The San Francisco call., 1909-04-08
SET THEMSELVES
TOO HARD TASK
Belief IS Expressed That No
Clique of Men Can Tell
Who Is Most Beaute-
GUS Woman in State

I Editor of The Call: What clique of
men can judge impartially as to who
is the most beautiful young woman in
California? Some men rave over the
brunette type, others are enamored
with blonds; to some, classic beauty is
the high Ideal, while many prefer as
oeauty's standard red full, round
cheeks, cherry. lips and dimpled chin.
and SO on down the line on beauty-s
trail.
Past experiences have proved the fact
Of universal dissatisfaction in public
contests of beautiful women. Artistic
idealization of loveliness is as much at
variance as is private opinion on pro-
sale subjects.
In monster affairs. such as the Por-
tola festival is to be, would it not be
more justifiable to the myriads of truly
beautiful women of California to vote
by public accord and let the public de-
eide who is the most beautiful? t. e..
II newspaper productions are to be de-
pended on, or even photographs.
Yet, far better and a great deal
more satisfactory way TO the public
will be to give the people the oppor-
tunity to vote for the most popular
young woman--if she is beautiful, so
much the better. Beauty, of itself. is
unearned and unmerited. Popularity Is
the achievement of personal charm and
effort and should deserve more marked
distinction and recognition than phys
this.
The ultimate success and realization
of the Portola festival will rest with
the people. Is it,, therefore, not kind
and keen justice to give them a voice
in the privilege and honor of selecting
their queen of the great celebration?
Rest assured the people will enter
into the contest with woridrous vigor.
Demonstrations to this effect have been
realized in other cities holding similar
festivals, and at all times have proved
more favorable and gratifying than
beauty contests.
For instance: In St. Augustine, Fla,
is annually celebrated on magnificent
and expensive scale the arrival of
Ponce de Leon in duplicate and deco
rated ship; his discovery of st. Au-
gustine; the fray and the pipe of peace
with Indians; the priests blessing the
land, etc. The Ponce de Loen celebra-
tion is an elaborate affair. inasmuch as
history is repeated as clearly and close
ly as such serious facts can possibly
be given. Real Indians are secured
the holy fathers of the Catholic church
participate, and every detail is carried
out. The city is decorated beyond de-
scription. Mirth reigns supreme. But
the principal feature is the selection
and election of Ponce de Leon. This is
left entirely in the hands of the people
of st. Augustine, surroundings towns
and cities. Booths are erected here.
there and everywhere; votes are cast
by the people for their favorite popular
man-there are plenty of handsome
men in Florida, but popularity has
tory. Ten cents is charged for voting.
This money is expended with that
which the city donates in beautifying
st. Augustine for the famous Ponce de
Leon fiesta.
If only 5 cents were to be charged
in such large state as California what
splendid sum it would net for decora-
tions and other things which constitute
the making of successful carnival.
The Ponce de Leon contest last year
warmed the people almost to a fever of
delight. 1t was exciting. Women were
kept busy in the booths. Entire salts
faction was the result, because it
touched the hearts of the people. and
through their own choice, majority won
for them their Ponce de Leon.
Is this not better, more friendly,
more festive, more profitable, more sat
isfying and wholesome method in Sc
Letting the fair queen for our glorious
Portola celebration than by merely
having handful of men choose the
most beautiful young woman. accord :
ing to their idea of beauty, which
leaves a wide margin for the cry of
"favoritism?',
There is plenty of time to think it
overland, Wise men change their
minds"
Taking also into consideration that
there is to be 500 prize for the
photograph of the most beautiful
young woman in California-and that
the executive committee OF the Portola
fiesta is to judge from photographs en-
tirely--we must remember the. skill of
the photographers art. THE camera
does not lie." but the retoucher's art
does fabricate and exaggerate, and the
world knows It,
LAURA NJ. HYLAND.