14: destroy, will you extinguish this balance a'gainst us? Will you stop this drain on the muscles of the nation ? It can be done with perfect ease. Every one must see that at least seventy- five millions must be taken off our expenses, and not a particle of comfort less would be enjoyed by any woman on the continent. The thing can be done if it be only made fashionable to do it. We ask for no linsey-woolsey dress, but we ask every woman in her loyalty, in her simpleness, in her shrewdness, in her common sense, to reduce her own personal expenses in dress and jewels, to do everything she fairly and easily can to reduce our gold account. And this without making it tell upon her substantial comforts, upon the health or happiness of herself or family. The thing is perfectly feasible and within our reach. Now, will it be done? Of course this work must have its beginning. Certain ladies here who can afford to spend money, pledge themselves that they will not encourage the importation of foreign luxuries. They will, as far as convenient, abstain from the purchase of those imported luxuries,, and if their example be copied, this fashion set in the streets of New York will be imitated all over the country, and those sixty millions now against us will be annihilated within six months. (Applause.) It is perfectly easy to do it; and what will be the effect of this ? Go into Wall Street—into the gold ring—after this matter is fairly inaugurated ; or, if you think that too perilous a venture, open one of the' morning papers next day, and you will see the result—gold tumbling down with a crash, and the credit of the country going up. Now, we want good Uncle Sam to be able to hold uphis head in Wall Street, and Lombard Street, and everywhere else, in the strength of his credit, so that his greenbacks will be as good as gold, dollar for dollar. (Applause.) What woman that deserves the name is willing to sweep the streets with Lyons silk and costly velvet, and go flashing up and down Broadway with expensive jewels, when these streets echo so often to the funeral tread, and when so many faces we meet are saddened with the grief of the hour. It is indecent, it is unbefitting, it is unsympathetic—it is a shame. (Applause.) I do not ask
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=