Centenary of the "Belltopper."

Evening Star, Issue 8267, 12 July 1890, Page 4

Centenary of the "Belltopper."

This useful article this year celebrates its existence for 100 years in Europe. It was first introduced by means of Benjamin Franklin's " Quaker hat," which ho used as representative of the Vnited States in Paris, ITS 9. According to the 'Journal of Fashion' of that time this form of hat then replaced the three-cornered one of previous wear. Tho " Cylinder," as it was called, had in the first years a very demonstrative reception through being introduced by an American Republican, and was regarded as a sign of democratic uuil rovolutionary tendencies. In Germany for years the authorities did not allow it to be worn, while in Russia the Government absolutely prohibited it by ttrong penal punishment. About the year 1549 the Cylinder had its character changed entirely, and was then considered as an indication of well-disposed people. A somewhat similar misfortune afterwards befel the low-crowned felt hat, with which the police authorities of Europe took such great trouble, as being a sign of advanced democracy and revolution. Today we (ind both these head coverings lying peaceably together, and only fashion makes such corrections as tho taste of hat wearers require or the ' Journal dea Modes ' dictates. —Translated for this paper.

Father : " I hope you are doiug well in the financial world, my son." Hon : " Yes, father. I made three thousand last year, hut if 1 have good luck this year I shall make n cool fifty thousand." Father: "You have great business ability, Jack, is it legitimate .'peculation ?" Sou : " Oh, yen; Miai Hendriekri iu going to mc an ar.nwer to-niyhV." The Paris papers continue t J reproduce articles from the Lhbon paper.'! declaring that their kin?; ia in the pay of "the English pirates." An Indian lady, Nanakbai Lad, has become the edjtreha of a lady'ti magazine, in the Marathi language, which ii now being published in "Bombay.