Omaha daily bee., 1915-09-01
On Folly of Extravaganza
ooolsy N ssathsr.s 1aaga.Ias

/
l--winnifrsd Cooley in MOTHERS Msga1ius---I
A THE outset we should realize that the term
"A "extravagance' is susco pdOle Of vayng Ue.ini'
tlons IL is a sliding scale depending upon time and
personal income What lie extravagant for one person
manifestly is not eNtravagant for another. AGAIN
what II exravagant in time OF our lie, IL not IN
another The epiehensible part OF modern eA-
travagance is that pursue It 80 largely In ORDER
TO impress other people. II luxury Is really the eN
preston Of vital need with us, It may not be
extrava gaHce. Frequently person Will make
many minor sacrifices in order to secure some eN-
pensive thing which 20 him the most necessary
thing the world. For instance. students OF muss.
who believe that they possess extraordinary talent
will nearly sta We for years in order TO enormous
prices for lessons These would be extravaganza
for Of us but not II the worker believes
that he Is fitting mself for career which will one
day bring him fame and 70 tune.
But the useless extravaganza is that which induces
to pay out absuld sums because every Is
doing It," We towards. in mortal terror Of run
ming counter to conventional ty not measuring up
to certain standards set by others One Of the COM
monest. yet most contemplate sayings OF which all
of us moderns are guilty, is: IF give dinner
insist doing II right" The word right thus used,
has moral significance whatever-what we mean
is III give dinner. am going to do 1t in GER
tain conventional manner 20 prove TO guests that
know how wealthy people entertain" Not to begin
meal with oysters the half-shell, seed grape
fruit or bouilon would argue that we were not ac-
customed TO the Of good society People, there
fore in quite humble financial circumstances agonize
over necessary entertaining, serve mulutudnous
reduce their guests to state Of lethargy-
solely to show that they known how wealthy people
dine. Once in awhile. a wise, housekeeper
simple nutritious and delicious mea-a juicy
beef steak. appetizing salad. with few ac-
cessories quite Indifferent the fact that II Is not
done in the best society II her friends diserim-
mating they rise up and call her blessed
One form OF extravaganza consists in wearing
clothes that not appropriate 1t Is not extravag1nt
for a wealthy woman who always rides In her
limousine TO white suede shoes or French-heeled
satin slippers, shoes with light cloth tops 1t 10
manifest extravaRance for the working woman OBJ
liged to walk through muddy streets to indulge In
such impractical footgear. Yet, because those who
set the fashions decree that white champagne
coored CATERS the latest mode every snopg1rl Is
miserable until she can purchase them The result
to behoders is most distressing as the light colors
are usually stained and spashed with mud There Is
nothing refined about dirty flnery.
Some people in modern life dn small towns as
we'll as ctles) honestly believe that they not ex-
travagant because they cannot conceive OF any way
by which they can possibly economize Men and
women lima CINE many vain things which they take for
gospel truth. They often say: ut always pays to
purchase good things" In sense. this is true,
good quality Of material will outlast shoddy cheap
material. The extravaganza or economy OF pur-
chase may depend however, other things. II you
are one OF the OF moderate income who cast
aside a suit or a gown the moment the least change
OF style has taken place. then 1t is certainly not
economy TO buy expensive gown One for lower
price will look well for short season
People in very moderate circumstances have
formed in last years. habits OF entertaining at
public and cafes because unwilling TO give
little thought and attention to meals In the home In
many cases this Is a foolish extravaganza. The
temptation to order recklessly and Unfortunately
and there are all of other necessary expend-
lures including the tipping of walters. The actual
materials for excellent refreshments comparatively
cheap IL only needs that the housekeeper take the
trouble 10 cook them or there is much TO be
said In behalf of the ease of entertaining in public.
IL certainly is not extravagant. when the woman CIV
ing luncheon or dinner is hardworked professional
or business woman. but these not the women TO
whom these remarks apply.
1t has become a standing Joke that people Of
modest means in every village and city in Amer
ica are mortgaging their homes. In order to have
car of some sort Undoubtedly Il Is true that some
families maintain motor cars, who seem not able to
afford them; yet many inexpensive nova.
DAYS that their initial cost Is not great and the SEEM
ing extravagance may justified by the benefits OF
the new outdoor fe fresh air, and normal pleasures
In which the entire family participate The
maintenance of depends largely on the Individual
circumstances People living in the country take care
premises and maintain It for almost nothing In cities
the cost OF keeping at garage is very high
this many times, Is the extravaganza.
Many are the failacies with which people comfort
theuReves and excuse running into debt In It's last
analvsis extravaganza is not only matter or bad
Judgment of bad TASTE but OF actual immortality Hon
esty is one of the foundation qualities OF SOUND
character Extravaganza implies many times the
presence OF such unlovely qualities as INCIDENCE OF
weak snobbery, of actual dishonesty