Rumor whispers of some such letter as the
following received by the Colonel--not the blue-eyed czar at
Culebra this time; for you must know there is another Colonel on
the Zone every whit as indispensable in his sphere:
GATUN, ... 26, 1912.
Dear Colonel:--
I am writing to call your attention to a gross violation of
Sanitary Ordinance No. 3621, to an apparent loop-hole in your
otherwise excellent department. The circumstances are as follows;
On the evening of ... 24, as I was sitting at the roadside between
Gatun and New Gatun (some 63 paces beyond house No. 226) there
appeared a MOSQUITO, which buzzed openly and for some time about
my ears. It was probably merely a male of the species, as it
showed no tendency to bite; but a mosquito nevertheless. I trust
you will take fitting measures to punish so bold and insolent a
violation of the rules of your department.
I am, sir, very truly yours,
(Mrs.) HENRY PECK.
P. S. The mosquito may be easily recognized by a peculiarly
triumphant, defiant note in his song,
I cannot personally vouch for the above, but if it was received
any "Zoner" will assure you that prompt action was taken. It is
well so. The French failed to dig the canal because they could not
down the mosquito. Of course there was the champagne and the other
things that come with it--later in the night.
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