Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-25
TIES. HE HAD BEEN TO rENsAc OLA
How Drummer Turned a Laugh on . Vel.
low Fever Quarantine oricer.


From the New York Herald
IT is difficult FOR a northerner 20 appreciate
the terror that a rumor Of yellow fever creates
among the residents of the south" said a
commercial traveller recently.
The last time was south," he continued.
''there were few supposed cases OF the dis
ease in Pensacola, Fla. Ii was several years
ago. In order to protect their cities from a
visitation Of the plague the cities OF New
Orleans and Mobile established a severe quar-
antine against people coming from Pensacola.
~ was leaving New Orleans with several COM
ins, men; among whom was a great, big,
loily practical joker, atypical commercial tray-
eier, who represented Troy shirt and collar
manufacturer. He was a man well on toward
middle life.
AS the Louisville and Nashville train drew
nearer TO Mobile and had passed the only avail
able connecting point with Pensacola il was
boarded by quarantine officer.
HE was thoroughbred southerner a man
whom you would instinctiyely call colonel
whether you knew be bore the customary
southern title or not
He went through the cars questioning each
passenger upon where he had come from. and
particularly If he had been anywhere near PEN
sacoia. Finally he reached the Trojan traveller.
Have You been TO Pensacola he said.
The Trojan hesitated for a moment and then
u.
have been to Pensacola His companions
looked at the man in amazement the colonel
jumped about foot in the air. while the other
passengers In the car started precipitately for
"Do YOU know there is quarantine against
that place. continued the southerner.
Yes, replied the other.
wen, you can't stop off at Mobile
-, But must. / have business there
IL makes no difference about your bust
md IL - -
Mobile board of health has passed resolutions
quarantining against Pensacola and YOU II have
TO continue on this train
won do any such thing said the drum
mer. I'm going to get of at Mobile. I've got
an engagement with Johnnie Strauss. and /
wouldn't miss seeing him for good deal He
expects me-
L ii tell you what ii is, nv man. answered
the quarantine officer. there a larty of gem
tiemen on the railroad platform at Mobile
armed with shotguns that will look after you
If you do get or
But, colonel" said the drummer. seeing
that the Joke had gone far enough, it can't be
as pad as that It's some little time since I've
been to Pensacola
How long is it, queried the colonel. who
nau neglected to ask that all-important question.
Well replied the other. Il can't exactly
recollect the day and month. Perhaps you can
assist me. was in the Union navy during the
war. We had little affair at Pensacola and
ahotner one right out in Mobile bay. Do you
recolleot the date of the Pensacola event? II
you do, that was the first. last and only time
was ever at Pensacola. Its abou. twenty wears
ago now. think
"A great shout went up from every one in
the car. The colonel laughed as loudly as the
rest.
I'll tell you what it is. boys he said the
drinks q. are on me. want you all to join me at
the Battle House bar as soon as ever we reach
Mobile
Then turning to the Trojan he added: I'll
refresh your memory a little about those
affairs at Pensacola and Mobile bay. was
there myself"