A Vanishing Type

Only lately have Philadelphians bejun to realize and refleot upon the disappearance of the Quakers as we knew fcberu; only lately has it been brought home to us that a gradual obliteration of the old uncompromisiug orthodoxy aas set in which means the ultímate absorption of the sect. Even now, rare as is the old garb on the streets where it was suoh a comnion sight not so mauy years ago, the assertion that the society is diininishing would meet with doubt and hesitation. We are so familiar with the Quaker, he is so necessary and potent a type in Philadelphia, that we would not accept the warrant even of statistics, yet, now that the visible imit has been reached, what can we do Dut awake to the change? We see few uroaa Drimmea nats ana drab bonnets where we once saw raany. Of those who wear theru, the most aro oíd and remblmg. If there are young Quakers, how are we to recognize theru? Not by tlieir dress, at auy rate, except in so fax as plairmess of cut and sobriety of color still rule the taste of Friends, whether wealthyor in moderate circumstances. The distinctive costume is being laid aside, with many of the distinctive cus;oms. And why? Because the society is osing its control over itsyounger mein)ers? Because its rigid rules no longer suffice to hold in check the human spirt, with its uncouquerable love of freedom? This is the common explanation, and the one desired by those who love