davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald., 1870-09-05
rigsr COSGREGArIOSAL CHURCH.
Rev. Dr. Rankin "Humsn ImperGec tio No
aud Prevailing Prayer,

WARRINGTON, ID. g., Sept. 4, 1870
Human lmperfections ana Prevailing Praycr''
was the topic OF the morning sermon at the tirst
Congregational church by Rev. Dr. J. Il. Rankin.
The Doctor selected as his text James W, IL, Is,
and dwct particularly upon the incident In
the life OF Elijah there referred to as proof ard
illustration OF the truth that the weaknesses and
imperIeciions OF mankind do not prevent avaing
prayer He denied the belief held by some that the
Advent Of Elijah into this world Ike his departure,
was miraculous, ana declared that the Bible plainly
teaches that although be was highly distinguished
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30
Precinct Committees of the Au-
gusta Memorial Association for
the Confederate Dead.

VIM. L. Bumgardner, Mrs. Capt D. Mccoy, Miss
Avery Covell, Miss Eleanor Baylor.
STAUNToX-WARD No. 2.--Capt. r. H. May,
James Ker, Mrs Josie Eyster, Miss Fannie Skin
ner, Miss Florence Phillips.
| SANDY HoLLow.--Capt L Hartman II l. Opie
| Mrs YIN Donaghe Mrs J N Opie Miss Lorena
| Williams
BoL1vAa.-Jos Merriken Geo Bell Miss Hat
tie McGutfin Miss Mamie Bell Miss Katie Smith.
PEAco's NILL.--E NJ Cushing David Speck Miss
Sallie Kinney Miss Sallie S Henderson Miss Eliza
Shuey
FoLLy.-Col Jas Cochran w Harvey Mar
shall Mrs Mary Lewis Miss Sallie Gilkeson Miss
| Bette Eskridge.
| HEBRoN-Geo H Edison Alpheus Cook Mrs
| Rev B Ewing Miss Emma Taylor Mrs w
| Swoope.
GREHSvILLE.-Dr VIM Gillum John Smith
Miss Mary Smith Miss Augusta Bumgardner Miss
Lizzie Pilson.
MIDDLEBRooK.-M W D Hogshead Jas W Nc
Corkle Mrs Sallie Kunkel Mrs Geo Rusmisel Miss
Maggie McCutchen
REwPoRT.-Dr Chas Berry Thomas Smiley
Miss Lorenh McChesney Miss Lucy Turk Miss FL
len Steele.
MIDwAY.-Neson Bell Jr John Rush Miss
Betty Henry Miss Willie Pinkerton Miss Florence
McGufi
WAYNEsBoRo' .-Artemus Patterson J Phil
Smith Mrs Geo A Bruce Miss L Withrow Mrs
Sallie Mcclure.
FIsHxRsv1LLE. Capt Bateman John E Ham
| ilton Mrs Virginia Hamilton Miss Jennie Bell
Miss Bette Caldwell
BARTERBRooK A q Christian DR. I W Shelton
Mrs Martha Dold Miss Ophela Wilson Miss En-
ma Mofett.
SKERANDo Clinton Hall Daniel Heserman
Mrs NJ Lewis Mrs David G Hyden Miss Mary
Coner.
NEW HopE.-Capt Chas Grattan DR. B Walk
er Miss Lucy Stout Miss Lucy Waddell Mrs Liz
zio Hinton.
MI SIDNEY .-Capt Thos Burke c S Roller
Miss Sadie Crawford Miss Jennie McCue Mrs Ma
ny Wilson.
VERoNA.-Nm Il Norman Ed Crawford Miss
Mollie Gilkeson Miss Salle Crawford Miss e "
Edmondson.
MT MERIDIAN Capt Tom McClung D Craig
Miss Cornelia Patterson Miss Mary Hanna Walker
Miss Laura Boone
RED MILLs.--Sinelair Koiner VIM Hanger Miss
Catharine Yount Miss Hetty Barnhart Miss
Barbara Baylor.
Mr. soloN.-Col NJ McCue Capt L Curtis
Mrs Maggie Lockridge Miss Bette Forrer Mrs
Robt Kyle.
SpR1NG H1L1-Wm H Gamble DR. Van Lear
Miss Mary Picker Miss Lizzie Herring Miss Fan
| ny Bell.
PARNAssUs.- Cochran Robt Byers Miss Liz
zie Kinnie Miss Mary Hamrick Miss Lucy Blair
SANaERsv1LLE.-J W Crist L Blakemore Miss
Mary s Gregory Mrs DR. VIM Davis Miss Ann L
Humbert.
CENTREvILLE. Clement Fulton H V Bell Mrs
Dr. Trevy Miss Mody Fulton Miss Sallie
Wheeler.
CHURcHv1LLE.-Capt Joseph A Wilson Lit
Waddell Mrs VIM H Bell Miss Rebecca Sterrett
Miss Jennie Slower.
BUFFALO GAp.-Dr James F. Tate Magnus
Cease Mrs Sarnl H Bell Miss Ada Sibert Miss
Florence Lightner.
CRA1Gsv1LLE.-Dr D Bashaw Robt S Craig Miss
Josephine Hodge Miss Mary Thomas Miss Aman-
da Woodward
DEERF1ELD.-David V. Taylor John Guy
Miss Agnes Montgomery Miss Mamie McCutchen
Miss Mary Montgomery.
LEBANON SPR1NGs.-Thos II Cross Frank Z
Irvine Miss Jennie Lange Miss Belle Pauly Miss
Susan Rhyan.
(Circulars will be sent to each Committee de-
fning its duties.
s. TRAvERs PHILLIPS, BOLIVAR CHRISTIAN,
Sec'ty tx. Com rim Ex Com
Town papers copy.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

An IMPORTANT NEWSPAPER CHAseB.-The
Hearth and Home, finely illustrated family
journal of high character, hitherto issued by
Measrs. ,Pettingll, Bates & Co., has been pur-
chased by Messrs. Orange Judd & Co., of 245
Broadway, New York, the well-lllown publish
ers Of the american AgricuAurist. Messrs. S. NJ.
Pettingill Co., whose great Advertising Agen-
cy, established in l949, is one of the largest and
most reputable in the world, find that their ex-
ensive business requires their exclusive attention
and they therefore transfer Hearth and Home to
the new publishers, whose long experience and
aoundant facilities will enable them net only to
maintain the past high character Of the paper
but to add materially to its value The new
publishers also announce reduction of the terms
to So per year. The change will OF at all effect
the american AgricuAurist, which will continue
on independently as heretofore The illustrations
and reading matter of the two journals will be
entirely different. Either of the two iourn ais
will be furnished from now to the end of 1871
IS months) at the yearly subscription rate, viz
the Weekly Hearth and Home at So the Monthzy
american Agriculurist at ST, so or the two for
81.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30
FerfifizArs.

n "a
TINE FARMERS TAvORITE"
i L GRAIN DRILL.
AWARDED FORTY FIRST PREMIUMS,
BESIDES DIPLOMAS, SPECIAL RECOMMENDS, SILVER
MEDALS, &C., At THE FALL FAIRS OF 1859,
INCLUDING A SILVER MEDAL AT
THENARYLAND INSTITUTE,
BALTIMORE, MD
BECAFOEgD & HUFFMAN.
PAFESTEEs md pRoPRIEroRs, THE ONLY PERFECT
GRAIN DRILL IN THE WORLD.
Certain in distribution, accurate in measure
ment of seed used, and possessing more facilities
and couyeuences for adjustment to quantity. and
practical operations in the field, than any or all
other Drills manufactured.
THE ONLY GRAIN DRILL HAVING A
DOUBLE SET OF DISTRIBUTORS,
which, without adding any weight rives the
farmer two Drills in one One seeding wheat.
rye or bucEwheat in large or small quantities,
the other seeding oats, barley, corn, peas and
other coarse grain, with equal accuracy without
clogging, skipping or breaking of seed. The
only Drill which throws out of gear by the Au-
tomato action of the Tube LITTER, and covers all
the seed distributed. Has the only really practi-
cable. durable Spring Tube in the market. It
has the best
'FERT1LIZING ATTACHMENTS
in use, and which for years has held the first no.
siton in all localities where Guano, Bone Dust.
and Super Phosphate are used. SoWs all these
fine fertilizers, well as Ashes Plaster and Salt
perfectly, whether it be dry or damp, it puts the
fertilizer used in the Drills with the Grain thus
giving it (the gran) the entire immediate benefit
Of the fertilizer used. BY q recent improvement
we put this under the immediate control of the
operator, enabling him to use his fertilizer on
the barren portions of his field and husband il
upon the fertile parts.
The Guano Attachment must be ordered with
the Drill, if desired, as it cannot afterwards be
attached.
Metal or Rubber Grain Tunnels as desired -
Double Reversible Steel Points on Tubes Broad
Faced Wheels and Wrought Iron Axles
Acknowledging, in the decline of prices of
farm produce and the closeness of financial ma t.
ters among our patrons, the justice oftheir clai IN
tor o corresponding reduction in the price of
farm implements, we have determined to redu &c
the price Of Grain Drills to the old standard of
1860.
Confident discriminating public will Apr e.
ciate effort, and avail themselves of this
golden opportunity to secure one of these mo st
useful labor-saving implements at old price s.
While labor still ranges at the war standard, we
have established the following prices for Drills,
delivered on board boat or cars at Baltimore.
Tube Grain rill.......................... S85.
Tube Grain Drill. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. 90.
Tube Grain Drill Guano attachment, 1l5.
Tube Grain Drill, Guano attachment, 100.
Grass Seed attachment to either the above, 10.
Gum Spring Tubes to either the above,.. 10.
Our and Tube Drills all have the Tubes; 8
inches apart.
Tubes put in line or zig-zag as desired by the
purchaser, without any extra charge.
&S- Goods warranted in material and man Il
facture, as we'll as work.
". L. BUCKINGHAM, General Agt.,
BALTIMORE, Mp.
GEO. f. PRICE, Agent
sep9-2m Staunton, Va.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

fvesizcs, pronounced by experienced men to be
the most complete and simplest cutter everfnycn-
ted. Each machine cuts two lengths and can he
arranged TO cut from ! to u inches
IMPROVED CLIPPER CIDER AND WINE
MILL,
guaranteed 10 do more worl; with less labor than
any mill in the market ard - 60 its work per
fecty
The celebrated DOUBLE {, TRIPLE SCREEN
DIXIE GRAIN FAN,
Dixie Thrasher, Cleaner and B4geer. Maryland
and Virginia Corn Shelters and Cleaners, Double
and Single Spout Corn Shelters, Of latest and
most approved patterns
MARYLAND FARMER STEEL TO0THUOESE
HAY AND GRAIN RAKE,
This rake is too well hnown throughout the
Valley Of Virginia TO need any description here
We are finishing them in q much better style
than last season. Farmers and Dealers will please
send on their orders early.
Virginia Plantation Grst Mills, Cripple Inter-
nal Gear" Baldwin Horse Power 'tMix' and
Railway Horse Powers.
Flows, Harrows and Cultivators, Agricultural
and Machine Castings.
All our Machines of best Material and Work
manship and guaranteed to give entire satisfac-
ton.
..-Agents for Hubbard self-rakc Reaper and
mower.
Illustrated *nl descriptive catalogue sent free
by mail. aFrl-ly
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30
Married.


On the 21st. inst. at the residence Of the bride
father by the Rev. Nj. Williams, Mr.. Thomas
Shafer, to Miss Laur;s Gibbs. both of Staunton.
On the 18th INST, at the residence of the BRIDES
father BY Rev. Isaac Stempei, Chas. a. Gladke. of
Staunton, to Miss Rosetta Rosenbaum, daughter
of Henry Rosenbau of Washington d. G.
On the sth inst, at "Prairie Lee,' the residence
of John Buckner Esq. by the Rev. John f. Cowan,
Mr.. David B. Wilson. formerly of Augusta county
to Miss Mary G. billiard, daughter of the late DR..
F. Dillard,of Galloway county, No.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

TERRIBLE FREsHET.-On Wednesday last, abou+
IL NJ, gentle rain commenced to fall, 1.-THE first
we have had for a long time, and continued to
increase during the day, untilat night when it
fell in torrents and continued thus heavy until
about midday Thursday, raising every branch
and creek in this locality to the dimension of
rivers, causing tremendous overflow and great
destruction of property. Lewis Creek, which
runs through Staunton and its tribute branch
es, were higher than were ever known before,
and caused great damage to property along their
banks. Houses were swept away and even Ma
sorry, compactly put up, and had stood the
test OF many freshets, was swept away as though
1t were but a wooden structure. The damage
done in Staunton will probably reach $40, Oo0
The bridge across Main Street, near the Lu-
theran Church, one just below our Office and
two near the lower Railroad bridge were swept
away with their heavy masonry abutments The
bridge near the American, was nearly destroyed,
Its heavy masonry support giving away and
dropping into the sprging torrent two spans, the
other being left in very totterins and unsa fe
condition Several parties We're on or near this
bridge when it fell-one, Mr.. Jas Teabo, connect
ed with the Express Office was carried in with
the falling bridge, and, clinging to some O. the
timbeIs, was carried down the stream, hui led
under several bridges, and only gotten out just
before reaching the bridge which crosses the road
going to the Fair Grounds, (having been carried
about half mie) by the persistent efforts of Jno,
B. Scherer, Jr., Richard May, Thos. P. Eskridge,
MpsSrg Darl,nr StaHc rI oil md Have
whose names we could not learn
We are unable to give in detail the damage
done TO private individuals, or to the Corpora.
ton, at this late hour before going to press, but
we satisfied that the former will reach $40 900
or SD 700 and the latter from $1,000 to 3d.
OOO
We learn that there was also much property in
the County damaged, the extent of which we ar
unable now to state
The g. Il 0. R. R. has been damaged consider.
ably. large slide is reported near Greenwood
and one this side of the Tunnel. The Bridge al
"aynesooro and a culvert this side, the bridge
over Goose Greek near Christians Creek and the
Smoky Row bridge, near Swoope's, are all, SO re-
pertsays, washed away. The R. R. bridge over
CHRISTIANS Greek is badly damaged and the
Comfy bridge washed away.
! One train is reported between the Waynesboro
Bridge and the Tunnel, and another at Waynes.
boro, neither Of which can move either way.
There is 40 probability Of the trains running
here for eight or ten days.
| There is no telegraph communication from
| Stanton, East or West.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30
Announcements.

TIavng lived near the Poor House for many
years, and satisfied that can do the
work at a saving to the County, and having been
requested by many of my neighbors, l announce
myself a candidate for SUPERINTENDENT OF THE
Poor and make the following proposition:
viii furnish the labor on the farm, with the
help of such inmates as can be of use as laborers
and will do all else required of the Superinten-
dent for $500 per year.
sep9.tf GEORGE ROSEN.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

COUNTY CONVENTION. The County Conservs-
tive Convention, to nominate County Officers
and select delegates to the Congressional Con-
vention, to be held in Harrisonburg on October
9Th, in pursuance of published announcement,
met in the Court House, on Monday last Delega-
tions from large majority of the Precincts were
present.
The Convention was called to order by Col
Jno. B. Baldwin, and JAS Bumgardner Jr., an
pointed temporary Secretary On motion a
committee of one from each Township was ap
pointed to nominate permanent officers and, after
retiring. reported as Chairman, Col. VIM. NJ.
Tate and Secretaries, the Editors of the Staun-
ton papers, which report was unanimously adopt
ed
On molten Of Col. NJ. G. Hartman, the selection
vi Delegates to the Congressional Convention
was first taken up, for the reason, as stated by
him, that the delegates from Stanton had the
right to participate in that but, it being doubt
full question whethersthey had right to vote for
County Officers, desired then to withdraw from
the Convention and leave the County Delegates
to nominate the County Officers.
On motion, each Township and Ward delega-
ton was requested to nominate the Delegates to
represent their Township or Ward in the Con-
gressional Convention.
The following Delegates were thereupon nom-
mated and elected:
BEVERLEY MANOR TOWNSHIP. W. Hartman,
Jacob Baylor, VIM. J. Shumate, John N Opie,
T. T. Eskrldge, Lewis Hartman, David Doom.
MIDDLE RIVER TOWNSHIP IS. G. Harper, T. J.
Burke, G. S. Roller, J. D. Craig, VIM. Crawford,
&C. S. Grattan, S. B. Finley, G. Barnhart
PASTURES TOWNSHIP. --L. Sibert, J. G. Slower.
d. Geeding, VIM. NJ. Tate, L. Waddell, Jos.
-Trimble
SOUTH RIVER TowssH1p.-J. W Patrick, VIM.
Chapman, A. G. Christian, J. D. Brooks, D. S.
Bell P. 7. Burkholder, j. NJ. Lewis, Clinton
Hall
north RIVER TowNsHIP.-J G. Fulton, James
A. Hamrick, 7 s. Hogshead, Wm H. Gamble
ID. N. Vanlear, John H. Erwin, James G. Turk
RIvERHEADs TowNsHIP.-A. S. Turk, T. NJ
Smiley, j. D; Lilley, A. Blauth, NJ. W. D. Hogs
fin.
STAUNToS WARD No. 1.-Wm. b. Kayser
Robt. Burke, W. G. Sterrett R. Mauzy.
STANTON WARD No. 2.-Wm. A. Burke NJ
vi. Efinger, S. Travers Phillips, NJ. G. Harman
The selection of Delegates to the Congressional
Convention being completed, the Stauntop Dele
gates withdrew and the County Delegates selected
the following gentlemen as the nominees 10,
County Offices:
Treasurer-Charles T. Cochran.
County Clerk-Wm A. Burnett.
Circuit Clerk-Joseph N Ryan.
Commonwealth s Attorney- BumgardnerJ r
Superintendent of the Poor-Geo. W Fauber
Sherif-Wm. L. Mowry
.Surveyor-Col. J. D. Lilley.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

TENo THE VOTERS OF AUGUSTA County, here
by announce myself candidate for the
position of Superintendent of the Poor for Au-
gusta County. Having occupied the above posi-
ton for the past four years, | refer you; as an
evidence of my qualifications, to the manner in
which have discharged the duties Of the Office,
and respectfully solicit your suffra ges.
sep9-tf GEORGE W. FAUBER.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

AUGUSTA County FAw--A NEW MATURE. We
are glad to hear that the officers of the Fair have
received inform alton of the coming of fine herd
of thorough bred cattle from Hardy county, to
be sold at tie Fur
This is step in the right direction and an ex-
ample to be followed and to be encouraged
Growing thoroughbred cattle, horses, sheep
and hogs may be regarded as thu agricultural
cline arts, and we hope the day is not far distant
when our Valley, and especially our county will
be celebrated for its success in this attractive de-
partment of industry.
Meanwhile, let US welcome all thorough brcds
whether cattle OR people.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

BALLOON ASCENSION. Miss Iottie Sinclair will
make al ascension from the Fair Grounds, near
this place. on the first day of the Augusta Coun-
ty Fair, Tuesday, October lsth 1870, This is
an additional and novel attraction and all cur
readers should be there to witness it.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30
NJ & s. ON TO.

Theregular Commun; cations of SrAUNTox LODGE
No. 10. are held in Masonic Building, Main Street
on the SECOND and LAST FRIDAY nights in each
month
The regular convocations of UNION ROYAL
~ ARCH CHAPTER, No 9, are held in Masonic
~ Building, on the SECOND and FOURTH IUES-
s-G-e DAY nights in each month.
%sI The regular Assemblies of Stevenson Com
T<S mandry are held in Masonic Building,
~ on the FOURTH Monday night in each
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30
COMMISSIONERS SALE
" OF VALUABLE LAND.

COMMISSIONERS SALE
~ OF VALUABLE LAND,
Pursuant to decree of the Circuit Court of
Augusta county, rendered at its June term 1870,
in the case of Brown & his 0s. Clark & ais. and
the cross suit of Clarke's widow as Gark's cred
itors, the undersigned Commissioners, will, on
Tie ss5tEa Day % Oct. 1879.
proceed, on the premises, to sell, to the highest
bidder, that valuable tract of land now occupied
by VIM. II. Neff.
Said tract contains about zEse 4 cras. stu
ated about II miles Northeast of Stanton end
Il miles from the village Of Mt. Scion. The
land is Of good quality, well watered, with good
orchard, and sufficient timber for farming purpo-
SEES The Improvements consist of good brick
Dwelling House, Kitchen, Barn, Stable, Smoke
house and Spring House
TERMS OF SALE.-$25o in hand, besides the
costs of cross suit and sale, the balance in three
equal annual instalments from day of sale, the
purchaser giving bonds, bearing interest from
date, with good personal security, for the defer
red payments, and lien retained On the land sold
as ultimate security.
h hEEki B B: i M}dH7H, Commissioners
ep23-tds--Rockinghan Register copy and
send bill to this Office for collection.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

NorE TRIs-We will furnish the Vindicator
and the following periodicals, at the following
rates, in advance:
American Agricuturist & Vindicator year,
for So.
Little Corporal & Vipdicator year, for S2,7e
American Stock Journal Il Vindicator year,
or $3.50.
ng> The subscription prices of these periodi-
calls are as follows: American Agricultural,
Sl,5o-Little Corporal, $l-American Stock
Journal, 81
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

TIE B GARD OF EDUCATION, at its recen meeting
in Ri chmond, appointed. on the nomination Of
Capt. Jed. Hotchkss, the County Superintendent
of Schools for Augusta county, the following
entlemen as School Trustees in the several
Townships, g., of the county:
For the City Of &aunton.-Major H. NJ. Bell
VIM. J. Nelson, and P. Byron Hoge.
For Beverly Manor Township. Towber-
man, Col. Asher W. Hartman, and Leigh R..
Waddell.
James H. Heller and John S. Guy
For Rioerheads Toscnship.-A. S. Turk, Capt.
c. G. Merritt and VIM. Thompson.
For South River ToacnsAip.-C. H. Withrow
Rev. G. Beard and DR.. J. NJ Watson.
70, Middle River 7ownsAip.-Wm. Wilson,
kasper B. Koiner and B. j Craig
For North River Township DIR. VIM. H. Da-
vies, Samuel Forrer and Jacob H. Picker.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

WOOD WooD Those Of our patrons who
desire to pay their dues in wood can do so. At
tend to this early, before we make other arrange
ments for our winter supply.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

Messrs. Richar dson & Wheat have removed
to their Few Store-room, On the corner of Main
and Aagusta Streets, where they have opened
large stock of goods in their line, which they
propose to sell at lowest cash prices. See their
advertisement and give them call
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

DR.. S. H. Henkel Dentist will be absent from
his Office, on professional business, from the 9th
of this month until 14th of October.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30
Died

On the 23rd of July, Alex. Hall, aged years and
months. An the 18th of Aug, Geo. Hall, aged
Is moEths-children of James and Maria Hall, of
this cornty.
On the 18th inst, Loretta Julie, daughter of W.
II. and J. c. German, aged months and IS days
Baltimore and Wilmington Delaware papers
please copy.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-09-30

WYE are authorized to announce William A.
w Burnett as a candidate for the Office Of
Clerk of the Comfy Court of Augusta.