The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-12-16
THE DRUMMER QUESTION.
A Commercial Agent Arrested and His
Trunks seized by ConstabIes.

Commercial Agent Arrested and His
Trunks seized by ConstabIes.
The arrest and confinement of Mr.. o. Ham,
mond, the travelling agent OF Messrs. Faust
Bros. & Holman, shoe manufacturers of Balti-
MORE has created something of stir In our
commercial circles. 1t appears that one James,
connected with the license department at the
City Hall, believed that Mr.. Hammond was
drummer doing business without having first OBJ
tanned license. and prosecuted the case.
Mr.. Hammond states that on the morning Of
December 10, Just after his arrival, he was in
formed az tG the existence of the new license Or
dnance. He was perfectly willing to pay the
license so soon as he commenced to operate. He
opened his trunks In his room, but did not make
any attempt at trade. when he was informed that
two men, one named James and the other Wood,
had been making inquiries ut the hotel about
him.
Mr.. Mumford, one Of the proprietors OF the ho-
tel, informed him that these two persons had en-
tered the hotel and endeavored to get in Mr..
Hammond's room. but the housekeeper had re-
fused to open the door. Shortly after this they
came down to the hotel Office, leaving keeper at
the room door in custody OF MIR. Hammond's
personal effects. When that gentleman learned
OF this he at once sought an interview with
James and Wood, and was by them informed that
he would have to pay $25 and IS costs. This he
refused to do, and he was taken into custody and
put in cell IN the UentTal St8uOn On the charge
of violating city ordinance.
MIR. Watson, q part proprietor Of the City Hotel,
offered to give all the required security for Mr..
Hammonds appearance, but the two constables
said they wanted the license paid, with the costs,
and not any security. Mr.. Watson saw Chief
BoyIan. who released Mr.. Hammond at once.
| The trunks Of the gentleman were taken from
the hotel under writ OF provisional seizure, and
carried to the First Justice Court, and were only
released after an order from Administrator
Thn RnIln utu WI
byiMr. Hammond:
CrTY HOTEL, December Is, 1877.
Dear &r--Since the publication of my card, in
which | undertook to expose tie manner in
which some discharge what they term their
official duty, l have been informed by the proper
authorities that the whole transaction, from be-
ginning to end, was illegal and dsgraceful. This
was my opinion from the first. ae common sense
told me that as an American citizen demanded
better treatment and better protection. l am
not thoroughly acquainted with the disposition
OF the citzsns OF New Orleans, but will promise
that should any Of her citizens visit Baltimore
| thsy will be treated as one Southerner is proud
to treat another.
But / came not here to ask hospitality or
succor from any one, but to pay my way and
| attend strictly to my own affairs.
notice In the Times this morning an article
relating to commercial tourists Tor drummers)
and think II others feel sufficient interest 70
advocate our cause. 1t ia as little as can do to
| speak q few words in vlndication Of our rights
| and privileges.
Drummers, as a class, are very much abused,
| and have no doubt that many Of them deserve
| IL; and would like you to show me any vocation
in life, both in secular and ministerial employ
| ment, but contain some dsgraceful character;
| and we would be very short-sighted and ilibera
did We condemn the world for the actions of few;
| and claim that there are men who, from the
force Of circumstances are acting in the capacity
| Of drummers to-day that have rs much veracity
as any set Of men on earth.
They visit your city for the purpose OF selling
goods manufactured in other cities. And it is q
| settled fact that their goods you need and must
have. And the question arises, which is the best
| manner of procuring them2 By going East spend
ing your time and means, or by having them
brought here right under your nosesellng you just
as cheap as you can purchase direct from the fac
| tory, and at the same time distributing our
money freely with the railroads and hotels, ETC.
But as nay time will not admit Of my writing at
length on this subject, will conclude by saying
| that am determined to test the legality Of the
proceeding against myself on the 18Th.
O. HAMMOND JR