Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 November 1898 — SILK HATS. [ARTICLE]

SILK HATS.

Ab Amusing Story of Prof. Lowe’s Travel Through Tenaossee. Prof. T. S. C. Lowe tells an amusing story of the influence his costume had among the southern people. He wore a Prince Albert ana silk hat, and while traveling on the train through Tennessee noticed at each station several persons entering the cars, mostly well dressed, generally in black, with high silk hats, gloves and the conventionalgold-headedcane. These he recognized as southern gentlemen of the old style, who held official positions. In this case they were members of the Tennessee legislature, and it was interesting to observe how one “silk-hatted” gentleman would naturally approach another and enter into conversation as though they were already acquainted. The silk hat seemed to be a kind of passport or mark of recognition and Lowe was frequently addressed on the subject uppermost in their minds. When they reached Nashville, though the hotels were said to be full the “silk hats” had no difficulty in securing rooms and attention, Lowe among the rest, much in contrast to his reception a few days before in the sand hills. It may have been this good fortune that induced Lowe ever afterward to wear a silk hat and a black frock coat, which he did on his balloon ascensions during tie war while at the front, much to the disgust of the officers and men of the army, who thought he was entirely too mueh of a “dude” to be in active warfare.— William Jones Rhees, in Chautauquan.