TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12936, 16 October 1907, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Sociologists make some Sociology strange investigations

in nowadays. A Russian Exceleie. professor has beeuenquir-

ing of a large number of husbands whether they are hen-pecked. Hia questions were sent to various classes of tho community, from professional men to farm the returns had been; scrutinised in the moit rigid fashion—ell newlymarried men and all whose wives brought them aa appreciable fortune wore eliminated—it was found that of 784 husbands, 426 were absolutely henpecked. The highest rates of subjection were found among Lithuanian field labourers end among the "intellectuals," while tho minimum was found among tho poorer middle class. "The inference was indisputable," comments an American paper, "that tho feminino influence was strong among the peasants as a class not far removed from primitive matriarchal conditions, weak among the middle classes as representatives of unprogressive conservatism, and strong ngain among the intellectuals who undoubtedly embody the Aspirations of tho futuro and torecast their perfect realisation." This investigation was at least harmless to tho subjects. Could tho came be said for that conducted in America in which ten girls and ten boys attending a high school were locked up in their rooms for c week and given copies of "Faust," "Hamlet," the "Divine Comedy," the "Autigone," and "Ghosts"? Tho inclusion, of the last is astonishing. Tho unfortunate victims—wo writo with a full sense or the greatness of tho works in question —had to read the books carefuljy and ponder over their teaching. When they were released it was found that the girls had lost en average ot cix and one-half pounds in weight, and the boys an average of six pounds. Translated into percentages, the result showed a loss of 7| per cent, in weight for the girls, and only 5 per cent, for the boys. "Evidently, the rapidity of reaction was one nnd a half times as great among the former as among the latter." It would be interesting to know the share of Ibsen's gloomy tragedy in the reduction. The boys revealed a remarkable growth of appetite when released, and were soon playing their favourite games, whilo the girls remained under the spell of the experience for a number of days. If experimental sociology develops along this line, the Society for the Protection of "Women and Children may have something to say in the matter.

The " Tril »un©" has made Men's enquiries which go to Fashions, show that the average Englishman absolutely decline* to havo violent colour schemes introduced into his apparel. "It -won't do," said an autnority on these matters. 'They've tried to bring colours in times out of number. They're tried and they've failed. Why don't they give it up?" The journalist ventured a remark about thepersfetency of the man with tho ideal, but the. gentleman of authority thought that the cost of useleea stock should I>© sufficient to quench any such enthusiasm, and told of many disaster* to tradesmen who had attempted to direct the inclinations of customers. Laet spring a tailor at Charing Cross stocked au extensive series of violently coloured waistcoats, but up to the end of August not one had been sold. At the beginning of last season London hatters displayed large stocks of deep purple "bowlers," and "bowlers" similar in everything but shape to the conventional head-gear. Neither class

became at all popular. The latter class was called "The Prince of Wales," and hatters were not slow to impress on customers that it was a royal innc ration, but this had no effect. It is eaid that the public showed a slight disposition to "nibble" at a purple hat that could hardly be distinguished from black, but the weather decided the question. People did not know how purple "bowlers-- would look after a three weeks' summer shower such as England experienced lately. are now informed that green bowlers are slowly making their way in public affections. But their way will be slow, and, according to expert authority, they will not travel far. The ono exception to the rule that may be cited is the new Tyrolean hat, manufactured of sage-green felt- This has been on the market for over two seasons. Its popularity appears to be giowing, but it is purely used as a fitting head-gear for travel, a.nd occasionally for motoring/ The bnmn "bowler ,, has enjoyed a distinct revival during the last three seasons, and so has the tall white hat. Next season tho supply will probably be doubled, and then it is quite possible that the demand will decline, and shopkeepers will bo more puzzled than ever over the caprices of fashion. Those who want changes may, however, take heart At the early hostility to trousers. Jn the days of transition, doubts were expressed in many quarters whether a man could be religious and appear in the new garment.

The "Daily Matf' has an Lifo interesting account of at the lifo at tho Royal Oeborne, Naval College at Osborne, whero bojs who wish to become officers are sent at tho age of twelve. Lifo at Osborne is organised very much on public school lines, so far as the training will permit. Tho boys, rise at half-past six, and study or go through physical drill until eight o'clock, on cocoa a.nd ship's biscuit. After breakfast the boys work till one, and after lunch they have two hours and a half for recreation, followed by two houra and a half study. After tea there is hol'f an hour's study, half an hours play, and lights are out at a quarter past nine. The value of games is thoroughly -realised, but no garno is compulsory. A largo proportion of the cadet'e time ie spent in practical engineering under the new scheme of training, which makes every officer something of an engineer. The modem warship is full of intricate machinery, which requires expert handling. Tho cadets, who stay at the College two years, and then go to Dartmouth are instructed in mathematics, engineering, seamanship and navigation, French, German, English grammar and literature, history (including naval history), geography, scripture, drill, and physical training. Periodically they are sent on a cruise in a training cruiser. Though the days are closely packed with work, great care ie taken to avoid overstrain. During their two yearn at Osborn© the lads are' closely watched, and all found to be not quite suitable for tbo navy are weeded out. About 7 per cent, have been thus disqualified in the four years tho school has been at work. The fees paid come, to £75 a year, exclusive of outfit, and each cadet coate the Admiralty an additional £98. Each boy ie given a shilling a week pocket money, and "tips" by r<? latives are discouraged. 'This new system of naval training seems to- havo been adopted to catch the brightest and healthiest boys in the country, and the naval officer of the future ousjht to represent the British race at its besc ana fullest development." The first batch of cadets to enter under the new system went up for an important examination recently, and there was not a single failure. •