Fashion, Politics, and Living Costs
By Editor
And now, following the hobble skirt, comes a newfangled hoop-skirt. We will not attempt to describe it; it is certain that it will be loud enough to speak for itself. These skirts will probably match the bags, or sacks, of all sizes and descriptions, which may or should be carried, but which, one fashion article says, should not be used for carrying anything which would reveal itself or cause the sack to bulge. The sacks are ornaments. It is too bad that Fashion has so many slaves. Some of the politicians are saying that it costs from $150,000 to $200,000 to "conduct a campaign for the election of a United States senator properly." We suppose they mean by "properly," to conduct the campaign so as to win. The salary of the United States senator is $7,500 a year. It is easy to see, from such facts, the grip that political corruption has on the country. The stock of gold now piled up in the United States Treasury is, in round numbers, $1,200,000,000. The Wall Street Journal says this "is a hoard not only unequaled but unapproached in the world's history." The next largest hoards are those of the Imperial Bank of Russia, which has about $640,000,000, and the Bank of France, which has about $630,000,000. A great deal of the high cost of living of these days is due to the high cost of living high. Cultivating simple, inexpensive habits, will do about as much as anything that can be thought of to reduce the cost of living. And, besides, the simple, inexpensive habits bring the most health, the least worry, and the most joy into life. The Central Society of Commercial Clerks, at a meeting held in Berlin, adopted resolutions demanding the closing of all stores on Sunday. The resolutions state that the hygienic importance of such action is recognized by scientific authorities, by all clerk organizations, and is winning the support of German business men. Of the ecclesiastical colors of Rome the Western Watchman says: Roman violet is very near purple; and Roman purple is very near scarlet. For this reason the bishops and monsignors are said to wear the purple, which is in reality a color belonging exclusively to cardinals. We do not believe that the present troubles in the Near East or Far East bode general war, altho this is feared and even predicted. It is not yet God's time, and His angels are holding the winds till His work is finished. Then Armageddon, but not till then. Twice, we are told, during the Moroccan difficulties between France and Germany, the latter country was on the very verge of war with England. In each case, it is said, Germany withdrew her demands. God is holding the winds. After numerous discussions by their great scientists and learned Brahmans, the Hindus of Calcutta have decided to light their Kalis Temple by electricity. This is a remarkable innovation. The Manchu government, which has ridden upon the backs of the Chinese so long, in its fright is ready to concede all but the throne to the people. Peking is in a panic.