davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

however feeble, should not be kept under
bushol, but difFused abroad, that the rays pen
etratiug more remote regions may come n con.
tact with illumined minds, rejecting back in
new and more vivid coIor5 the thoughts and
experiences OF others engaged 10 the same pur-
suits in which ne are trying TO fulfil the sphere
Of life 10 which our lot is cast. Let it be our
aim to excel in whatever We undertake; to labor
diligently. not for ourselves alone, but if sue.
cess has crowned our efforts, or failure has at.
tended our hopeful prospects, impart to others
the cause OF our success or our failure, that
they may be benefited by our experience. Let
US not be discouraged if failure sometimes at
tends our most earnest efforts, but labor on
until success is achieved.
Labor ever and ever with hope
Throug b the morning of life,
Winning home end its darling diVinties
worshiped children and wife"
Daily the plowiog, the sowing,
The reaping, the moving brings
TO the heart Of the toiler throbbings
That stir not the bosom of kings
He the true ruler and conqueror,
He the true king of bis race,
Who nerveth his arm for life's combat,
And looks the strong world in the face"
Addresses followed from Prof. Otis Mason
of Columbia College; from Dr. Snodgrass, sec
rotary Of the 2. +. q. A., and from Judsou
Brown, esq, Of Washington.
The eloquent, earnest address of Prof Masoo,
on what he styled "a little farm the nird OF
man-was listened to with tender interest as he
portrayed the development Of The bumao nina
from childhood to more mature years, indica.
ing the responsibilities aod duties Of parent;
and teachers in their training; also the diligence
the learner shOuid exercise in oht g mir Ennoc
edge of the duties OF life. Any attempt to re
port the address would DO Injustice to tho fox
chile words Of wisdom as they were uttered BY
the speaker.
DR.. Snodgrass announced tEat The Potomac
Fruit Growers Association would hold their
regular monthly msetDg 90 board the Mary
Washington. September Alb.
Captain Troth invited all members Of the
club with their families aud friends TO 80 Oh
this picnic excursion at half fare, promising to
20 down as far IS Indian Head, returning %
Alexandra about two hours later than the usua
time:
Il. L. Roberts gave Doticc that the Commit.
tee on exhibition would meet At the Corn Ex.
change in Alexandria on Saturday, the 25th
instant, at 10 a. %.
The Ladies Housekeeper's Association were
also requested to have their Commute meet at
the same time and place.
On motion of Thos. Walsh, voie OF thank:
was rendered to the officers of this club for .h@
faithful performance of their duties the past
year.
The critical committee appointed for the next
place of meeting we're Benj. Barton, 5. Pula.an
and R. +. Roberts.
Adjourned to meet at the house of n "
PersOn September 22d.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

The National Board of Trade have adopted
resolution recommending that Congress enact a
law authorizing the funding Of the legaltender
notes 10 bonds running forty years and bearing
per cent. interest per annun, payable quar-
terly. to al amount not exceeding $40. 900, 900
per month, until the legal.tender notes shall be
at par with coin; also one recommending the
repeal or amendment OF the existing bankrupt
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

The conservatives Of Stafford are not salts.
fed with the action of The convention that
nominated candidate for tho State Senate
from that district, aod recommend that ecu
ference be held in Fredericksburg to determine
what shall be done.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24
Appearances are becoming more uuiavorab!e

Appearances are becoming more unaVorao'e
to the success of the scheme of the regulators
for opposing the conservatives at the approach
ing State election, by nomiratiuga Ticket and
inducing the republicans to vote for it. The
Washington Republican OF this mcrn'os says ::
There has been some talk about uoniostlas
an Administration ticket 10 Virginia. We axe
happy to say that the movement has received
but little encouragement and las acquired no
strength We should lock upon any such at
tempt with extreme disiavor, as measure
which would only tend to cubarrass aud annoy
the Administration without accomplishing any
good whatever"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

As vii! be seen BY the proceedings OF the
Woodlawn Farmere' Club published 10 anoth-
or column, the fair Of that Association will be
held 10 this city 90 the 26th and 9th proxlmo.
IF ali The agricultural societies in this section
of the State would unite and hold joint an
nual fair 10 Alexandria the special facilities at
forded here for an exhibition of that character
could not fail to make it success.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

Judge j. 8. Black article on 1.-THE Electoral
Conspiracy Is to be replied in the September
October plumber Of The North American Re-
view, by Mr.. E. W. Stougbton, the associate
of Secretary Evarts before the Electoral Com
mission.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24
Horse Thieves,

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 24.-Three members Of a
notorious gang of horse thieves who have been
operating 10 Western Missouri for several
months past were captured yesterday. They
were concealed 10 wheat stack three miles
from Concorda. Several stolen horses 10 their
possession we're secured. Two of the thieves
were taken to Brownsville. where the latest
robbery had been committed, and the other
one was lodged 10 the Wurrensburg Jail. 1t is
said that the gang to which these men belong
have fifty horses now on hand, and that they
have stolen over 300 animals since last May. a
number of persons are implicated in the depre-
dations. Other arrests will follow, and it is
hoped that the gang will be entirely broken up.
The CAPACITIES or ONE AcaE.-On an aero
of pine land in Tsllsdega county, Als., Mr.. Jos.
Smith raised hundred bushels of Irish potatoes.
Before the potatoes were dug he planted corn
between the rows and the corn now gives pro-
mise of at least fifty bushels. Tho potatoes
brought dollar and q quarter q bushsl The
corn, at fifty cents bushel, will bring twenty.
five dollsrs-the crop from the scre realizing st
least one hundred and fifty dollars.
The Alabama paper from which the above is
quoted adds I'VE would suggest, for the bene.
fit of young men seeking situations that fifty dol;
lars will buy ten acres Of such land, that single
hand can fertilIzs and cultivate it, and that if
teen hundred dollars is a better salary than they
are likely to get for several years to como.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

Mai. G. T. CritteDden will be 4 candidate
for re election to the position of Doorkeepcr 0
the Virginia House of Delegates.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

Col. Mosby says that the report about his
having accepted position 10 the postal service
is without the slightest foundation.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24
The Strikers.

EAST STRoUDsBURY, Pa, Aug. "a gen.
eral meeting of railroad fremen and brakemen
is called to assem- bic at Scranton at four o'clock
this afternoon. Orders to this effect have been
posted. The object of the meeting is unknown.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

A negro man named Reuben Majors has been
committed to Jail in Lursy, Va. for outrsgiDg
Miss Weaver. young lady about seventeen
years old, near that place last week.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24
The Indian War.

Major J. W. Daniel will not accept nomi-
nation for Attorney General of the State
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24
Senator Morton.

RICHMOND, IND, Aug. 24-l0 a. m.-Sena.
iue at O'clock the pain retuTued to his rgbt
side, but is rapidly subsidDg. At this hour
he is easier and comparatively comfortable.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

At Atlantic City, n. j., yesterday, Jas. ikater,
a resident of Philadelphia, aged about 43. was
drowned while bathing. The body has not yet
been recovered.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

P. Mcintyre. leading cattle Slaughtered u
New York, stopped payment Tuesday. n''
liabilities are $4,000.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

Uoremitting application will induce 1seaI'
unless blood be kept constantly pure aod l' 'L.
For all hard workers the remedy to keep W.
blood in the best condition is DR.. Bulls b'oo'
Mixture.
, 1877-12-23
A WOAIAN-GAAIBLER,


Late last night the monotony of one of our
second-story sporting rooms was relieved by
the advent Of 4 woman, closely vei1ed, accom-
panied by an escort. Her presence of course
excited considerable curiosity; and the game
uaro) was temporarily interrupted, the players
and dealers taking more than ordinary interest
in the newcomer. They recovered their CON-
posure, however, on faliue to penetrate her
veil, and continued their game, keeping good
watch though, lest she might draw some instru-
ment from under the ample folds Of her dress,
and castigate or scatter the crowd from their
"rcstle with the tiger. 4 number thought she
was an outraged wife in search of her dear
''huobr,'' whose absence she had 1nourned and
whom she wanted to catch at the green table.
All con1ecturcs were, however, soon dispellcl
Ilc casc-kecper had risen from his seat
turned in lis checks, when the fair
incosnito deliberately planted herself in his
CHAR. opened the case-kceper, piled uD several
s20-rolls OF silver alongside of it, and appeared
ready for business. All eyes were turned upon
her, and Purdy's nimble fingers tremblcd per-
ceptibly. A slight palencss was visible in the
Dealers face, but, like the boy who stood upon
the burning deck, he was bound to stand it, win
or lose: Luck favored the fair stranger, aud
from white checks size turned to red, and the
RED resolved themselves into blue {$:,5 eachl.
She kept the cases carefully, aud PLAYED with all
the pluck OF an old hand at the business. She
won aud lost, but kept gathering in the blue
checks. Finally, when she was . couple uf
hundrcds ahead, size handed them to the dealer
ana received her eagles in exchange, and, with
her escort, lett the room and disappeared from
view. The eyes OF the boys stuck out like oung-
hoics on molasscs barrel. and they looked at
mystiied BY the fair stranger beyond concsp-
ton, and it was some time before the game was
resumed. Who she was no one knew, but they
would give something to find out.
, 1877-12-23

The latest out: The hired girl.
4 hint to ohotetkccpers-How to treat guest:
Treat him with inn-ciyllity.
4 recent poem has the following line: IA
tear danced in her eye" That tear must have
been at the eyyc-ball g
When the landlady discovered that her board
ers we're dropping of, the burden OF her song
became, Nothing but leaves"
Mrs. sprigstnsRafter preparing her two little
Presidents OF the future u for their bath, callea
them "a pair Of undresscd kills."
Young man, before setting out to "court
girl" supply yourself pfentifuIly with court
plaster. This will make her stick to you.
4 man had Il patch put on his coat. the other
day, aud then went and had the garment re-
bound. He said he had it ''bouna over to keen
the piece.''
And now comes fellow who wants to know
how they found the ''stone man Of Colorado ),
Sakcs alive! We supposed cyeryhniv Ina,
how they found him. They found him Is stnna
dead" of course!
Let me see," remarked the guest. ~. satcbe,
IN hand, he approached the clerk OF the hotel.
81 the stage doesn't 60 fur somr time vet. h.,
lieTc. Am l right:': 'sNo, efr, yon're 1cfr
Stage went before you were up, ii replied the
clerk. E~o 3no
Kruger says be doesn't wish to annear ,rr~v.
efent, Tut he ooutd like to explain how the
, 1877-12-23
RECONCILIATIOS.


Senators Blaine and Conkliug stood before the
Clerks desk, looking bright and happy and talk
ing anmatedly. ''Senator David Davis came
up,'' says dispatch to the Tribune, t'aud, put
ting an arm around cach stood there for several
minutes, and until everybody on the floor and in
the galleries had noticed theunusual and friend
" meeting" 1t was verg pathetic. Mr. Blaine
WAS foo1ing with one OF the buttons Of Mr.
Conkling's coat at the time, looking affection
ately into his face und inyoluntarily smuggling
up to him. 'tAre you sure you forgive me!''
be said, timidly.
Is Why, of courser' was the hearty response.
II You timd little thing! | torgaye you long
sfncc.''
Dear, dear!'' remarked Mr.. Blainc clapDing
tell auuty ell about it.''
- You refer to tai Hamilton!" inquired Mr..
Conkline. with some coldness-
Why, Yes!" said slr. Blaine. ''Why do you
speak 50 icilr! Do you not like her?''
Il do mott" said Mr. Conkiing stoutly
"Shc talks too much. She gets out Of her
sphere. She annoys I think nothing would
give that woman greater pleasure than TO
scratch somebody"
Theirs was very noticeable coolness between
the two; but at this moment The large and tath-
erly gentleman from Illinois came up, and, let
ting tear drop, joined the hands Of the rwo,
and said: "Blcss &c, me children"
IT'S this a third party!" inquired Mr.. Conk-
ling, drawing himself up haushtily.
'tSo, dear" replied Mr.. Blaine, looking
roguish; " it is only seconl-arc we not
one?''
sin that casc,'' said Mr.. Conkling with Dig
nifty, sits all right. You will excuse my appa-
rent caution; but it is necessary just now foru us
to avoid all entangling alianccs.''
''Very well, DEAR said Mr. Blaine With gen.
tie confidence. You know best, am sure.',
And the Christmas sun vas shining brightly,
and the Christmas bells were ringing far and
, 1877-12-23

remarked: tsDcar me! I'm glad your Colo
mel approves Of the match, but what
4 hurry he is in! don't think can get ready
so soon, hut Ill do my best, because, OF course,
love, the commands Of our Colonel must BE-
obcycd." The young warrior was puzzled.
.sDon't you sec, my darling,'' he said, "that
this confoundcd telegram puts stopper on our
planss You don't seem to understand the telc
gram. he says peremptorilT, 'Joln at once >. -,
The 1ady's bushes redoubled, but, with look
Of arch SIMPLICITY, she raised her lovely eyes to
her >,iance and replied, = It is you, my darlingg
who don't seem to understand it. Your Colonel
says plainly, 'Join at ONCE BY which he oi
else can he possibly mcans" A look Of intelli-
gcnce replaced the air of bewilderment in the
young heros classic features, and, bestowing a
regular feu dc joie OF chastc salutcs on her rosy
lius, lie accepted the explanation. and was en-
ablcd to answer the Co1onel's Telegram, in forty
eight hours aftcrward in these words, "iour
orders are obcyed. We wcre Joined at once"
, 1877-12-23

Courthouse, Va. For some time past he has
had in his employment young negro man
about 81 years old, named Frank Lewis, and
these three constituted the household. The
girl is described as being very beautiful, and, to
all appearance. 3 very modest and chaste per
son; but on Thusday last she was taken sick
and afforded incontestable evidence Of criminal
intimacy with one Of 4 different race. Lewis
had absentcd himself from the place for several
days, but returned Thursday, whsn the out,
shotgun and warned him to leave the premises,
and, as he turned to retreat, both barrels were
discharged into his back, and he now lies danger
ouslS wounded in the vicinity. 1t is needless to
found sensation in tho neighborhood Of their
occurrence, forming, as they do, 3 partial
parallel to the love OF the renowned Dcsde-
inona and Othello, "the Sooty Moor"
, 1877-12-23
CURRENT GOSSIP.

BAD PUNS.---NO. 2.
He met comrade on the street
One whom he long had wished to meet.
s4Th,s is cheap board, said he, ~ think;
For, when we meet, it's meat and drink.
s'One glass improves my vision much;
A pair OF glasses beats the Dutch.
Have something's" ''Ycs." "Dut wine is dear.
would not Mississippi beer"
''Luat night wasn't feeling well,
And took whisky on the she'll;
And, when tried to 60 from thence,
Fond du Luc Of fifteen cents.
''St. Louis beer ia flat and stale
Nor half US good as Bass ale.
When am there, good beer miss,
Wyandottc beer 60 good as this!
'sGenoa 1uan from Iowa!
His debt to me he will not pay.
My suit comes up at Tennessee;
To Lawyer Brown [ Santa Fe.
"Tm Illinois goes through my head
It's time that l was in my bed;
Such hours for me are getting thin
1t is too late, 1 Muscatine. !" C. D. ".
, 1877-12-23
IN MEM0RtAM.

MRS u. ". MCDOWELL, DIED DEC. IT.
We heard not the wings Of the Angel,
So softly be came;
Nc heard not Tue voice in tic darkness
Thai whispered her name.
Dr'2h. Visions OF holiday pleasures
ln fancy outspEead,
The while Angel hands were entwining
Acrown for The dead.
We thall miss her where firm hands are needed
70 w1cst Right from Wrong,
70 lit up the poor and dow4troddea.
10 make Virtue strong.
1ne clouds close in darkness about u.s.
Tusn day into night
Except where we see, through the shadows
One glimmer OF light:
The var that he. eye had discovered,
Dy Faith rendered clear:
And We know that her feet did not falter,
Her heart did not fear,
When the beautiful Angel descended,
And whispered her, Come!
me uaals Of E.rtn-life are ended:
We welcome thee home.r
~n'cAGo. MILE C. PoNERor.
, 1877-12-23
ORDERS OEEYED.

4 young suo-Lieutenant left lis regiment
short time ago on sick leave, and put up at thc
best hotel. not hundred miles from poon,h
where 1lc was immediately smiiten by the At.
fractions OF lovely maiden Who WAS star:nr
there He proposed. was accepted, and thc
happy day was fixed The Colonel. however
disapproycd Of sulrLieutcnants getting MAJ
ricd, aud particularly the marriage oi lie sub
In question. AS Lc happened to be friend OF
the young mans father, he thought tn prevent
the union OF The fond couple By sending per
emptory telegram couched in the following
words: "Join at once.'' The son Of Mars Wa
in despair. He presented himself before his in
tended with the fatal missirc in his hand, and
anything but look OF pleasure in his coun-
but the lady IVES equal to the occasion.
With a blush OF ma1denly simplicity and virgin
Innocence, she cast her eyes on the ground and
, 1877-12-23
GOSSIP FOR LADIES.
An Energetic Wonan-.-Some
Ante-NuptiaE Dangers.
How They 0beyed 0rders---A Minneso'
tan Who Has Had Six
Wives.
fhe Confession Of Great Sinncr-.-Iisctll2neaus
Eotes Of Feminine Nature.
MY LOVE

MY LOVE-
Ny lore. sour hair Is bright AZ gold;
Your cheeks arc req as cherries;
Your lips are Of dainty mold,
And scarlet IL Strawberries;
Your bosom's white as driven SNOW:
Your hands are like fairy's;
Your tender voice, SO sweet and low.
Is clear - canxry's.
M5 lore. yonr cres arc Eoft and blue,
Like skies OF Spring ethereal;
Pure as Il drop Of mornius-dew,
You scarcely seem material;
Your slender form of wildering grace
CLOVIS with tho rose and llly;
Sweet thoughts are mirrosed in Jour face,
Like blooms on waters stil!y.
My love. sweet empress of my heart
May nc be soon united.
And every keen, lo7c-lonsfns smart
Forever be rcqui,ed;
And in some snug. cmbowcrcd cot,
With blushing roses laden,
Wen live contented with our lot,
And crave no higher Aidcnn.
L. ''SloC1" BKuDAKEn-
, 1877-12-23


go, Mrs. Van Cott, I'm great sinner" said
4 young married woman at the Tabernacle last
evening. Seek forgiveness with q pentcnt
heart, and all will be well,'' was the consoling
reply. 10 but l cannot repent, aud Harry, my
husband, must know it aIl,n sobbcd the poor
wandcrcr. Why, what have you done,'' said
Mrs. Vsn Cott sharply. 30 how can tell it!
But must. Well, you sec, rag-1nan came
around this morning, and I gave HarrY's over
coat.aud two pairs oi pantsloons 1or tin pan
and u glass goblet and III here the poor
girl entirely broke down and sobbcd as if her
heart would break. Just then, and before Mrs.
Van Cott could say word, the choir COM
menccd to sing:
, 1877-12-23
THE MORTAL'S WO.
What Is this load so weighs me down
Thie constant press FROM sole to crown,
My every joy Of life to trown7
A cursed debit

What Is this load so weighs me down
Thie constant press from solo to crown,
hly every joy OF life to trown7
A cursed debt!
What haunts me like spectre grim
Which way turn see naught but him,
and from my life takes all the vim?
4 hideous debt!
What covered o'cr my eyes with wool,
And made my cnp Of hardship fnl1,
My barquc to up the torrent pull!
4 hurril debt
What plunged me in this wofnl pit
This ''Slongh OF Despona,' only 1T
For demon dark to grin aud grit
His teeth at debt?
What makes my hal. too soon turn gray,
And wrinkles on my visage play,
My step 60 faltcring DER the way!
i load OF debt.
What stares me ghastly in the face.
But mcaErc want aud dire disgrace?
For who can ill a worthy place
Harassed with debt!
Q for some power to give me wings
10 sour above terrestrial things,
And list the song some Serlph sings
''All free from debt"
THE sERAPn's SONG.
Q listen, Mortal-hcar me singl
Though high soar, and swift rny wing,
Thy wall OF wo. I've heard it ring
Through all the land.
1t makes this pity hcavc my breast,
To check my song, to fall my CREST,
And eyes with binding tears be pressed
sore demand
For thon who art my special care,
With whom I'd every blessing share,
And every wo OF life would spare
Thy hardened heart.
As, through the cther's mist and maze,
I've watched thy land, I've seen the blaze
MisfoEtune's tiood-sweep all the ways,
Like herald dart.
Those happy homes, with Leeion's name,
saw them all within the flame,
The iend triumphant ride untame,
And hurl his brand.
When pesti!cnce and panic sore
usnrped the throne, proclaimed their power,
And dcsolalion ruled the hour,
PoWerlcss thy hand.
Still, still I sing still sad my lay,
Eur now thou'rt cllnincd-the despot's prey
No power thy grievance to al1ay,
The wolf 10 foil.
As in wise thou'st tramme1cd down,
70 withcr meath the Nabob's frown
Who thrust away the silver crown
One c-half thy spoil.
That silver coin entirouc once more;
'Iwould save the bank, secure thy store,
And spare thee from Distinctions shore
'Twould lift thy hand.
.Iwould lift away expressions pail
That now 'cr suffering millions fall;
'Iwould shower the mama down for all,
To bless thy lanu
licAGo, DEC. -, 1877. CHARLOTTE C. WILDER.
, 1877-12-23
CHECKER ITEMS

CHECKER ITEMS.
The Fitzpatrick Bowen correspondence eamea
will be Published in this paper soon.
Col. c. D. Gates, Of Cambridge, Vt. vas yis-
itoE at the players headquarters last week.
4 dranghts handicap tourney has been arranged
to be plaYed at Manchester, commencing Dec 60.
The Stroudsullivan match terminated in favor
Of the former BY the score OF q IL, and clcYea
games drawn.
Mr.. c. Heftcr, draught editor Of the Chicaro
Post, started for Boston yesterday to witness the
iates-Earker contest.
Mr. Hanford, OF Buffalo, n r, had sitting
with Mr. l.. B. Cook the Michigan champion, T.
the Goodman House, Detroit few days ago
Score: Cook, 3; Hanford, 1; drawn, g. Total,
seven games.
Mr. 4. Affair, OF Kansas City, No.. is out with q
letter in the Boston Gto6e, disputing Mr. joseph
Zanonts claim 10 the authorship OF the correction
of Anderson's trunk Bristol, and claiming tbs cor
rectlon to be original with himself.
Mr.. c. Hefter writes that he was somewhat snr-
prised to see in THE TRIBUNE OF the lBtu inst
Mr.. Giddey dispute his score with him while At
Detroit. He says Nr. Giddey obtained a winning
position in one game, but carefessy lost the game
and that Mr. Gddcy also showed how sr. Booth
should have won game, but at no time did be
actually win game, nor does having Il winning
position Or showing how another player could hare
won, entitle him to claim game.
, 1877-12-23

p.1 - 3tezondr1a (Ea) Gazeffe
Kooeft Beach, white man and wfdower
,s1 M1th his only child, daughter Is years Of ace
lives Oh 1he roao leading from Pohick to Fairfar
, 1877-12-23

The solution to prize problem No. II will be
published rs soon as correct solution is recei:ed.
Quite number have scnt in their solutions during
the past week, none OF them, however, being tbs
correct solution to the problem Pass in your solu.
fiOna rant1arnen ~ ~