davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-06-22
VOL. I---NO. lO4.
1lonetarn ana Commercial 8sbism.
BALTIMORE, June q, 1858.

DALTlMOkE, June Il, 1898.
There was an increased business in Stocks toda
but the market by active the total transac
tons at Board amounting to something $50 600
Baltimore Ohio Railroad shares an Improvement
of 1 on the cash operations, and Il at sellers option
while at buyers option the advance is only r. There
were 45 shares disposed Of and it left at S57 bid
s574 asked, regular way; S57 bid S5 asked buyers
option 60 days, = better for cash Saturday.
Nothing done in Northern Central Railway. It. how.
ever shows little or change since the previous day,
SIN being bid SIS asked, cash.
City and State Loans there transactions, but
rates without change. There moderate business
doing in Railroad bonds 81 Baltimore and Ohio 1ss0's
selling at S3A $4,000 North Western Virginia endorsed
Sd mortgage at 724 buyer As days decline of kGA;
and S2 Central Ohio ID mortgage So buyers option
20 to GO days. the closing sale buyer GO being at 52&
decline of S1d1 last sales Bank Stocks show
little movement the only sale to-day being 10 shares
Howard at S9A We also note a sale of shares Canton
at SIS, osing at SIS offered $40 asked.
Prices of Stocks the New York Boards show very lit
tie change since Saturday. Erie advanced Il New York
Central \ Cleveland and Toledo y; Rock Island X
Reading fell off T. Missouri 6's improved and Illinois
Central Bonds 4 Prices generally at the second Board
lower than at the first and the market closed dull
The business of the New York Sub Treasury Satur
day Receipts, sSl ,566-Customs S63 00O Payments
S12O ,92O 49, Balance, 81 6S5 s7624
The following comparative statement of the Foreign
Imports at New York for the week and since Jan
uary
For the week. 1856. 1857. 1858.
Dry Goods. 1,03l 800 1,125,902 745,13S
General Merchandise 1897 Col 2,602,4S LII 100
Total for the week 3,729,02I 3,72S,3S7 2,456,23S
Previously reported 81 95S,352 10S30 O3l 54 432
Since Jan. L.. 10l 6S7 1873 112,032 412 56957 go
1t will be that the aggregate imports have de
creased nearly 80 per cent.
The following is acomparave statement Of the exports
exclusive of specie from New York to foreign ports for
the week and since January l:
1856 1857. 1858
Total for the week. 1877 81 954659 Si,732 439
Previously reported 81 64,5j 32,96O,O27 26OSS S32
Since Jan. ,1S2 34,914, CSC 27 S2l ,27l
The business of the New York Clearing House Sat
urday $15,O71 900 The Metropolitan certificates
show change during the week.
We understand that the Philadelphia Banks and others
adjacent have entered into arrangement for receiving
all the of the Banks of Pennsylvania east of the
Allegheny mountains on deposit and in payment of debts
.,loFta 4Ia of S,,t 1Ia,,
The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-06-22
BRUTAL MURDER IN sURRY Co1rNTy

One of the most brutal and at the same time mvs-
terous murders it has been our duty to record
was committed in Surry county on the 18th instant,
at once depriving society of an estimable and wor
thy citizen and a large family of devoted father
and protector. The victim was Mr.. John W. Wat
kins, formerly resident of Petersburg, but for
many years past successful farmer on his beautiful
estate in Surry, known "Chestnut Farm" stu
ated Immediately on James river, and about four
miles from the county courthouse. About o'clock
in the evening Mr.. Watkins set out a walk
around the farm-remaning away unusually long,
servants were sent out to look for him. but they re-
tnrned without having seen him; upon which ap-
prehensions were entertained by his family that he
had encountered some accident, and more partic-
ular search made for him.
The farm and vicinity secured in every di-
rectiOn, and several hours employed in useless la
bor but at length, about 10 o'clock, the unfortu-
nate man as found in low rayine, some distance
from the .ousc. dreadfully beaten and disigured,
and covered with blood and dirt His hat and
vat were missing, his coat and trowsers Jagged and
muddied. and around his waist rope was found
tied by which he had been dragged into the ravine.
In this condition he permitted to remain un til
morning, attended by watch, when a jury
summoned and an inquest held upon the view of the
body. He was then carried home where but few
hours before he had mingled with his family in all
the pride of health and strength and unconscious Of
a single enemy among his fellow men.
As yet not the slightest clue has been ascertained
to the solution of the mystery. Being an nvaria-
bly, kind MASTER none of his servants are suspected
nor is any person known in the county with whom
the deceased bore hostile relations 1t is suggest
ed, that being magistrate OF the county, some
criminal offender who may have received Justice at
his hands, might have been guilty of the deed, but
the suppOsition is unsupported by any evidence
whatever.
While Mr.. Watkins resided in Petersburg he was
known 4 prominent tobacco merchant and was
originally from Amelia. He was at the time of de-
cease about 45 years of age, leaving wife and six
young children.-Pefers6Hrg Erpress.
The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-06-22

Yesterday morning about 10 O'Clock the back building
of house in Chapel Alley Park street, took fire
from overheated pipe 1t discovered before
making much headway, and extnguished by several po
licemen and neighbors, without creating alarm The
building only slightly damaged
The alarm last night about log O'Clock occasoned
by the burning of foul chimney high Baltimore
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

DRIME GREEN LAGUAYRA col FEE;
Rio, Santos and Moehs do; extra No Get Her
.tngs and halt bbs new family hoe &c. iresh ! ho
aaston Lime; Tar: Bfoosns; Baekets; { edsr futs
Nth fnit stock OF woodwsre, &C. &C, In store and
Tor sale low by
nv 77-4s No ID Pearl struat
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
The Proposed Gunboats

We are glad to see that the Washington Star,
which Ia believed to have the ear of the Govern.
meut and of Congress, is urging with earnestness
and intelligence q large addition of guuboats to
the American service. Under the old SYSTEM say
the Star, sailing and steam frigates, &c. have been
built, costing each as much eleven such vessels
rs now proposed to be constructed would cost,
aud requiring the services each Of but q crew of
fifty, instead of one thousand men-the compile
ment for first class frgate or seventy four For
service in time of peace-for conveying, settling
disputes on board American merchaut TIM en-, show
ing the Gag, assisting vessels in Distress and indeed
every other naval service in time of peace conceiy-
abls-as we'll as for destroying an enemys COM
merce in time Of war, single such gunboat com
manded by ajunor lieutenant officered by pair of
passed midshipnen, manned with crew OF fly and
mounted with two guns, will actually perform ten
times the amount of service that first class fri
gate can possibly perform.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
Unanimtty of Sentiment.

We have never seen more perfect unanmiiy of
sentiment than the entire press of the country of
oil sections aud Of all parties, have manifested in
reference to the late outrages upon our flag
There has been Simultaneous explosion Of indig-
nation from North and South, from admi nstration
and INSTRUMENTATION. For once we see the
+Union" and "Star," of Washington, (Adm.) on
side, and the venerable "Intelligencer," (opp
the other, 6ghting side by side. under the broad
flag of the country, aud so throughout the United
States, with che exception of some Black Repub.
licsn sheets, who are naturally preparing to burn
ssbus lights" as their forefathers in tue last con-
test with Great Britain. 1t is gratifying to find
that the spirit of Americanism, though latent, is
not extinct, but strong enough, when stirred up
by insults To the common country, to consume the
spirit Of section and of party.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
OF srA1E OFFIcERs'

An election was held In this City yesterday 'of
Lieutenant Governor. Sheriff. Clerk of the Circuit
Court, and Commissioners of the Revenue. Mf
jackson. for Lieutenant Governor, and MT. Ely
sou, for Sheriff, had regular opposition though
some votes were cast against both OF them For
Clerk of the Circuit Court, MIR. y. Robinson, the
present incumbent, and Dir. James Elicit, were
candidates, and their personal friends we're quite
active during the day. For Commissioner OF the
Revenue for Monroe Ward, about one dozen gen.
tlemen before the people, 30 that the contest
for that post was quite exciting, considering the
small number of votes poiied. We saw no bad
feeling exhibited throughout the day, ut either oil
the polls, aud felt gratifed at the setting Of the
.uu to be able to say, that in Richmond, at least,
every man was allowed 10 vote his preference,
without the fear ofparty lash or mob Violence
The vote 10 appended;
CITY OF RICHMOND
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
BLOODSnED IN KANSAS-TEN MEN KILLED
CONFLICTING REPORTS.

BooNvILLE, Mo-, May 27,-The Lawrence (K IT,
Republicans Extra states that on the 10th inst. a
party of men from Missouri came from the trading
post, near Fort Scott, to Leavenworth, took IL
men prisoners, carried them into deep ravine
and fred on them, killing and wounding g.
The st. Louis Republicans Wessport correspon-
dent gives an entirely diy4rent version of the al
fair He says that those men driven ont OF Lynn
county, by Montgomery's band, after placing their
families in safety, returned to the territory to look
after their property. They captured the men by
mistake taking them for part of Montgomery .
band but released them subsequently. They
heard gun fired on the side Of bill, and return
ed the fire. when it ascertaued that the re-
leased party were armed. fight ensued, result
ing in the death of 10 of the latter party. The
correspondent adds that no Missourians took part
in the affray.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

~ CARD FROM SAMUEL SWAN Co-To THE
PUBLiC.-Fhe extraordinary course pursued by the
rival MAJ ayers OF diff rent lotteries to injure
Cause our liberal schemes and prompt manner OF
pels us to call special attention to the facts which
ali who deal with us knox already that is, that
our lotteries are Ii gal the MANAGERS and trustees
no est and honor BILE men that have sold more
prizes IN be last twelve mon hs than all other lot
ries in the Union and that they have been prompt
~ cashed in all cases on presentation.
The effort TO inJure is aimed not oriy at our
business by rivals. bat is also intended 10 set
politically on one of our partners; and assure
our frien 3 and the public that WITH OUR coscE AN
ALL Is RIGHT, and this the legal investigation which
W shall urge to "A hearing, will ulIy demonstrate
In the meantime our business will be conducted as
usual SAMUEL SWAN Il co.
my 28--lt Lottery Managers Augusta Ga.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
nenns,t and ..,he ChevaIter Webb.o

BENNETT ana atne Cheva11ef w eDDs"
The New York Herald, In discoursing upon the
report Of the Tariff Investigating Committe gives
an old enemy some bard rsps 10 the following pc
csiiariy Characteristic style. The Herald Is refer
ring to the testimony before the committee of Mr.
W W. Stone. a member, in 1857, Of the Massachu-
sets manufacturing firm of Lawrence, Stone i
Co. and proceeds to excoriate his ancient adversa-
~ In siyle not less cool than merciless:
Next, the Chevaier webb--the right royal and
spatless Chevaiier Webb-hgures upon the carpet
as large as life. Listen. Mr. Stone testifies ~
do not remember receiving any letter from New
York editor, but one, and that was from General
Webb. He wrote me that he was decidedly in fa
vor of repeating the duty on raw materials; that
he was coming 10 Washington to spend the winter,
and intended to take house; and that. if was
disposed 70 bear the additional expense he would
be ander, that he would take pains to invite men,
bers of Congress to see him, and explain to them
the reasons aud arguments for adopting the mea-
sure" There's Jeremy Diddier you disdbiHe !!
There's fussy jackdaw robbed of his peaceck's
festhersi What q flood of light is here thrown
upon the whole brood Of the Peter Funks of the
lobby, and their impHdent devices for freeing
areenhorns possessed of more money than brainsl
Unfortunately, however. for the Chevalier Webb,
the firm Ut Lawrence, Stone Co. "had no funds
to dispose of In that way.
Cannot the Chevaiier Webb give us a COPY of tina /
begging letter. and tell Installing In this tariff
experimentation he contrived to make that house
pay expenses "He was In favor of repeating the
duty on raw materials" Generous Chevaier
Webb "He was coming to Washington to spend
the winter" Magnanimous Cbevaler Webb
ale intended to take house" High and mighty
Chevalier Webbl Ii the company would pay for
the rent, the oysters, canvass backs champagne
and segars, he would invite the members of Con
grass TO his house. dine them and wine them. and
convince them of the wisdom Of repeating the du-
ties on those raw materials. Oh, the modest, self.
saerificing and incorruptible Chevalier Webb! 1t
10 great pity; but ever since that $4,000 United
States Bank operation. the Chevalier Webb has
been entirely too big for his breeches ''ae in
terded TO take a house." and to hold his nightly
feastings and ca, ousals on grand scale. if Law
renee, Stone Co would only consent to foot the
bills Bat 'they had money to dispose Of in
that way" Oh, the unfortunate Chevalier Webb
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

+ ARROQUES ELIXIR OF BARK "A
IL fresh supply of this deliehtfnl tonic Just to
hand, for sale by FISHER d WINSTON
26 Dru gsts,
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
vnh n0nAPHfC Mawo-
RnPoRTxD FOR THE DAILY DISPATCH
LATER EROM EUROPE.
ARRIVAL OF THE AFRICA.

.--z44
New YosK, May 27.-The stsamshp Africa. with
dates from Liverpool to May 18th, has arrived Her
news is three days later.
GREAT BRITAIN.
The British government had granted the use OF
Q steamer TO act tender to the Niagara. In the
telegraph laying, In place Of the Susquehannah.
Several experiments had been made with Hughes
instrument In teiegraphing, and its superiority
over other modes demonstrated.
Lord Stanley was TO succeed Lord Eilenborough,
NJ President Of the Board Of Control, and Butwer
Lytfon il to take the Colonial Office.
The Derby Ministry had been sustained In tho
House Of Lords by majority of nine on resolu-
tion Of censnre.
crossing in the House OF Commons.
VIM Dyer had been appointed British consul at
Baltimore, and G. Tulin at Mobile.
INDIA.
Dates from Bombay are to April oath. The news
generally IL unimportant.
The Commander in-Chief was about starting for
Rohilcund, but the bulk of the army remained at
Lucknow.
The European pienip6tentiaries were assembling
at Paris. The conference opens on the I'D May.
SPAIN.
The Spanish Ministry had not organized.
ITALY.
+ The Austrian Notifications In the italian pro-
vinces were progressing With great energy.
TURKEY
The dispute between Turkey and Montenegro was
claiming attention. England and France had re.
solved TO send commission 20 effect settlement.
COMMERCIAL.
LIVERPOOL. May t5.-Cotiop steady at last quota
tons sales for The week 81 Go baiez, of which
speeulaters took i2,n0 and exporters 1900. stock
in 10 4s5,n#9 bates, including $4,000 American
growth Manchester re orts fay Iable-prlcas firm;
Richardson. Spt nee Co, aay f. ur is very dull and
quota ions nominal. Wheat quiz and slightly de-
ciined red o. white 10 GD7s. Adj. Provisions seads:
Bacon Is better Sugar closed for the week at las t
quotations. kosin dali; common 4s.G4s Sd. Spirits
Iurpentine heavy
LoSDos May IL Sugar declined I'D f0ls Rice
steady. Spirits TurpeItine firm n 4l@Il5as
The bullion in the Bank of England has decreased
ESQ 600. s
Nenav uncbanoen-Consois 973<
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
MOVEMENT OE TROOPS FOR UTAH.

ST. Lous. Tuesday, May 25.-A dispatch from
Leavenworth, Gath, says that the second column
of troops for Utah, under command of Col. Mum
roe, had been encamped on Salt Run, four miles
below the Fort, since the Goth inst, but resumed
its march yesterday.
The third column, under Col. May, is still en-.
camped in the vicinity of the Fort, and will not
move before the 9th.
Three companies of the It'll infantry reached the
Fort on Sunday.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

fJ'O Exc URSIUN PARTIES The dip
per yacht HERO, will be hired to pleasure Par.
ties. and the proprietor viii always take the man
sgement of her. MILLER,
my 2S--3t* DistiItery Wharf
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
"Youngss Spirit of the south and
GenIral AlnerIcan,s

This 10 the title Of an excellent literary and
sporting journal, published in Nashville Tennes
zee, and edited by Madame II. Lewellyn Young
who established the Central American at San
Juan del Norte, Central America, 1856. Mrs
Young 10 lady of hne talents, as well as of high
spirit and indomitabe enterprise, and we most
heartily commend her journal to public patron
age In Virginia.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
THE TURKISH ADMIRAL

Boston, May 26.-Rear Admiral Mahomet Pasha
and suite entertained last night at the Revere
House by grand banquet, rendered by the city
government. About eighty plates were laid
Speeches were made, and toasts given by Mayor
Lincoln. Mahomet Pasha, Edw. Everett, Comma
lore Stringham. Ex-Mayor Rice and others.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
Elk1M ANSAC

ST. LOUIS, Tuesday, May 25.-Incomplete re-
turns from the election In Kansas indicate ma
jorty of $50 10 faver of the Leavenworth Constitu
ton. The utmost apathy was manifested in re-
gard to the result, and the Pro-Slavery vote was
very small.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

NIASTED-A PARTNER, with cash
w Capital If from to sem, in the Manufacture
of fine Cigars. Business already estabishe:. and
paying w,h. hut uld be proiiitabiy extended by
the addition of the above capital
60 Address wv. +. H." Box pos, Baltimore Post
Office. G-tR
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
CONGRESSIONAL.

WASHINGTON. May q -&ndte.-The bill reguat-
ing the payment of the officers of the revel ne
service was rejected.
resolution for the removal of the distractions
to navigation in the Potomac was adopted
The Harbor i'm Improvement bill was considered.
HouSe-The House passed the Civil Appropria.
ton bill; also a bill appropriating S4Oo0,oo0 for
collecting the revenue.
The naval appropriation bill was passed. 1t CON
tains among other items, $2S00o 600 for the five
steam sloops OF war, before ordered $2o0,0O0 for
the Norfolk Navy Yard, and $4,000 for the Pen
sacola Navy Yard.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28


To-morrow n the day for the very delightfui ex.
eurssoa 10 Mount Vernon All who participate IN
n oil, Ioo remember II a. one Of the most plea
.sa, a.v. N .heir lives. They will enjoy really
refreshing excursion upon the nooie fosomso' aos
viii perform that pioas pilgrimage to the TOMB OF
washington which every American wishes TO ae'
eomptsh at some time during life, There VIII be
uunh To interest the visitor on the occasion We
.uSerstand that several OF the estimable lady ON
ei.,s Of the Mouat Vernon Association will be pre-
seat, locking about the grounds and planning for
the future arrangement and decoration OF the
American Mecca. We have beard that, among
those present will probably be that remarkable
man, dRaSr THoRBuRs, who, although one OF the
fousest-iived, ia of the very shortest OF men,
and who has seen az much Ia the way of extraor-
binary events a. any man living, and dscourses OF
them In . most entertaining and peculiar way
He 10 florist and an indomitabe patriot oil the
old school, and 10 doubt come (f he be there) to
effer the tribute Of his art to the tomb oil wash
ington. No hand wouid cast flower upon 1t with
more ardent devotion than that of Grant Thor
burn The old man must be now up In the nine
ties. or hard on them and 10 still lively and talka
tive
This however, by the way. We learn that every
arrangement to promote the comfort of sill who go
will be made; that the excursion will be prompt
aud return are we'll selected, there can hardly be
. drawback to the enjoyment of the company,
which promises TO be large. We again suggest
that the excursion would be . fne one for the re-
creation of the schools.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
ARRIVAL OF THE GLASGOW.

NEW York. May Goth The steamship Glasgow
has arrived with Glasgow dates to 18th inst Her
advces have been anticipated by the City of Wash
ington, arrived on Sunday.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
sEncTAL NOTICES.
1-T,.sprpsI1 800 FIra-DR. D.

~ DYsPEPsIA AND FRS. --DR. y.
PHELPS BROWN. the great curer Fl Consnmption
was f1r several years 80 badly afflicted III Dfsrsn
"a mat Tor mart Of fha time he confined 20 his
he'd He was eventually cured by prescription
furnished him by yousg ciairvoysns girt DIS
mr. strip ion given him By mere Child, whiie g
II never having failed once. tits equally sure N
eaaes Of Fits aud Dfspepsia. The ingredients may
he fonnd Ia auy drug store Will ssnd this saIu.
ble reacriuto TO any person on the receipt Of one
STAMP ~ p.s DR. O PHELPS Brown.
No 81 Grand street. Jersey City, N. J.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

E5- THE GREAT VIRGINIA SINGLE MACHINE is now
on exhibition at the Planning Mill of Messrs. Lewis
Plummer, corner of 9Th and Main streets, kich
mond, each day. from o'clock to ~ A. NJ, and from
3 to5f NJ The Agents for the sale of this Machine
Messrs SCOTT and FITCH are stopping at the Cen
trail Hotel and have yet for sale States All
persons desiring topurchase. will call them soon
as they will only remain in the city a few days
For County and Shop Rights for all of Eastern
Virginia, the Valley, and Pennsylvania, apply to
NJ. p. O'IlERN Il co. Office lower end Canal Dock.
Richmond nv 2s-4ts
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

FRRIaHr ARRASGEMEsT.-1he Richmond and
Danvilie and Souih-Side Railroad Companies have
made an agreement by which produce and most
articles of merchandise, can be carried over the
two reads at the same price as would be charged
II carried the same distance over the roads upon
which they are first placed. The farmers will
then have an opportunity of selling or buying In
either market, and the merchants in either city of
selling without any discrimination against them
in the way Of freigbts.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
THE UTAU EXPEDITION

ST. LOUIS, May 27.-Intelligence from Leaven
worth says that Col Hayss column would positive
iy march Friday. There had been no abatement
in preparations fer in consequence of the late
news from Utah.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

FINE SfsAwBERRIEs.-We have received from Mr.
D. p. HOW'LL, Warwick, Chesterfield county, four
miles below the city, q superb specimen Of straw
berries hardly excelied by any seen 10 market this
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28

FoR RUaoPE.-The Persia. took out from New
York for Liverpool, on Wednesday, 2l9 passen-
gers, including Moses II Grinnell, Col. Pickens, Of
South Carolina, u. 8. Minister TO Russia, Watts
Sherman, Capt Magruder, U. s. NJ; Leon dc Gar
dem, bearer of dispatches, aud Edward Cunard.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-05-28
THE CALICO

THE CALIFORNIA MAIL - SAILING OF THE
WATER WITCH.
WASHINGTON, May 27.-The execution of the
contract for Il semfmonthly mail TO California via
the Tehuantepec route is postponed for the pre-
sent.
The u. s. steamer Water Witch sailed this morn
ing for the Cuban coast.