The Modern Figure

1917

Milady's Boudoir

The modern corset for the beauty figures is a bit higher busted, and curves in a wee bit more at the waist than they have for a decade past, but the finished effect is one of suppleness and natural curves. Anything like rigidity or the stiffness caused by tight lacing is avoided and the new corset is quite as comfortable as the almost boneless model, reaching just above the waistline, which the "natural figure" demanded. Figures are better taken care of by the corset, which offers a little support to the bust and rises just high enough above the waistline not to cut into the flesh when its wearer bends or sits, as the very low girdle corset was apt to do.

This support of the bust is essential in the new basque frock or the snug-fitting girdle dividing bodice and skirt. If they are fitted over a low-bust corset, the unsupported bust bulges over the upper edge and gives a bad line.

The brassiere is an important adjunct to the modern figure, for the new corset-covers of net and chiffon are soft and transparent and something must be worn to hide the corset and break the top line. If the outer blouse is not of transparent stuff, brassieres and corset-cover may be combined in one garment. The material must be firm enough to hold the figure, but under the blouse or chiffon bodice, which demands an equally flimsy corset cover, must be worn a little brassiere of one sort or another.


Every Day Etiquette

"When a new employee comes into the office and is introduced to me, should I rise and shake hands or simply acknowledge the introduction while sitting?" inquired Mabel, the stenographer.

"It is a business affair. You should certainly rise but need not shake hands unless he extends his hand to you. A courteous bow is only necessary in such cases," said her older business friend.

Tango Dances Drive 'Em Mad

1914

New York, Jan. 1. — The extent of the present dancing madness is shown in no manner more vividly than the way in which many society women now madly vie with each other for the questionable honor of tangoing with former chorus men and other cheap actors whom a few short months ago they would not have deigned to accept an introduction.

Now they wait their turn like outcasts in the bread line for the exhilarating experience of stepping the latest measures with individuals who, before the prevalence of this twentieth century lunacy, were content to be seen, unheard and untouched, in the rear of a musical comedy ensemble.

A new dance, the "Paul Jones," is the latest and most amazing manifestation of the craze.

In this exhibition, at a blast from a whistle, all present, dance with those next to them whether acquainted with them or not. No introductions are necessary.

Although some of these affairs are high priced and are conducted in high toned neighborhoods under "society" auspices, the crowds are exceedingly mixed and there can be no telling what may be the character of the man with whom some woman from exclusive circles may grab for a partner.

Many men of no standing and little repute are patronizing these "swell" affairs regularly under the assurance that they may tango or trot madly with women who heretofore have been supposed to hold themselves dearly.

Mark Twain's Eulogy of Hawley

1910

One Speech Humorist Was Known to Make Certainly a Gem in Its Way

It is said that Mark Twain has made only one public appearance as a political speaker, which was during a presidential campaign some years ago. While visiting in Elmira, N. Y., in the fall of that year, he made a short speech, introducing Gen. Hawley of Connecticut to a Republican meeting. Among other things he said:

"Gen. Hawley is a member of my church in Hartford, and the author of 'Beautiful Snow.' Maybe he will deny that; but I am here only to give him a character from his last place. As a pure citizen I respect him; as a personal friend of years, I have the warmest regard for him; as a neighbor whose vegetable garden intimately adjoins mine, why — why I watch him.

"As the author of 'Beautiful Snow,' he added a new pang to winter. He is a square, true man in honest politics — and I must say that he occupies a mighty lonesome position. So broad, so bountiful is his character, that he never turned a tramp empty handed from the door — but always gave him a letter of introduction to me.

"Pure, honest, incorruptible, that is Joe Hawley. Such a man in politics is like a bottle of perfumery in a glue factory; it may moderate the stench; but it can't eliminate it. "In conclusion let me say that I haven't said any more of him than I would of myself. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Gen. Hawley." — The Sunday Magazine.