FIGHTING THE INSECTS 



Docteur, you see, I am so happily married." It is a pleasure to 

 remember that Madame Jusserand is an American. 



I was secretary of the Club for many years. In fact, I have 

 held every office except that of treasurer. But I don't consider 

 that my non-election to that office is any reflection on my honesty. 



I remember once when we were giving a reception to Lord 

 Kelvin, and I, as secretary, was introducing the men as they 

 approached the receiving line, General Joe Hawley came up. At 

 that time he was a United States Senator from Connecticut. On 

 being introduced, he said, "Lord Kelvin, you are a Scotsman 

 and a great physicist. You probably knew another Scotsman who 

 was also a physicist. I met him in 1876. His name was Sir 

 William Thomson." 



"Yes," said Lord Kelvin, "I imagine that no one knows him 

 better than I do." 



"I hope he is quite well," said Senator Hawley. 



"He is quite well," said Lord Kelvin. "In fact, he is in the 

 same condition of robust health as I am myself." It had evidently 

 not occurred to the Senator that Lord Kelvin was once Sir 

 William Thomson. 



The Club has always been marked by a sort of dignified 

 simplicity, but the atmosphere has been of the friendliest kind. 

 Men speak to each other there without introduction, and one 

 is sure to find every other man interesting. Some of the cleverest 

 things I ever heard have been said there in ordinary conversa- 

 tion. In fact, it is said in Washington that if one wishes to dine 

 well, he should go to the Metropolitan Club, but that after 

 dinner he should always adjourn to the Cosmos Club for con- 

 versation. 



In the old days before Prohibition the Club was rather noted 

 for its safe liquors. In fact, the so-called "Wiley Scotch" was 

 widely known. It was named after Dr. Harvey W. Wiley, the 



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