Who Leads in Reform? by Clarence Santee

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 7, 1912

Who Leads in Reform?

By Clarence Santee

CLARENCE SANTEE

The Chicago (Ill.) Telephone Company passed regulations that took effect July 17, 1912, in regard to the dress of its army of operatives as follows:—

“Don’t wear a satin gown or a party frock to work. “Don’t wear shoes with high heels. “Don’t wear a picture hat covered with plumes. “Do dress for comfort. “Do wear wash waists of simple design. “Do wear plain skirts. “Do wear ‘common-sense shoes.’”

“No, we do not want the girls to wear a uniform,” Mr. Foster explained, as reported in the Los Angeles Evening Herald of July 17, 1912. “We consider that the girls—and there are not a finer-appearing set of girls anywhere—represent the company to the public. . . . The girl who is conspicuously overdressed upsets the working routine of the entire office force.”

According to the same paper, the members of the Chicago W. C. T. U. have also arrayed themselves against the “modern tendencies” that are to be summed up in the following: “The tendencies to be fought in Chicago are smoking circles and the vicious cigarette; nipping in the afternoons in restaurants; mixed bathing at the beaches; flirting on the streets; wearing tight dresses, peek-a-boo waists, low shoes and silk stockings, short skirts and large hats, and the use of rouge, powder, and eyebrow blackening.”

The protest against the evils mentioned is becoming strong, and there was never a time more opportune for true Seventh-day Adventist women to teach the principles in regard to healthful, modest dress and deportment than the present, when they can be assured of the cooperation of the strong, influential women of such organizations.

The true, sincere people all through the world are seeking the right way, and when they see true Christian example, they will be drawn toward it. The precious light we have had for years is due the world, and those who have had it should be leaders; yet we see financial organizations and other religious organizations outside of this people who have a truth that will fit those who accept it for the coming of the Saviour, actually taking the lead in raising the standard against many of the evils that are leading toward Sodom. God will bless them for it, but really, in God’s plan, who should lead?

Loma Linda, Cal.