The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-11-10

W IN WOhihh, tue hcou Va es'S
willing and unsung martyr,
known as a chaperon, will be
found crowned, too, am persuaded,
among the worlds elect
Not many of us will be found worthy
to wear one of greater radiance, II cheer
fulness, an absolute disregard of self, in
genuity in improvising pleasures in which
she takes but an observers part. and an
unwearied amiability that keeps her
sweet, smiling and wakeful until her
young charge has had her fill OF pleasure
be any qualification for such a reward.
The post is no sinecure. and its duties arc
often thankless, unenviable task.
Of course, the natural chaperon of q
girl is her own mother. whose interest in
all that in any way concerns her child
makes the position an easy one and all
her labor of love: but one whose presence
is imposed to play propriety" where no
such necessity is recognized, naturally
feels the embarrassment of being-unwel-
come 1t is therefore but fair that her
position should be understood and defined.
The Need Of Chaperons.
In Europe, and in those parts of Amer
lea which have felt the influence of Old
World customs. the first demand of pol
ished society is that young girls shall be
properly chaperoned. 1t is considered one
Of. the elegances of life. one of the graces
of the best society and an evidence OF
the tender respect with which young wo-
manhood is regarded; such a formality
being held to safeguard it from all chance
Of evil or the appearance Of it.
The world has grown too small, through
the closer intercourse of it's civilized peo-
pies, for any to escape it's inherited tradi-
tons and prejudices.
Time was when we were so provincial
and inconspicuous that we could make
our own social laws, and we were proud
OF the freedom that could exist between
our young women and their men acquain-
tances, and protested against the duenna
system as a reflection upon their trust
worthiness.
Strong In their innate sense of propriety,
their moral dignity, discretion and mod
esty, the girls felt quite competent to
take care of themselves, and the young
men resented the suggestion of a chaps-
ron as Insult to their honor. From
their mental attitude. their self-respect-
ing standpoint and the customs of their
environment, they were justified. and
there are not wanting many yet to hold
these opinions.
TO such 1 would say that chaperonage
is a representative thing. 1t typifes the
sheltering care, the jealous protection, of
something very precious. II sets higher
value upon the object by protecting and
hedging it round in the eyes OF others,
and particularly in those of young men
who are apt to sigh for the fruit tIat
hangs highest.
The Value of Chaperon.
There is no doubt, also. that the pres
ence of a chaperon greatly improves the
manners of the young people.
There are girls who are inherently well
bred. but who, having the natural, in
stinctive desire to please, sometimes fear
to be considered prim, proper and "goody-
goody," If they do not Join In the FRANKS
and initiate the manners of those who
seem to be overmuch at their ease in
young mems society. To such the pres
enee of a chaperon Is never an unwel-
come restraint.
A loud laugh familiar manners, unre-
strained attitudes, are not attractive; and
In the freedom OF the club men discuss
these matters, and those who fancy that
such recommend them are held cheap
A viyacious girl with the high spirits
Of youth and its Ignorance of the world
and It's ways. has sometimes been mis-
understood and placed In "a false position,
which the presence Of chaperon would
have aVerted.
Many girl would give the world TO
efface memories OF .indscTetions OF con-
duct that bring a blush when recalled
Motherless and brotherless girls are espe-
RALLY In danger of misconcepton. The
often rough criticism OF other girls heard
from brother Is a lesson In manners
that usually makes an impression.
II chaDeron is what she should be-
her presence will not wet-blanket the
merriment and spontanety. but merely
tone down the excessive exubeTance; the
girls will not be less winsome but less