CENTENARY OF TEE BELLTOPPER,

Temuka Leader, Issue 2080, 2 August 1890, Page 3

CENTENARY OF TEE 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 he used as representative of the United States in Paris, 1879. According to the Journal of Fashion of that time this form of hat then replaced the three-cornered one of previous wear. The “ Cylinder,” as it was called, had in the first years a very demonstrative reception through being introduced by an American Eepublican, and was regarded as a sign of democratic and revolutionary tendencies. In Germany for years the authorities did not allow it to be worn, while in Russia the Government absolutely prohibited it by strong penal punishment* About the year 1849 the Cylinder had its character changed and was then considered ,-as an indication of well-disposed people, A somewhat similar misfortune afterwards befel thej glow-crownedi felt hat, with which the police authorities of Europe took such great trouble, as being a sign of advanced democracy and revolution. To-day we find both these head coverings lying peaceably together, and only fashion makes such corrections as the taste of hat wearers require or the Journal des Modes dictates.