For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

NATIONAL DRESS REFORM ASSOCIATION.

GLEN HAVEN, June 21, 1856.

MR. EDITOR:—I have just returned from the
Annual Meeting of the National Dress Reform
Association, which was held in Homer, on the
18th and 19th inst. It was well attended, and
the interest abundantly sustained through four
sessions, many feeling reluctant, even then, to
adjourn. This meeting will doubtless give the
reform an impetus that it has never before re
ceived. Its proceedings were characterized by
propriety, earnestness, and devotion to princi
ple.

Eight or nine States were represented by earnest men and women, and others by letters.—Letters from Hon. Gerrit Smith, Hon. Wm. Hay, of Saratoga, J. C. Hathaway, of Farmington, and from many other friends of the cause who could not be present, were read. There were letters of encouragement to perseverance, and in commendation of an excellent Tract published by this Association, more than could be read, and allow time for the discussion of principles.

The Business Committee reported a series of
Resolutions, which elicited debate, and proved
a diversity of opinion in detail, but an agreement
on the principle—the great necessity for a
more physiological style of dress for women.

The Congregational Church was well filled
on the evening of the 18th inst., to listen to an
able address from Dr. James C. Jackson. The
attentive and intelligent audience must have
been impressed with the truth, that there are
great principles underlying this reform, and that
its advocates are seeking only the best interests
of humanity.

At all the meetings, good earnest words were
uttered, and listened to with respect and attention. Women's mouths were unsealed to utter
words of truth and soberness, and men who sel-

dom say a word in public, bade us God speed! Three physicians were constrained to tell us that we were in the right, and bade us persevere, if we would render their services needless. It was an occasion long to be remembered, and women who had alone borne this burden and felt that there were none to help, wept tears of gratitude, as they realized that there were kindred hearts and fellow-laborers, and all departed to their several homes, stronger, better, more devoted.

Thanks to the sense of propriety manifested
by all the residents of Homer. We were al
lowed to pass about singly or in groups and in
was there exhibited the
of disrespect—all were polite, kind and considerate.

With Glen Haven and McGrawville on either
hand, they have become familiar with our cos
tume, and have learned that respect for our
principles, which an acquaintance with their
merits must ever command.

We are earnestly requested by the friends of
this reform in Canestota, to hold a Convention
at that place during the Autumn. If it is decided to do so timely notice will be given.

For the benefit of those who wish to put
themselves in communication with the laborers
in this cause, I will say, that Dr. H. N. Austin,
Glen Haven, N. Y., is Corresponding Secreta
ry of the Association, and from her Tracts,
which are at present our chief instrumentality
for the promulgation of our principles, can be
obtained.

Truly Yours,

J.