on tic
part Of some women 10 assert their
freedom from slavery OF fashion
Whether this Is only a tsmporory re-
bellion that is soon sqaelched remains
10 be seen, but II a small part OF ths
affort we're put forth by the women 70
secure their emancipation from TIL
seryitude OF the fashion makers that
Is being put forth to secure woman
suffrage, the suffragettes would win
the favor OF the male voters MECH
the more readily.