DEMOCRATIC LONDON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2201, 7 May 1896, Page 47

DEMOCRATIC LONDON.

A sign of the times in the London of today is the free and easy democratic spirit that increasingly obtains in even the highest and smartest sets in society. Class dietinotionß are broken dowo, and the privileged few adopt by ohoice many of fcht ways and manners of the penuriout millions.

An instance of this tendanoy ia the popularity of omnibuses among rich and prosperous women ; ladies who in the afternoon are to be seen in well-turned out carriages, in the morning think it no sham* to find their way to Bond street or the city in the bumble 'bos. Smart men, too, may often be seen inside or outside the useful vehicle.

Cycling in almost too obvious a caae to, mention when we remember and contrail; out one-time contempt for the " wid on. castors" with oar present day interest In the bicycling feats of countesses and Cabinet Minister in Hyde Park. Then, our play- going prinolples havastrangely altered. Now tbe very salt of the earth axe to be seen in upper T)oxes, dress circle, or worse, while a deoade ago no society people would consent to appear in aught but the best boxes or the stalla. Agnio, a marked" difference in dress hai taken place. The weighty obligations o( frook coat and tall hat are not so heavy &t of yore, and last summer country clothe*, billycook hats, and white duck inexpressiblei were to be seen in the London streets.

The smartest women of the day take pricU in wearing simple gowns early in the day, blue serges, cotton frocks, brown boots, and sailor hats having become well-ns'gh a livery in a certain set. Many small habits of life indicate the same bent of mind ; for example, carrying a parcel in the hand is no longer considered a disgrace, social exolusiveneas and pride of place being readily sacrificed to comfort and convenience. To what do these changes pomt — to good or to evil 1 Do they show a more humble and more economical spirit, and will class hatred be destroyed as class distinctions are worn away 1 Or do they reveal a sordid, saving spirit only rendered necessary by a life of reok1383 extravagance, and will the old saying be verified that "familiarity breeds contempt "2 Who shall Bay? •.wiwaji:. mi .mi i wag Valuable Discovery for the Haib.— lf your hair is turning grey, or white, or falling off, use the "Mexican Halb. Renewer," for it will positively restore in every case Orey or White Hair to its original colour without leaving the disagreeable smell of most "restorers." It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the growth of the hair oa bald spots where the gla&da are not decayed. Ask your chemist for THJS Mexican Hair Renewer." Sold by chemist* and perfumers everywhere at 3s 6d per bottle Wholesale depot, 33 Farrlngdon road, Lonoa* 1 * Advt.