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Kansas University Weekly.
who want to, wont be afraid to do this thing which is a benefit to them, morally, because of added neatness, and physically, because of added heathfulness.
HELEN PERRY.
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It is conceded that the rainy-day dress, or some pattern of short skirts, is conductive to greater comfort and health. The only objections to it are that it is immodes tor ridiculous. As for the last of these two, every one knows that a new garb ceases to arouse ridicule as soon as people are accustomed to it, and this is true without regard to the inherent absurdity of the costume, as witness toothpick shoes and leg-o-mutton sleeves. As to immodesty, I am convinced that this allegation is merely a prejudice, since I find that those that feel it most keenly, countenance other customs which must fall under the same condemnation, if indeed this is to be condemned. It therefore is the part of men who would be helpful to women, to encourage it. This can be done most effectually by taking it as a matter of course, ignoring it on strangers and acquaintances, and commending it to intimate friends. I believe the young women who have faced prejudice and worn the costume, have the commendation of their own judgment, the admiration of men whom they respect, and the envy of their sisters who have not yet had the courage to follow their example. I regret the publication recently of an item to the effect that the young women wearing the costume have been subjects of general unpleasant comment, because I do not believe it true.
W. H. CARRUTH.
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The freedom of movement where circumstances demand activity, the absence of wet and dirty skirts on a sloppy day, and the relief from the everlasting necessity of attention to draggling garments, ought to be sufficient reasons for the general adoption by womem of a costum with a shortened skirt. The usual style, of a skirt extending to the heels, is in the cases just mentioned, inconvenient and im-
practicable. Woman's hesitancy to take advantage of such a useful reform must be attributed to affected modesty, or to an uncertainty as to her appearance.
In most cases it is not from modesty that she hesitates to adopt an abbreviated skirt, but rather from lack of confidence in the appearance of the new style.
This is a great mistake as to the idea of immodesty. For leaving out of consideration the practical benefits of the short skirt on occasions when the present fashion is only an encumbrance, the symmetry and looks of the new garment can hardly be disputed.
Certainly, being a change from an old and established style, it may appear a little odd. But its manifest advantages, and its indorsement by all who have tried it, are sufficient inducements, and there is no doubt that a common adoption of the costume, when circumstances demand it, will soon make such a useful garment. The fashion on such occasions, and fashion generally, has her own way. Mr.R.
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"I dont understand how you ladies can skate against the wind, you carry so much sail" a certain member of the Kansas University faculty once said to his companion on the ice; and indeed those who never tried battling against the wind, carrying, as womankind must, "so much sail" can not understand with what joy the day of shorter dresses is hailed by women, especially by college women, whose work compels them to be out in all weather. Did you ever walk down hill behind a young woman, her books in hand and her dress, having the fashionable "dip" in the back, sweeping gracefully along as she walked? And did you notice how much cleaner the sidewalk was where she passed, or think of the inevitable condition of that dress? This, for convention's sake most women will endure in good weather; but happily there are some brave ones who rebel at clearing the streets of snow or mud. They have courageously stood by their principles and to them we owe the advent of the "rainyday dress," to which in its less extreme forms, no one can reasonably object. A skirt six, seven, or even eight inches from the ground will escape most of the mud, leave the ankles free, and call forth little unfavorable comment, even from those who most dread the coming of the "new woman." MABEL RUTH HALL.