davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

MAsHlNGToN, Dec. 16.-The Union of this
morning, says cmphatically that England, France
and Spain concur fully in the line CT policy laid
down by the U. S. concerning Mexico and Cen
trail America
The following officers have been ordered to
report themselves on board the O. S. Sloop.of.
War St Louis, on the 22d inst: Commodore
Ogden, Lieuts. Todd, Nelson, H. p Jones, Mi
gait, Surgeons Barilay and Burnett, Purser
Pierce, A. A. Armstrong Master The follow
ing have been ordered to report on board to the
new steam Sloop-of-Nar Brooklyn, on the LIST
OF January next: Capt Farraguet, Lieut. W.
Q. b. s. Porter, Albert Smith, W. letters, w.
Mitchell and 81. A. Adams, Surgeon Miner, as
slstant Surgeons Christian and Leach, Porser
Locker, Chief Engineer Follasbee, assistants d.
~ Luce, Brooks, Jordon, Brown, Snyder and
White
WAsuISeTos, Dec. 1e.-Among the 5docu-
ments communicated by tue President on Cen
tral American affairs, is a letter from Mr. Dallas
to Sec,y Cass, reporting the substance of con-
sersation he had with the Earl of Malmesbury,
his Lordship having invited the interview. He
said he was aware that Mr.. Dallas letters for
Washington would go forward on the 9th of
November, and he wished Mr.. Dallas to convey
IN them some few remarks from him.
First, Lord Napier had communicated to the
President the treaty negotiated by SirNYm. Gore
ousley with the Minister from Nicaragua 1t
was believed that no objection was expressed to
its provisions Second, Sir VIM. Gore Ouslev
was by this time at Nicaragua and would exert
himself to obtain the ratification of the treaty.
and doing which it was indispensable that he
should be protected by the presence of naval
force from any violence that might be meditated
by flIbusters.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

PHILADE1PH1A, Sept. 8, 1856
PRoE WooD-Denrsr: Your Hair Restorative is proyinx
itself beneficial to The 'front.' also the back ma
OF my head almost lost its coveringin BALD have
put two hall pint bottles Of your Restorative and
the top OF my head is well studded promising cron al
young hair and the 'front.' also receiving It's tneit
have tried other without benefit
think from my personal recommended can In
duce many'othtrs to tryit. : W -
Yours respectfully, D. II. THOMAS NJ n
No. Vine Rtraak
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17
ARCTIC US. MUSTANG

80 BR AGSs'S ARCTIC 14lNEN1ENT.
And get the United states Journ,.I Free
ARCTIC VS.. MUSTANG
| lnydlous aud impudent card recently pull by
notice at our hands and although We dislike Newspaper
and have always them we SHAH in
ded to s aimed at BRACES ARCTIC LlNIXENT and ysrv
evidently has eeuniayy origin these S
tlemen dislEng their arcl supplant.d SO TandIr
by BRACES ARCTIC LIHISIENT Tie card Is too desuI.
published card announcing that he further con
necon with the Mustang and would hold himself re-
sponsibe for Its deerioraed quality njurieR
resulting from the the spurious article with which
BRAt,s aRT1e IN the Arctic Imminent
business under the style OF Bragg Burowes and the
0ny Dr. Bragg ever had with it in the
Since nyenttng the Mustang, DR. Bragg has had many
that matared maalood he could p4oSue GO sases
Tsmedy than his comparatively inexperienced YOUTH
The instantaneous of BraERs Arctic Imminent
wherever 1t introduced conclusive testmSnv
been introduced six MONTHS it had superseded all other
niments Including the Mustang. the meantime spu
market, put externally exactly Ike the genuine had
Geen ny Dr. Bragg but as unlike in ay pOsSii lie.
persons who had used this Injurious ar
Gle of the Mustang complaining OF It's bad elects under
the mistaken impression he was san II
considered it to be his duty matter be-
fore the public in card announcing that he further
It that was his affair with which Ne have
they well known to the business commupitfs noHt
amusing to those who know their status. trouble IT,
to is transparent they dislike their cheapy made
preparation superseded by Braggs Arctic Lniment an
SO greatly It's SUPERIOR but which they affect to co
sueT iaure N0tWhStanding this aecf8tion, they Of
Tered large sum for it's suppression, falling that
the vain attempt persuade public that the Arctic Lin.
ment is failure The public SO easily quilted az
suprose and readily comprehend that
such failure as these interruptions persons pre-
they would be the last to disturb its quiet oblivion
The fact Is readily percepthe that they are for the
prosperity Of their own article we they may he fer
they Know that for article substantial cell
ebrty OF BRACES ARCTIC LlEIMEE It must possess an
INTRINSIC value capable of positive dtmonstraon and
hence their only hope is in abusing that ueope
be deferred from trying It we assured that they cncs
tested Its merits they could to
the Mustang In conclusion we claim that the Ar tic lin
men Is the best article the public and that
II VIII pear tr1umphanty test that arTllcd
ton BRAGG Z BURROWES
Sole ProprietorS, st. Louis, Aissour
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

., We find upon consulting the almanac
s''' ram may be expected about this time, a
&c" Gays before, or a few days later, be the same
uoFe OF less We w:lI not grumble il it does
ram! y. a little dash to lay the dust wouldn't be
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

" ~ 11o Riser was rising last evening, with
I've 20 leet water in the channel, the biggest
rise rise oil the season. The Marengo for New Or.
, ,S, and the Nat. Holmes for St Louis, were
% % IN freight yesterday, and were to have
P''s 'eu 'Ast night.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

az Late Pqpers-We are indebted to our
friend mail agent Hoxie for late papers.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

~ We nave again to repeat our notice that
..rly advertisers, who overstep their allotted
sparc, will be;charged extra.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

vlScENHEs, IA, June 90, 1883.
PROF. o. J. WOOD: As you are about to manufacture
and vend your recently discovered Hair Resorative will
Tor whomsoever 1t concern, have used Il
and known others 70 use Ihave for years.
oeen in the habit of using other Hair and
ind yours vastly superior any otherI know en-.
trey cleanses the head Of dandrn one months
proper use will restore PERSONS the original
youthful color and texture giving 1T healthy soft and
osSy and all this, without discoloring the
therefore, its toevery desirous OF nav
Ing . hpe color and texture their hair.
Respectfully yours, WILSON KING
o. J, WOOD Z co. Proprietars, s1e Broadway. N v.
Gin the great n. " Wire Railing Z nd
Market street, st. Louis, Mo. ~ -
s-d,t=w&w-ly- "a '.' oetss-srn
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

We the undersigned masters and owners Of steamboats,
running to and from the port Of ST. Louis impressed
certain remedy to be in case Of sudden disasters
obtained supply OF Dr. Braggs Arctic Lnmsnt which we
sha always hereafter carry respective boats
ievtng 1t to be the most speedy uniang remedy for
The cure OF burns scads wounds, contusions DC ever
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17
wFRTEND

IF YOU HAVE ANY PAIN,
RHEUMATISM NEuRALGIA, BRoECHlTIs, PARA.
LYsIs, OLD SORES, soALD HEAD, BURNS. AND
soALDs, STIFF JOINTS, SORE THROAT, sTRA1Na
AND BRUISES, SORE BREAST, SWOLLEN GLANDS,
PILES, OR CuTANEous DISEASES taa
BUY A BOTTLE OF
BRAGC7'S ARCTIC 1.lNEm ENT.
And get the Unkted s,ntes .Ionrn,,I Er,.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

New OHLEANs. Dec. l5-The steamer r. w.
Adams sunk at Falls Alexandra. Loss of boat
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

New York, Dec. 16 Advices from Marin.
ham state that the U. S. steamer Fulton sailed
from o. that port on November 18th, for Peram-
buco. The steamer Harriet Lane left on the
18th Of November for the same destination.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

SEE advertisement of DR.. sanford's Liver In
another column.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17
INKSI TNKST

LINtAk0!- INhS!
pUTLERs IMPROVED MERCANTILE 7REoOPD ana
y Copying E1C.ELSIOR FLUID INKS, Manufactured
by James j. Butler, Agent, No. so Vine St. 25S
South OF Burnet House, Cincinnati, o. e
70 5HE WRITINo CoMNgEITY GEEEEGI, AND Book KEEP
RRs PART1CuLARLY.-A CARD.-Gentlemen: Ever hottie
OF Arnods English Fluid that you consume costs you
eny per cent than j. J. Buffers Excelsior Record
andis no better, II good. EXPLANATIONS eocaIed
Quart Bottle Of Arno DIS holds twenty per cent less Ink
and IS ret He'd fifty per cent higher than mine which n
worth saving particularly when quality is warranted
equal an our leading stationers will supply sou bottle
on the same terms. BY SO doing you will sustain HOME
mANUFACTgREs and be wiser # better citizens; at
lovers OF your country its cherished
TUTIoHs II thus act the is not far distant h
the American Flag shall bottle Of Aruolds
E4ulu IN our beloved Union-and your purse
as Ven. JAMES BUTLER, Agent.
For sale By Payne 4 Co. and j. O. Orr, Wheeling.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17
-lEISkELL g. SWEARINGEN


most complete stock of DRESS GOODS tbsT hsye t
mAe sne pleasure OF Offering, consisting Of Rich and M
ftlceu sks, Rich Printed Oashmeres Rieb prjTts5
French Merinos and Csshmsres Rich Freneb
sAxony and French PIads New StvIes po,"
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17


I58 Tie RcO. DR.. ferguson delivered his lee.
tnre on Robert Burns, at Union Hail. last even.
lag. The audience was a small one-which
unfortunate fact we might ascribe to the rather
unusual place of delivering the lecture,-could
We persuade ourselves that if all the apprecia-
tors, in town, of the subject matter had been
there, 1t would nave been more than a triae
larger.
The lecture, what we could hear Of it was
interesting Astounding in personal reminiscen.
ces of the poet, gathered by the lecturer from
intercourse with those who had been personally
acquainted with Burns, together With frequent
quotations from some Of his most renowned
productions.
W-A Probable Sparring latc1.-The fol-
lowing was received by one of our citizens YES
terday from John 9. Heenan, the prize fighter.
Heenan is now at Pittsburgh and is accomna.
MED by Aaron Jones whose business it is to
train such gadiators as Heenan for the fstic
arena They gave an exhibition in Pittsburgh
on "Wednesday evening to a crowded house:
What will you give US to give an exhibition
IN your place on Saturday evening next. You
renting hall and paying the printer.
JOHN KILKENNY,
The admirers ofthe fancy, here are on the on;
0fVe' and are anxiOusy waiting the result Of the
correspondence. aeas
--Ss<De4------ 49, = . rss's4
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

van md 1t to their advantngeto purchase tol
80 SdtIS is@'ihB nome SMITH & G ORRELL,
0SE.s Wheeling, va.
BUCKWHEAT FIOIIRI-
WE have just received 800 Bags prime Eastern Bue,-
IN 0O D. blgsi to which invite he attain.
uon OF laInllieS and retailers, Por sale by
DOANE & adams
No. so Main ST.
Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-12-17

WE have hand are receiving daily, a large and
w complete assortment of Hats Caps, embracing
every variety of style and price, And of the in
creasing demand for class goods, have paid
tieular attention to the getting Of expressly
adapted to the wants of
with Eastern houses such that enabled to rrnh
the styles of Hats and Caps as
sortments well the best qualities every description
are to be found at our establishments.
The public respectfully invited call and examine
Ourstock will pains give entire
deco t s. HARPER 4 BRO.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-08-26
ALEX ANDRIA.
onde7ac6 of Tie Star.


ALEXANDRIA, Va, Aug. 96, 1883
Some time since horse, belonging to Mr. w
p. Moore, who lives at Arlington, disappeared
mysterously from his pasture near Colross. Mr..
Moore, after long search, found the horse in Fred
ericksburg, whittier it had been carried by a man
named Benjamin Waller and sold for fifty dol airs
10 MI SorTel While Moore was In Frederick
burg Waller came TO Alexandria again. and this
time made OF with horse belonging to p Rotch-
ford, Esq. Ga his return to Fredericksburg he
was arrested, and, with his second horse made
in company with officers Taylor and Mavine, OF
Fredericksburg, to follow Mr. Moure and his a rst
horse back to Alexandria Here he was corn
United to jail by Justice Summers. This morn
Ing the preliminary investigation will be con-
cluded and the accused committed for another
hearing at the examining court
The Sentinel says The dweling Of Mr. Chas
Johnson, who lived on a portion Of the " West
Grove farm, " on the far side of Hunting creek
was totally consumed by fire on Monday evening
last. The hre was the result Of accident. No
insurance.
The Alexandria military have declined the in
vitation to participate in the Sheperdstown Bar
becue.
Secretary Cobb will, II is said, visit this city
IN short time on business connected with the
purchase Of additional grounds for the new Gus
tom house.
Blackbirds are attracting the sportsmen of this
vicinity TO the woods.
The produce business Is quite brisk and the
Mancasses Gap Railroad Company are now run
Yesterday, the offerings on chanye reached IS 900
bushels. of which there We're 8 Geo bushels of
wheat, 200 bushels of corn, and 600 bushels of
oats.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-08-26

ASAPfHAL.-The following note was rece,v.d
'n's morning by Justice Dom The writer xv,,
arrested, Few days since, for attempting 10 nict
gentleman's pocket In the Smithsonian gronna,
ana was sent to jail for Court, He wants IN ~.
released: " oe
WASHINGTON, August 26. 1858.
70 rae Hon TAonas c. Donn Dear ST..
this letter II mn, my oefy Of your honor to write
VIII look at my destitute sjtuationeas an n :
strange granger In your city and a long WAYS from INV
b bach WitboSS; no clothes except those my
among strangers 10 seek for work that might
,i ;n an honest living; but, unless your honor
Snnnns miss me from this miserable place, am
doomed to stay here through a long and cold
winter: And II SO, in INV destitute circumstsn.
ees, snall suffer more than my constitution will
pear. have no hope, but in the mercyof your
honor: AS Tor my attempting to get living dis
honestly, such an idea has never entered INV
nihc nope to be good man at some future
uay, Tor my reason has taught me that could
never be such II | should get rich dishon-
orabiy-so | dismiss that subject from nv mind :.
being convinced that there is a Just God. and
that | would suffer eternally. 1 hope that vour
honor will give me an opportunity to prove nv
twenty-four hours after ] am out some kind ~
employment, i have come to the concluxion 70
enlist in the United States army. am At vonr
hon hone mercy, and will always be your honor,s
"eii "iSnei- CHARLEs GREY.
HiGHwAYMEN.-For some weeks past a gang
OF young men who have degraded themselves to
tne level OF the common vagrant, have infested
the roads north of the city, and rob the adjacent
farms and dwellings, and also the wagons on
the road to the market Such gangs as these
ought TO be broken up as soon as they are known
To exist for, II allowed to continue they will do
great injury to our kets as well as to the farm
ers, and tend greatly to demora lie the vontb of
the city, who are fond Of this kind of romance
This Is not the beginning Of this sort of gypsy-
ing In our vicinity. There are several Young
men now serving terms in the prisons of this Dis,
trlct, MARYLAND, and Virginia, who were edu-
Gated In the road gangs around Washington
several years ago we were called upon to notice
the depredations of party who infested the
roads, and even went so far as to commit acts
worthy OF the boldest highwaymen. They were
terror to the country people, preventing them
from attending regularly the Washington mar
kets That gang was composed of males and
females, and bivouacked in the woods and ma rsh-
rs north aud east Of the city. The gang now out
is composed of similar materials, and, IL not soon
arrested, may do much mischief to our citi-
zens and the farmers Of the country. The CITY
Police appear to have an idea of the parties and
their haunts; and IL is to be hoped that they will
be able to catch every one connected with their
acts, and bring them TO justice.
The WKATHER.-Range Of the thermometer
for one week, beginning at noon Of Thursday,
August 10, and ending this morning:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-08-26
SI N U r NC E.
oPEGiAL NOTICE TO ALL WHO HAVE
IIXES OR PROPERTY sCC % =

The Subscriber tenders his grateful ac. nowIedg-
ments to his numerous friends and patrons for thelr
favors and beraity to him az a LIFE and r IRE IN
ssEANcE AGENT daring the past four or FIVE years:
and he sOlIclts from tie citizens of this CITY and
District q continuance of their patronage assuring
them that he intends to be faithful to their
ests, as the Companies which he represents are
able. prompt and liberal. The particular and I'M
niediats attention of ALL who have policies in the
late Farmers and Mechanics Insurance Comm
my Of Philadelphia" is called to the following card:
POTOMAC INSURANCE., COMPANY OF
GEORGETOWN, DC, - =
Chartered by act of Congress 1881.
III Stockholdsrs Personally Respoastble.-GI
Joshua Riley, Wm; H Edes, A. II. PickreiI, David
English, X. Cruikshank, M. Willett. eorg etown;
Todd. aud John Purdy. Washington. b. &. We -
So, JOHN MARBURY, President.
AMOS HUNT, Agent, Washington, d. c.,
:, Reeldenoe,No.5 North A street. Capitol Hill:
Washinston, ID. G. y
R0rdera attended to immediately.
Ii Losses paid promptly. az S-sta
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-08-26
AUOrIoH sAIn.
By WALL & BARNARD, Auctionsers.
,TOCK OF R0OKS Avn era IONEpv

By WALL BARNARD, Auctioneers.
STOCk Of BOOKS AND STATIONERY,
fkT6SssY RI @5Rs fI5EG *. @ Eli
sSsnns he eock We viii sell at Store No. 4s Pa.
standard and Miscellaneous Works, prose or poet
.rn n,ssofiosl and classical. BY American and
Letter; Cap and Note Paper, Portfolios,
ne Steel Pate aye Ee, opss, Cute,{.
Zine Zine on PaIntilE.. handsomely Framed.
PVT tb E.rss,, rocket Rocks, Portemonneies.
found H1d IN book and stationery store. ''''"'
on a. the Hropr etor is retiring from
au as..s WALL ( BARNARD. Auot..
By j.. c. MCGUIRE 4 CO. Auotioneer..
VEk1 VALUABLE BUILDING LOT NEAR
DAY RFf AFTER s SESoN At An. A.ssIos.0n IHEs
on the pIsm,es, abs. sell toe vest part of Lot So.
=. 10 square No 5S fronting 80 feet on north + TT
m mch hird and Fourth sts running back 80 feet
This lot Is beautifully situated in a desirable and
Hdy RsTt Of q Sy and the sale
beautiful building lot. '' N'""e"
Terms One fourth oash |; the resdu. in 6. la.,d
90 no with interest, secured BY deed trust
an SD J. c. MCGUIRE q CO., Auots.
By WALL BARNARD, Auctioneer,.
FIssD.. aeH5n GMAdGNsbb aTSs MokkkAIEEgaE Ed
f1s. we shall SELL at the Store occupied by T. b.
0t.l w
Is about making a change in his business, j a good
soSs ~ urniture, consisting Of
SOFA, Chalrs, Bureaus, Washstands,
Iaoss, Desks, Mahogany Bedsreads
,f eatner Beds, Carpets, &c.,&
=: ibis STOCK Is nearly new, aud worthy the ate n
ti9n ol persons wishing good furniture.
en- In All sums under $50, cash over $50, So
and W days credit, for good endorsed notes. bear
.n IS WALL & BARNARD, Auct.
By w. BOTELER, Auctioneer.
SALE OF EXCELLENT HOUSEHOLD
~ fURNITuRE At AUcTIoN.-On MONDAY, Au-
sust oh at 10 c ock a. M. shall sell, at No. 5o4
on l4th street. between and ID, the effects of tam
~ Geo lining Housekeeping oonsI. ting in part of
One elegant Rosewood Parlor Suit covered with
siIk brocatee, consisting off Tete-a tete Sofas,
. 2Arm Chairs, and Reception Chairs
superior Brussels Carpeting,
oval Parlor Table with marble TOP,
Handsome Mantel Ornaments, v, lndow Curtains
and shades.
Carved Walnut Bedstead, Walnut Dressing Bu-
reau with marble top,
Carved Mahogany Chairs, Mahogany washstand
Mahogany Rock,r. Ingram Competing, Toilet Sets.
HAIR and Shuck Mattresses. Bedding
walnut Dining Table. Lounge,
China, g ass and Crockery, Table CUTLERY,
Plated Castor, Forks and spoons
superior efrleerat small Cook Stove,
hlrchen FuTrlture, Cooking Requisites, &c.
Inc urnture Is OF superior quality and In coed
CONDITION, having been in use but few months
~ Terms 20 apd under cash over $40 credit of
Ing interest.
The house is for rent and possession eiAen imme-
dately after sale. Apply to the Auctioneer.
au % is c. w. BOTELER, Auct.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-08-26
The WKATHER.-Range Of the thermometer
for one week, beginning at noon Of Thursday,
August 10, and ending this morning:

hsmaTk5-August 19th-Fine, pleasant and airy
throughout. goth Lightning, cloudy, cooler
wind NV fine and pleasant and cloudy to end
cooler Histology, air close, wind SW. cloudy
and close, fine rain, cloudy to end. 22d-Cloudy
throughout. cooler. 23d-Fine, wind NV. 81, cool
er, line throughout, bat COOL fine to end oath
Heavy fog, cleared of, wind NV got out foe
and pleasant, milder to end. 25lh-Fine, air
pleasant, wind NV milder, fine and pleasant
throughout, fine to end. 26th-Hazy, calm, wind
Last quarter moon Tuesday, August 81, little
after three in the afternoon b.
GEORGETOWN, ID. c., August rs, 1858.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-08-26
New York Markets.

NEW YORK, August 26.-Flour, uas etiled: sales
Of 5000 obls. State 50 O0a3 go Ohio % l5a6 90;
Southern 80 00a6 30.
Wheat is slightly lower sales 900 bush ::
Western red SIS
Corn is firm sales OF y. 900 bushels; mixed NJ
74aSSc, white, Ssa90c.
Pork is dull mess SI7al7 25 prime sl4 S5a
IL %. Lard firm.
Whisky is dull at IS a25c
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-08-26
BaluAsrs marhsts .


BALrInoRE, August 26.-Flour is steady; How
ard street and OaioS5
Wheat is active red 81 1851 IS; white 81 3sa
Sl52.
Corn is dull; white 7saS0c.; yellow ssseOc
Whisky Is dull at IS a26c
Provisions have a declining tendency