davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

A GEORGIA School TEACHER-A
colored "school marin in this county
has q number of men with families at
tending echool-one 40 years old.
Among the number is the man with
HON she is boarding, and one Of the
FIRST to receive the rod OF correction
was her landlord. Two weeks ago the
40-year-old student was told his next
failure to know his lesson would bring
upon him 1.-The rod certain" He says
she is right, and if, while he attends
her school he disobeys her commands
or fails to comply with her regulations,
that she ought to whip him, and his
duty is to submit to the chastisement
without complsint.-[Marion County
(Ga.) Argus.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
The Lecture Platform .

the taste for hectares pure and
simple has departed to very great
extent. Only the vely best are in de-
maud, ana tLose at much reduced
prices. Theodore Tilton made only
about SO eco last year, while the year
after The triaI he .-ade so 900. Beech
er, Higgirson, and other SlC0 men are
quite willing 10 lecture for so low.
They recognize the fact that the prices
have come down, ard that $50 is pretty
fair pay for half IN hours talk that
they can repeat often. The scientific
lecturers and the lecturers on scholarly
topics arc growing lass ard less II &C.
manl. One scientific lecturer last
wirtcr. and q man Of reputation, too,
ioun,, in q Western town only one
auditor, WHOM he invited cut With him
to take some oysters. 1t is moi an unn-
sual thing for lecturers to fini only two
or three persons il the audience.
People are afraid to pay out their
money on unknown lecturers.
"Some idea Of the class of men who
sometimes get on le,'ryo committees
may be formed from tie fact that one
of them recently sent for an engage
ment with DIR. Eiwiu Fl. Chaplin sew
eral months after his death. Another
wanted to employ Rutherford Il.
Hayes, under the mistake that he was
the same person that wss advertised as
Robert Bruce Hayes.
"As a rule, the number Of female
aspi,ants for employment in winter
entertainments is increasing enormous,
ly. The female readers are legion.
: Many Of them have little capital Of
j either money, good looks experience
or talent. They think they can jump
$ into a good living instantly. They
have no iiea of the cost of preparing /
lecture tour. or that committees vii
not waste their money on unknown
persons. 1t is surprising how many
, illiterate persons think they can read
They generally are fortified with pro
fuse puffs, written by their teachers
so-called professors OF elocution-whos'
names would not draw enough of al
audience TO pay for the gas.
. "Thc tendency now is to lighter en-
tertainments than formerly. Peopl
want to be amused Father than instruct
3 ed. They prefer the humorists. ant
t there are even grades of taste in thi
' reepect; but in some way or other TIL,
? people want to be made to laugh. Vet
e Grams like Susan b. Anthony and Mrs
Elizabeth Cady Stanton are not muci
in demand. The days Of the lectur
+ platform as a public educator seem t,
n be passing away.
4 In the same way that there ar
Q often Gspirsnts to the stage who pa.
J. good round sums to the managers T.
. bring them cut, there are aspirants t
, the platform and reading desk whit
:, invest capital and fail.
:, "There ere low go many good per
i. formers that new one las an up. hill
task. Committees are on the alert TO
variety. Conservative towns that for
merly would only have staid lecturers
now demand little touch of the drama
> some comic business. little magic O.
an operetts.
"a stranger who goes into q tow
. unknown generally loses his advertising
and other expenses. People don'S lik'
to buy a pig in apoke in lecturiDl
4 any more than in anything else"
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

GARFrELD AND HIS HoRsE.-A fanci-
full story has been told of the killing OF
Con. Garfield's horse at Chickamauga.
The true story as related by Gen.
Garfield is thus told by the Cinein natl
Commercial: he said he was writing,
sitting on the ground where there was
Q depression such that the flight of shot
was overhead. His horse was held by
IN orderly. when q round cannon ball
came close to the group and striking
another horse full In the breast killed
him instantly. Gen. Garfield said he
looked up, hearing the thud, and cav
that his horse was frantic with fright.
He had seen the terrible death of the
other horse and had abundant sense to
be scared. Garfield got up and stepped
beside his horse, speaking to him kind
~ and patting him with his hand,
soothing and reassuring the animal.
which at once became calm and mani
tested his gratitude. The horse. Gar
field said, as much as said to him,
"Old fellow, this doesn't look we'll to
me, but have confidence in you that
it is all right" The horse was not
hurt.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
Tho Irish Question.

Mr.. Parnell's reply to Mr.. Gladstone
does not seem to have been feiicitous.
Tie Truth is that Mr.. Parnell in his
presen: agitation stands upon untenable
and uupatr:otic ground. So long as
he was asking She sympathy OF the
civilized world IL an effort to remedy
unfortunate land laws there we're rea-
sons why lis agitation should COM
nar9 tho sympathies of friends at home
sind abroad. The British government
sccerted Mr.. Paruell's agitation by
giving Ireland beuefcelt land mess
ure, III Gct which, in the opinions of
ua,riotic Irishmen, will rebound to the
benefit Of that unhappy country. 1t
is possible, as NJ. Parpell fears, that
this act will not be successful ia carry
ine cut the wishes Of the government.
It is, however, too soon to form an
opinion. The Land sct has not had
II fair trial. Tho government is en-
titled to tho utmos. forbearance pen
ding that trial. Tie people OF IrelaDu
desire peace. They have been sorely
tried by factions and famines AID dis
content. The country is in ferment.
| In many sections the functions OF
society have been arrested. Chaos,
outrage, oppression, arson, sometimes
murder, pervade whole districts Of
Ireland. The government is unable
even by The use of the Coercion act, to
suppress crime. The consequence liz @
state Of uncertainty and apprehension
and strife fatal to Irelend's prosperity
MIR. Parnell, instead of soothing
troubled passions and giving his coun
trymen pesce, now proposes to revive
agitation, first, in favor of Irish indepen
dence, and, second, in favor Of abolish
ing the landlords right to his land.
Irish independence is sentimen
worthy of respect, but practically 1
dream. Ireland is SO placed that Eng
land can never consent to an iudepend
ence which would render Irelan
liable TO become the ally or the domin
ion of en- inimical power. We know
that when Napoleon WAS endeayorinl
to destroy the English power Irelan,
was always subject of apprehension
to English statesmen. England woulI
, KS soon ascent to tho independence o
Ireland ON the terms demanded by Mr.
Parnell as America to the independence
OF Maine or Texas. We are not certaii
! that even independence would be o
value TO Ireland. Ireland Is not ric!
country. Her resources are limited
/ Her people are pastoral. Her manu-
, features are feeble. She has it'll
} commerce. AS part of q great empir
Ireland could be rich and prosperou
, and beautiful, but Independent sh
: would be like come forlorn Roumani
} or Bulgaria, without the power TO ii
spire respect, at the mercy of any enter
prising rival. Ireland with q prope
local, municipal seif-government, as
= part of the British Empire would eDio.
all tho benefits that come from a relG
ton to vast, rich and powerful mon
srchy.-IN. Y. Herald.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

A Milwaukee man, who owns very
fine skye terrier, put down saucer of
milk for it on step few days ago.
and returning soon after was surprised
to find the terrier and two rats nearly
as large as the dog all tapping up the
milk in the most contented manner.
The dog was wagging his tail, and
seemed to be enjoying the presence of
his guests very much.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
MEssRs. RRODIE 4 90

Gentlemen: 1t gives me great pleasure ~
Inform you that your Imminent worked WON
ders in my case; was suffering from an a.
tack OF ingammatory Rheumatism of the.
worst kind, being confined TO my bed for
number Of weeks, and suffe ring the mos. ia.
tense pains. I had tried everything withou
success. was advised to Use your Cure and
in half an hour the pain was entirely gone
AMORY F. BELL,
2609 Sacramento Street, 3. ~
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
Shan t I Take a Blue Pill ?

No, don't take il and run the risk Of mer
curial poisoGs, but when bilious and consti
rated set racka e Of the celebrated X d.
ney-Wori. and il will specify cure you. 1t
is natures great ms dy for constipation, and
for all kidney and liver diseases. l. acts
promptly on these great organs and so re-
stores health, strength and vigCr. /. is put
II! in liquid and dry form, both acting with
equal ,inciercy. Price 81. See adv.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
Didn't Affiliate.

Her name was Julia Williams, and as
she stood at the bar she had the look OF
. xilted daisy.
"Inebriation." observed his Honor,
O. he glanced at the warrant.
"And thunderation." growled Bijah
% he remembered her singing.
swell, I presume 1 had glass too
much." she quietly remarked as she
smoothed her bangs.
"Are you in the the habit of getting
drunk and pounding the public with a
tabls-legi"
"Oh, mol There was bit OF trouble
between me and q very disagreeable
person named Henrietta White, and if
I hit her with q table log it was no
more than she deserved"
ST presume you have been to the
Work House ?"
"Oh, yes"
"Its very retired placer
every"
"No occasion to pound anybody with
table legs?"
"None whatever. How long shall
tell 'em was sent for 2"
"Sixty days."
"Sixty days. Thanks"
And she bowed with awful dignity
and swept into the corridor with the
tread Of . queen.-[Detroit Free Press.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

In the name Of suffering humanity, we re-
quest all physicians TO Try Ammen's Cough
Sy up. thea they will pr, scribe it for their
patients "h2 are troubled with coughs, colds
and Gircase- for which it is recommend d.
Many doctors who are Opposed TO patent
medicines prescribe this remedy; the drug
git simply changes HE contents int an
other bottle and the patient is none the
wiser, while the phy-ician gets credit for the
cure, which always follows where a cure is
possible. Ask your druggist TO show you a
IL r. bottle.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
Kidney ComnlaintS

OF all descriptions are relieved al once, ana
speedily cured by kidney-Wort. 1t seems
intended by nature for the cure OF all tbs dis
eases Of the kidneys caused by weakness and
debility. Its great tonic powers are eSpe-
cially directed to the removal of this class OF
diseases. We know OF persons that have
suffered for thirty years that have been per-
manentiy cured by taking kidney-Wort a
short time. Try it. Gather liGuii or dry
iSuu.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
Ia a Positive Cure


for all those Painful CompinintD and W cntnesscs
sOcommOn TO our best female population.
1t will cure entirely the worst form of Female Com
plants oil ovarian troubles Inflammation and Clcera
tlon, Falling and Displacemcnts md the consequent
Spinal Weakness, and Is particularly adapted to the
Change of Life.
1t will dissolve md expel tumors from the uterus I'm
early stage OF development Tho tendency 10 can
umors there Is checked very speedily by its
1t removes fsntness a;ulcncy, destroys all craving
for stnulnnts. and relieves weakness of the stomach.
1t cures Floating. Headaches. Nervous Prostration
General Debility Siceplessness Depression and lndI-
gcstion.
That feeling OF bearing down, causing pain. weight
and bactache is always permanently cured by Its
twill at all times and under oil circumstances act In
harmony with the laws TINT govern the female system.
For the uroof Kidney Complaints OF either ths
Compound Is unsurpassed.
LYDIA l.. PISEHA1I's VEGETABLE CON.
POUNDS prepared at % and .3J Western Avenue,
Lynn, Mass Price 81. Six bo;tesfor s. Sent by mail
in tho form of pills. also in the form of lozenGes
receipt of price, 81 per box for either Mrs P!nkham
freelyanswers all letters Of inquiry. Send for pamph
let. Address as abo,e Mention this Fuper.
No family should be without LYDIA Z. rTSEHAM'9
LIVER Pills They cure constipation. bliousness
And torpdity Of the liver. 8 cents .er box. .,
RS sold by oil Druggists. IA r
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
MEssRs. BRODIE & CO.

MbSSRS. DfsODIE x W. =. -, -
Having suffered for two years with kheu.
matism. and being unable to work as ! .as
all crippled up, l WIS induced to try your
remedy after all others had failed, and 10 one
week was perfectly cured aud have never
had a return Of it since. heartily recon-
mend 1t to all who are similarly amiStea.
JOHN L. TOWNSEND, !.
Shoecutter with Porter, Oppenheimsr .:
Slessirger. Res. lis u errero Street.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
Chit Chat for the Ladies.

Quantities of bangle bracelets are
WORE over nousquetsaic gloves.
Standing high collars and lov rolling
Collars are equally fashionable.
Even elderly women look we'll in
white or cream-colored Atwood dresses.
Velvet and plush will be the high
novelty dress trimming materials OF
1881.
Three in the afternoon Is the hour
for tying the wedding knot in the best
society eircles.
The rage for japanese ornaments
does not abate, but en- the contrary is
on the increase.
Qaaint little baskets Of split bamboo
are iavorite pendant ornaments III
houses of fashion.
Authenticated girls are coming into
fashion again, much to the cLaSrln OF
the golden-hair
The latest Oriental wonder as a hang
ing orpameut is great red Japanese
paper fish with blue eyes.
We may yet see our bellies on BIZ
cycles. London ladies tide them at
the doctors recommendation.
Eight and ten bridesmaids, one-half
being little girls, accompany fashion
able London brides to the altar.
Noparlor is now considered furnished
unless pretty japanese lantern, OF tWo
or more hang in hooks and corners.
Fashionable New York women re-
servo seats at the theater for their pet
dogs, to the disgust of oil around them.
Silly mothers dress their daughters
too elaborately for the school room,
giving more attention to their dress
than their education.
We occasionally meet hcop-skirt On
the streets, but only on those Of no de-
cided style. Ladies will rot put or
the unbecoming harness until obliged
to.
American women are now credited
with possessing delicate instinct in
regard to the choice of colors and ar
rangsment of draperies that hitherto
has only been the characteristic Of
French women.
1t may not be pleasant to young
ladies, who wear patches of black court
plaster on their faces for style. to know
that seyen-eighths of the men they
meet think they do it to hide pinple
OF a mole. yet such is the fact.
Among the new designs for embroid.
cred mantel lambrequins is one Of
black satin with wild roses; crimson
plush in water-lilies; olive-cloth. with
daisies and golden wheat, anu bronze
satin covered with modern point lace
The Dake of Westminster suggests
that permanent building be erected
for the nursing home and training
school for nurses that was founded by
Lady Augusta Stanley in 1874, as the
most suitable memorial to Dean Stanley
and his wife.
Although Princess Maud, the young
est daughter OF the Prince of Wales
is but twelve years old, she shows ex
traordinary vocal powers, and is &c
devoted and persistent q student o.
music that her parents have beer
obliged to restrain her enthusiasm.
To hold her place as ga woman o.
culture" the modern woman mus
stamp the impress of her own procliv
tiles on her home. In her whole home
she must be an inventor and not depend
upon the upholsterer or decorator, e1
cept to supply the material. The de
sign and disposal must abolutely b.
her own.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
MEssRs. BRoDIE & co.

MEssRs. BRODlE & co.
Dear Sirs: Was utterly Frustrated for
some time with Lumbago, and found no re.
lief until l used your wonderful remed;,
which worked an Immediate cure so that
could attend to business the next day. l
recommend 1t to all. 8. MUSGROVE,
1l4-ll6 kearny St. Dry Goods Merchant.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

1 was sick abed for three or four weeks with
Rheumatism, could not turn myself nor help
myself. Was rubbed freely with Brodie's
Wonderful Rheumatic Cure and got well at
once. recommend 1t to all.
AUGUST SCHLEUOR,
Woodland. Baker.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
Woodland

used one bottle OF Brodie's Wonderful
Rheumatic and Neuralgia Cure and found
immediate relief Have been confined three
weeks 10 my bGd, can now attend to business,
and am pleased 10 give my hearty recon.
mendation. GEORGE T. ErON,
Suffer County. Farmer
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
MEssRs. BRODIE Il co.


Gents: You know how skeptical was az
to the virtues Of your Remedy, or in fact any
remedy for Rheumatism, but after my wife
had used less than bottle of your Cure !
ceased to be skeptic as far as that particu-
lar medicine is concerned. and am now con.
WINGED that your Remedy will cure RheuMa-
tism II used according to directions.
d. NJ. CASHIN,
l014 Devisadero St., 8. r.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

MEssRs BRODIE & co.
l think your Rheumatic ard Neuralgia
Cure most superior article. My wife had
very severe attack OF Inhammaioiy Rheuma
tism In the arm, which your remedy imme.
diately and permanently cured.
ELIJAH SNIFFIN,
Oakland, Cal.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
MEssRs. RR0DIE AGO

MESSRS. bK6DIE q co.
Gents: l feel it my duty to inform you,
that your Rheumatic Remedy has com pletelv
cured me Of pains in the small Of my back
and limbs, which had troubled me so that il
was very difficult for me to walk. 1t has
been the means Of costing me not only pain,
but hundreds Of dollars In trying to cure my
self. Thanks to your remedy. IL "a mad.
me strong aud hearty.
CAPTAIN WHITE,
Steam Tug "Sol Thomas"
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
MEssRs BRODIE & co.

MEssRs. BRODIE s. co.
Dear Sirs: had q severe attack OF Rhen.s
matism in the wrist of my left hand, and q
was advised to try your Rheumatic and Neusg
raigla Cure. did SO and within three dsyes
was perfectly cured. The effect OF thiaS
remsdy In my case was prompt and satie.S
factory beyond my expectations.
Yours Respectfully, 7. P. Carroll.
Auditor Wells Fargo & Co.'S Express, s. ~
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
PENSIONS

For soldiers, for fathers, mothers, widows
children, etc. Thousands yet entitled. Pen
slons for any wound or disease. Bounty yet
due to thousands. Pensioners entitled TO in
crease of persioas. New laws and decisions
Time limited. Apply at once. Enclose two
stamps for laws, blanks aud instructions.
r. L.. GELSTON a. CO.. u. =. Claim Al.
tOrncys, Washington, d. G. Box 72J.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
BROpIE eco.

Gentlemen: have used your wonderful
Cure for Rheumatism this winter, and found
it gave me more relief than anything else /
have ever used, after having tried great
many remedies both in California and
Europe, when was afflicted with Rheuma.
tism for q number OF years. therefore
highly recommend your Cure to any one
suffering with Rheumatism. as it permanent
ly cured me. p. e. DOUGHERTY,
4l2 Commercial st., 8. r.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
& GO

BRODIE s. co. M
Gentleman: Your cure has worked wolss
ders and find 1t to be all that 10 claimed fofa
It, DAN 8. CyLP,
Haywardf.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

BRODfE & co.

bhVDIE q co. = =
Gents: My wife suffered for months with
the Neuralgia. One bottle Il your Cufe en-
tirely cured her and she has meyer had g
touch OF 1t since. JOHN k0HLMO0S.
Proprietor "KohlmoOs HOTEL" Alameds.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
MEssRs. BRODIE s. co

MEssRs. BRODIE & co.
Gents: Your remedy cured my Neuralgia
from which had teen suffering for month";
| heartily recommend II to all similarly M-s
tiicted, THOS. DIXON, &
442 Brannsp ST., 8. y.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
MRssRa. RRapIE SEQ

m nSoh5. OSVDIE q %.
dentlenen: Having severe attack Of
Rheumatism In my arm and tshonlder, waas
| induced to try your wonderful Rheumatic.
Cure and am happy 10 say that 1t entirely
cnred me. Tx PHILLIPS
Foreman D. Hicks & Co.'S Bindcry. Clay 50.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
Our Readers

Would Co well 10 call Oh or write to II. Schell
haas, FOR furniture, carpets or crockery; 1lth
St, Oid Fellows Building, Oakland, Cal.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

Some pei SONS make trouble, others give
trouble, and others still imply borrow troab
lie. They are all disagreeablc, and it is hard
10 say which is the most disagreable.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

j. ". Shseiiec IL Co.. 32l aud 1923 Sac
raInent1 81, San Francisco, employ no
drGrnr.ers- Cigars sold very cheap.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

Ammen's Cough Syrup cures coughs,
colds. bronchitis and consumption.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

DO not be fooled; ask Druggist nothing
S0 SOLD BY ALL DRUGGISTS. "a
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

Thousands Ct ladies day cherish crate
full remembrances of the help derived from
the use OF lydia L. Pinkham's Vegetable
Compound. IL positively cures all female
complaints. Send II Mrs. Lydia f Pink
ham, 23s Western Avenue. Lynn. Mass, fer
nnmnhet5
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
NEW
a Pocket Va1ise.

Evans Improved Laundry Sack and Pocket Trav-
cling Bag. PGtert applied Tor. The most useful
tcle introduced for convenience. safety neat
and the protection of all kinds of clothing
parcels. II is especially adapt Il for commercial
men. tourists, sp0rtSmrn and iersons travelling
For ladies It IA Just the thing for shopping and for
pc lies. The hest thisg made for scholars, en-
ablns them - carry their backs States etc. with
out destroying the covers. For lauu ry there 10
nothing Ike ltyour clothes carried to and from
the laundry in "a Lest package secure from dust aud
IL will hold pair of blankets, overcast shaw
dustcr. change eff underwear. In fact. any article,
and when not In be carried in the pocket.
On each one Is attached receptacle for address
cards. IL IS handsome durable and cheap. Made in
two sizes Prices Is cents and Sl.0O. Sent by mail
prepaid, on receist of price. liberal discount TO
the trade. Warranted to give satisfaction.
llA aTEn agent In every town In the United
WAN EU States 10 sell the Pocket ValIse,
Address, ID. =. EVANS IL 60. @G New
Montgomery street. under Palace Hotel. 5. f.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02

Bcdsteads from one TO one hundred dollars
ZACH, at IL. Schellhass, 18th street, Oak
eand, Gal.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-12-02
ICzT BAN.
% GeRry ST. Sam FranPfscO.
FREE EXHIBITION.

Japanese and other Oriental Goods.
All articles plainly marked. Pric lower than
ever before. Fans f-O N ct. each upwards. All
other goods in proportion. Wholesale department
Ter general stores. can and see goods and prices
without having to ask questions