Life and writings of Amelia BloomerBloomer, D. C. (Dexter C.)
History
Life and writings of Amelia Bloomer
Bloomer, D. C. (Dexter C.)
Bloomer, Amelia Jenks, 1818-1894; Women's rights -- United States
As intimated by Mrs. Bloomer in the preceding pages, the circulation
of her paper was largely increased through the notoriety given to
it by her adoption and defense of the new costume. Nearly every
newspaper in the land had to have its comments on it, as well as
upon those who had the courage to wear it. Some denounced, some
ridiculed. Besides receiving numerous letters on the subject, many
persons called to see how the little woman appeared in the short
dress and trousers. Fortunately or otherwise, they became her very
well; usually they were becoming when worn by small persons or those
of medium stature. People generally retired well pleased with their
interview with her. She said but little about it in her paper, as
she had subjects of much greater importance to engage her attention
and fill its columns. Occasionally a sharp article appeared in
its defense. She had many offers to take the platform as a public
speaker. Even the stage was suggested as a fit place for bringing the
new costume before the public. The interest in the subject was not
confined to this country only, but extended to England, also; the
matter was commented on by the press of Great Britain very generally,
and the London _Graphic_ contained pictures of the new costume more
or less correct.
All these proposals for public action were declined by Mrs. Bloomer;
but nevertheless the suggestion as to public speaking, the advocacy
by woman of temperance and woman’s rights through the medium of
the public platform and her own voice as a public speaker, were
not forgotten by her and brought forth from her very much in these
directions in future years. But for the time being she continued
on in the even tenor of her work, transforming her paper steadily
more and more, as the months went by, into an advocate of woman’s
enlargement in various directions. “Devoted to the interests of
woman,” was now its motto, and she strove to faithfully carry out
the legend. It was still the ardent advocate of temperance, but
it insisted also that the evils of intemperance could only be
effectually overthrown by giving to woman a more potent voice both
in the making and enforcement of the laws designed to overthrow that
great evil.
WOMAN’S TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.
We now copy again from Mrs. Bloomer’s writings:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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