BARNUM'S PRIZES: AMUSING LETTERS.

Evening Star, Issue 5964, 24 April 1882, Page 4

BARNUM'S PRIZES: AMUSING LETTERS.

Every lady in every city of the world has heard of Bamum, the great showman. Well, he has offered 20,000d0l for the handsomest woman in America, and in response he has received some thousands of letters. As they are really most amusing of their kind, I append a few to show woman's appreciation of herself. From a dairymaid comes the following:— "Dear sir,—l am called the most beautiful woman in this town by a young man here who has been to New York and other cities. My hands are hard from milking, but if you will advance me part of the prize money I can fix up bo as to look real nice, as I hear they sell lots of things to make women look better." Another from a female runs thus : Mr Barnum and Co.,—Although I am not quite white, I am nearly so, and no one could tell the difference unless you told them. I have refused twenty offers of marriage, because I am too beautiful to throw myself away on any ordinary man. If I get the prize I will pay you a handsome commission. I must stipulate that when I am exhibited I must not be expected to talk to people. P.S.—I am a girl, as you may see by my photograph." "Mr Barnum,—l want to be your 20,000-dollar-beauty; not for money, but fame. There is a whole lot of stuck-up girls in this town who are just as jealous of me as they can be, and treat me horrid mean, and say the spitefullest things against me because I can't keep those fellows away from the house. I would go on an elephant into the ring or anywheres." " Mister Barnum,—ls this a good time to go on the stage ? I have bin wanting to go for some time. I want an opining there in New York. I could play the beautiful woman if it's got speaking in it. I am thought smart by the boys ?nd girls. A picture ain't no use, no way, because talent is wanted, not looks." "Mr Barnum,—l give you a description of myself. lam five feet high, and a perfect figure. I have hazel eyes and brown hair, a dimple in my chin, and am told every day I am handsome. I have beautiful arms and hands, and a pretty foot. I have a handsome, bright eye. My teeth are white as pearl. I am quite sure if you could see me you would engage me. I come from the private walks of life, and am very little known, and my mother, hearing that you are a Christian gentleman, has given her consent if lam chosen. My hand, arm, and face are handsome, as well as form, and, were I in stage costume on exhibition should be a sparkling beauty." A widow writes:—"l am twenty-five, and have been a widow three years, and am rather lonely. I would like the change and excitement of travel for a time. lam a nne performer on the piano. I can play ' Yankee Doodle' with one hand, the 'Fishers Hornpipe' with the other, and sing * Tramp, tramp, tramp' at the same time, and all this when I am blindfolded. You know how hard it is for one to get established, especially for a poor woman."