Residence within the Canal Zone, apart from the towns of Panama and Colon, is only to be permitted to the permanent working staff of the Canal and to the military force in occupation.  It should be added that the salaries of the American “gold employees,” liberal though they may appear, do not tempt them to remain in service.  One is astonished to learn that nearly half the American staff changes annually:  young men come to acquire a little experience and save a little money, which may help them to a start in their own country.  Service on the Canal works leads to no pension; and the medal which is to be granted to all who remain two years in employ is but moderately attractive to men whose objects are severely practical.  The chief controlling authorities are all in the military service of the State.

In the Northern States of America the British love of cleanliness has become a gospel of life, and the sanitation of the Canal Zone is a model of scientific and successful thoroughness.  To India it is also a model of hopeless generosity, nearly three million pounds having been spent in improving the health conditions of this small area.  The agreement which reserves the towns of Panama and Colon to the administration of the republic of Panama provides for American interference in matters that may concern general health, and the Canal authorities have taken the fullest advantage of this provision.  The streets of both towns have been paved; insanitary dwellings have been ruthlessly demolished; water-works have been provided by loans of American money, the water rate being collected by American officials.  The meanest house is equipped with a water-closet and a shower-bath.  Panama and Colon are now models of cleanliness, and from their appearance might belong to a North American State.  Efficiency is the watchword, and in cleansing these towns the American health officers have not troubled themselves with the compromises which would temper the despotism of British officials.  Americans can hardly be imagined as stretching their consciences by such a concession as that, for instance, which in British India exempts gentlemen of position from appearance in the civil courts.  Efficiency is not popular with those who do not practise it, and the Latin races of Southern and Central America have no love for their northern neighbors.  The Americans, like the Germans, would increase their popularity did they appreciate the value of personal geniality in smoothing government.

Within the Canal Zone the jungle has been cut back from the proximity of dwelling-houses; surface water, whether stagnant or running, is regularly sterilized by doses of larvicide; all inhabited buildings are protected by mosquito-proof screening, and, in some places, a mosquito-catching staff is maintained.  At the time of my visit not a mosquito was to be seen; but this was during the season of dry heat.  During the rainy months mosquitos are, it seems, still far