Page:The rights of women and the sexual relations.djvu/334

318 us make propaganda for them, both theoretically and practically. Those who abide by them will find that they will not only fare better, from an economic point of view, but that, in every respect, they will make a better impression than by the most ostentatious display. It is a mistaken calculation when girls think that they are more attractive to men in a conspicuous and extravagant attire, than in a simple and tasteful garment. Their extravagance and repudiation of good taste is, therefore, useless, even in that respect. When this is appreciated, the chief reason for adhering to the slavery of fashion falls to the ground.

MISS SCHWARTENBACH — If we do not soon begin to act in accordance with this motion our sex will really lay itself open to the suspicion of having lost its common sense, or of celebrating a perennial carnival. The present styles are indeed such that almost every woman would be in danger of being arrested, if public offenses against sense and good taste were under police surveillance, the same as offenses against public morals and safety are. If I had the power I would put an end to these almost scandalous fashion crazes, by not only placing them under police control, but by proceeding. against them in court in a manner whereby the entire wardrobe of the fair delinquents would be subjected to investigation. First of all I would call those photophobiac ladies before the tribunal, who give their heads a most inhuman shape by fastening