heir movements, and which are so inconvenient
that they expose the wearers to constant risk and danger? How can they
consistently call themselves independent while they servilely follow
the mandates of the dressmakers who periodically make money by
inventing new fashions necessitating new clothes? Brave Americans,
wake up! Assert your freedom!

It would be very bold, and indeed impertinent, on my part to suggest to
my American friends that they should adopt the Chinese costume. It has
much to recommend it, but I must candidly confess that it might be
improved. Why not convene an international congress to decide as to
the best form of dress for men and women? Male and female delegates
from all over the world might be invited, and samples of all kinds of
costumes exhibited. Out of them all let those which are considered the
best for men and most suitable for women be recommended, with such
improvements as the congress may deem necessary. The advantages of a
universal uniformity of costumes would be far-reaching. There would be
no further occasion for any one to look askance at another, as has
frequently happened when some stranger has been seen wearing what was
considered an uncomely or unsuitable garb; universal uniformity of
costume would also tend to draw people closer together, and to make
them more friendly. Uniforms and badges promote brotherhood. I have
enough faith in the American people to believe that my humble
suggestion will receive their favorable consideration and that in due
time it will be carried into effect.

Chapter 11. American versus Chinese Civilization

This is a big subject. Its exhaustive treatment would require a large
volume. In a little chapter such as this I have no intention of doing
more than to cast a glance at its cuff buttons and some of the frills
on its shirt. Those who want a thesis must look elsewhere.

Now what is Civilization? According to Webster it is "the act of
civilizing or the state of being civilized; national culture;
refinement." "Civilization began with the domestication of animals,"
says Alfred Russell Wallace, but whether for the animal that was
domesticated or for the man domesticating it is not clear. In a way
the remark probably applies to both, for the commencement of culture,
or the beginning of civilization, was our reclamation from a savage
state. Burke says: "Our manners, our civilization, and all the good
things connected with manners