Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1881 — Power of the Plug Hat. [ARTICLE]

Power of the Plug Hat.

The plug hat Is virtually a sort of social guarantee for the preservation of peace and order. He who puts one on has given a hostage to the community for his good behavior. The wearer of a plug hat must move with a certain sedateness and propriety. He cannot run or jump, or romp or get into a fight, except at the peril of his head gear. All tne hidden influence of the beaver tend toward respectability. He who wears one is obliged to keep the rest of liis clothing in decent trim, that there may be no incongruity between head and body. He is apt to become thoughtful through the necessities of watching the sky whenever lie goes out. The chances are that lie will buy an umbrella, which is another guarantee for good behavior, and the care .of hat and umbrella—perpetual and exacting as it must ever be—adds to the sw. et seriousness of his character. Then the man who wears a plug hat naturally takes to the society of women, with all its elevating accessories. He cannot go hunting or fishing without abandoning his beloved hat, but in moderate enjoyments of female companionship, croquet, and lawn tennis he may sport his lieaver with impunity. In other words, the constant use of a plug hat makes a man composed in manner, quiet and gentlemanly in conduct, and the companion of the ladies. The inevitable result is prosperity, marriage, and church membership.