The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-03-02
THE DRUMMERs' DIAMOND BADGE.
Lively Contest Going on-why Jake
strauss Is Not in It.

a Lively Contest Going on-why Jake
strauss Is Not IN II.
Southern Travellers Association drum
mers are interested Just now in the cortes;
for the diamond badge. The badge is being
voted for through The Southern Trareler
and Il 70 go to the most popular member cf
the Southern Travellers Association. II
has been on exhibition for some time in
Savannah, and will be exhibited next in
Macon.
The badge Is made Of solid gold through
out, and Is about three inches long and
nearly two inches wide. It is surmounted
| BY massive gold monogram Of the letters
-. T. A." being cut out of solid gold and
applied TO the e Id bar. Suspended from
this bar is the body Of the badge, at the top
OF which - a star cus out OF gold and a
splendid diamond solitaire mounted in the
center.
Aside from the rich, massive gold badge,
the diamond by itself is beautiful gem,
ana VIII grace the swelling hos m of the
most aristocratic knight Of the grip.
Ia the center Of the badge is shown the
irrepressible drummer, sample case in hand,
with an air OF strictly business" and a
countenance which indicates that he is
ready 70 take in all the good things of this
world. AS setting for this figure grace
Iui scroll is shown, upon which is inscribed
Most Popular Member The lower part
OF the badge is surrounded by goldwreath
made OF different colors Of flowers and
leaves.
The prize has been estimated to be
worth from 1926 to $50. The contest is
free TO all the 8. T. A. As yet it is any
oody's race. the final decision to be an
nounoed on Monday evening, May 4. at
the annual convention in Augusta,
Of h. A. =
Characteristic letter which the inimitable
Jake Strauss Of this city has written to
the Southern Traveller declining to be a
candidate for the badge. Here it is:
Mr.. Southern Trdueler: In your issue of
the 2lst inst. l noticed that my name ap>
peared In the list of candidates for the
honor OF being known as the most popular
drummer and at the same time scoop in the
diamond badge.
However, am compelled to decline to
run. for the following thirty reasons:
First l discover that out of 1921 votes
cast received one vote. Now, Mr.. Editor
do you insist that | should give you the
other twenty-nine reasonsl
On the other hand, suppose should have
succeeded in being elected and securing the
coveted prize, and should reach the city Of
Ty-Ty, and the mayor and city officials
should meet me at the depot and extend to
me the freedom Of the town, would not be
compelled to reciprocate, and don't you
know that my expense account would be
out of sights
Suppose I should arrive in Valdosta, and
walk up the main street with my diamond
badge suspended on the lapel of my coat, so
that the admiring populAce should see me
clothed with the insignia Of the nigh honor
which has been bestowed on ne, and an
unfortunate drummer should stop me and
ask me to loan him So would | not be conn
PEELED to pawn the badge to loan him the
money!
Mr.. Editor, l have been there, Seven
years ago was elected the most popular
drummer in Bulloch county, and the re-
suit was delirium tremens twenty-three
days, and 1 issued $3.50 worth of due bills.
RESPECTFULLY yours, JAKE STRAUSS.