Entertainers v. Artists

Busy Mayor G. Ramon de Paredes of Colon last week called on the Chamber of Commerce, the Municipal Council and the Rotary Club for one volunteer each. He wanted, he said, to form a "Committee of Three" to decide which of the young women employed in Colon cabarets are "artists," which, merely "female entertainers." Volunteers were not lacking.

Soon ingenious Mayor G. Ramon de Paredes had assembled his "Committee of Three," was imparting precise definitions, minute instructions. Said he:

"An 'artist' may be defined as one who performs a 'specialty,' such as a song, a dance, or a comic number. On the other hand an 'entertainer' is one who sits with guests at a table assisting in the buying of drinks. You will view the girls' accomplishments and decide which are 'entertainers' and which 'artists.' "

Casual, amused observers wondered if the distinction is worth making. Perhaps it is in Colon. By edict of Mayor G. Ramon de Paredes no young woman classified as an "entertainer" will be allowed to work in a Colon cabaret without a health certificate from Dr. Carlos Beiberach, Dr. Peralta Ortega, or Dr. Daniel R. Oduber. Bona fide "artists" will sing, dance or perform comic numbers uncertified.