D. J. to Frederick Douglass, March 1, 1856

DRESS REFORM.

GLEN HAVEN, March 1st, 1856.

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—As you have published in your journal letters on the subject of Dress Reform as connected with the "Woman Question," I am induced to hope that you will give publicity to a brief notice of a Dress Reform Convention recently held in Glen Haven, and the formation of a "National Dress Reform Association." This Convention assembled at Glen Haven on the 21st and 22nd ult., to take measures for the advancement of Reform in Woman's dress. It numbered more than one hundred persons, and included among its members gentlemen of acknowledged talents—College professors, and ladies widely known and respected for their labors in various moral re-forms, as well as for efforts for their own redemption and improvement. Dr. J. C. Jackson presided at the informal meeting, and Mrs. C. A. Joy over the organized Convention.

A very able Address was presented by Dr. Harriet N. Austin, which will be published in Tract form.

The meeting adopted with great unanimity Resolutions of thanks to Hon. Gerrit Smith, for the able and fearless expression of his views on Dress Reform, and reaffirmed by Resolutions many of the strong points in his letter to Mrs. Stanton. One of the Resolutions was as follows:—

Resolved, That in advocating Reform in dress for woman, our object is not to advocate for her positions of singularity, eccentricity, im-modesty, or to get her out of her "appropriate sphere" but to enable her to act with that freedom needful to find out, what her "appropriate sphere" is.

There were many other excellent Resolutions, but I know you cannot publish this article if I make it too long.

They elicited quite animated speeches from Messrs. Jackson, Porter, Vashon, Brockett, and others—several ladies.

A "National Dress Reform Association" was formed where members comprise residents of ten different States. The objects of the Association as declared in the Constitution

are "to induce a Reform in woman's dress, especially in regard to long skirts, tight waists, all styles and modes which are incompatible with good health, refined taste, simplicity, economy, and beauty."

One hundred and seventy dollars were raised by the Association as a basis for present operations.

Of the Association, Mrs. C. A. Joy is President; Dr. H. N. Austin, Glen Haven, Cayuga Co., N. Y., is Chief Corresponding Secretary; and Dr. J. S. Jackson, Chairman of the Executive Committee. It has been decided to hold a National Dress Reform Convention, on the third Wednesday in June, probably at Syracuse or Homer.

The meetings, even such as those who only occasionally see a single Dress Reformer, and believe that all interest in this subject is dying away—put down by scoffs and sneers—can have little idea of. There was all the energy and devotion that enables to dare and suffer for principle, and also the enthusiasm, that allows us to hope and trust in the "good time coming."

There is all over the country—but in this State and farther West particularly—a growing interest in this Reform, and its advocates find their numbers steadily augmented by the sensible and thinking of both sexes.

Since our organization, we find our strength even greater than we had supposed it, and feel sure of progress.

Yours, for the dissemination of Truth

D. J.