davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-22
CHARITY CHINA.
How Food Is Dispensed to the Poor and
Needy of Peking.


On the first day of the tenth moon
Q5th of November) the winter chari-
ties are opened in PekiRg for the dis
pensing of food. When the cold season
is further advanced the distribution OF
clothing is made and the almshouses
become filled. Two of our reporters
recently made tour of inspection
among the charities in the south city OF
Peking. All the institutions visited
were supported by imperial bounty.
The first one reached was Il porridge
kitchen, little east of the great GEN.
trail city gate Ch'ien Men. The
..granary rice' was already cooked
and waiting hot in the great wooden
tubs usually found in such places; but
although it was nine o'clock none of
the poor people had arrived. The ex-
PLANTATION of this unusual lateness is
that at place half a mile away they
were drawing the rations of good
millet porridge first. The granary rice
is of bad quality. and the people much
prefer the millet. The second place
visited was one where sound millet por-
ridge was served, and there men.
women and children to the number of
1900 were waiting in great rooms or
barracoons the distribution of the food.
1t soon began. Two files marched out
simultaneously, men on one side, wo-
men and children on the other. each
person carrying a vessel of some kind
into which with great expedition dip
per of hot millet porridge was ladled.
Most of the recipients returned to their
homes to eat, but many homeless ones
found quiet places in wood-yards and
sunny corners of the streets to finish up
the millet while hot, and then go 10 the
place where the rice already mentioned
was waiting for them. At the third
place visited the dispensing was already
over. only five hundred applicants hav-
ing presented themselves to-day. most
of them, as usual, being women and
children.
This was one of the departments or
branches of large and expansive char
ity under the title Hundred Good
nesses." The functionary in charge
informed us that several thousand
sometimes were fed. A few steps
further on were the free schools of
this same charity. and still further
to the west at Il short dis
lance the winters lodgings known
as 1.-The Warm Quarters" This is APP
propriated for women and children, fifty
or sixty of whom had already arrived.
They receive porridge of millet and
granary rice twice day, on which
they subsist during the winter. The
warm quarters" number eight in the
south city. and were opened about ten
years ago in addition to the regular
official almshouses. The administra-
ton of the charity leaves little to be de-
sired. many thousands of poor people
being housed, fed and clothed during
the winter in perfectly efficient man
ner.-CktneSe Times.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-22
AJAPANESE GENESIS.
The Oriental story of the Creation of tn
Mundane sphere.

Mundane sphere.
In the beginning all things were in
chaos. Heaven and earth were not
separated. The world foated in the
cosmic mass like fish in the water. or
the yelk in an egg. The ethereal mat
ter sublimed and formed the heavens.
while the residuum formed the present
earth, from the mold of which a germ
sprouted and became a self-animate
being, from which sprang all the gods.
On the floating bridge of heaven
appeared q man and woman of celestial
origin. The male plunged his jeweled
spear into the unstable waters beneath
them. and withdrawing it, the trickling
drops formed an island upon which
they descended.
The creative pair. divine man and
woman, designing to make this island
the pillar for continent, separated,
the male to the left. the female to the
right, to make journey around the
island. When they met the woman
spoke first, saying: How joyful to
meet lovely man!'
The man, offended that the first use
of the tongue had been by woman,
demanded that the journey be repeated.
after which he cried out exultingly:
slow joyful to meet lovely woman !"
Thus ensued the proper subjection;
and this, according to the ancient idea
of Japan, was the origin of the human
race and the art of love.-OUerIaDd
Monthly.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-22

"A French provincial lawyer recent
ly died. In his will he directed that an
annuity of $500 a year be paid TO the
servant who should 'close his eyes. "
When this clause was read the servant
who had performed the Office jumped
with joy. but his delight was speedily
dampened by the nephew and heir OF
the dead man who reminded the servant
that his master only had one eye. and
the servant actually failed to get his
legacy on this absurd technicaiity.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-22

- All communications for this paper should
De accompanied by tie name of the author;
not necessarily for publication. but as an evf
aence OF good faith on the part of the writer
write only or one side OF the paper. Be
particularly careful in giving na-2es ard dates
10 have the letters and figures plain aEd
distinct
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-22
Mexican
Mustang
Liniment
CUHES
THIS GOOD OLD STANDBY

SSSS VIZ -
accomplishes for everybody exactly what isciaimeo
rorit One of the FOR the great popularity OF
the Mustang Liniment Is found in Its universal
oppIicability. Everybody needs such medicine.
The Lumberman needs it in case Of accident
The Housewife needs it for generalfamly U.S..
The Canaler needs &c FOR his tesmsand bis men
The Mechanic needs It always on his "orA
bench
Tho Miner needs It IN case OF emergency.
The Pioneer needsit-canr get along WITHOUT u
The Fa rmer needs Il in his house, Ms staoAe'
and his stock yard.
The Steamboat man or the Boatman ne1
It In liberal supply anoat and ashore
The Horse-fnncier needs tt-t ns Oess
friend and safes. reliance.
The Stock.grower needs TIT wiz s3'e LIZ
thousands OF dollars and world Of trouble
The Railroad man needs It and VIII neeo IL %
long as his Life Il o round Of accidents ana oanse
The Backwoodsman needs Il. There notn
ing Ike &c as an antidote for the dangers 70 MA
Hmm and comfort which surround the pioneer.
The Merchant needs &c about bis store among
hfs employees. Accidents viii happen. and when
these come the Mustang Unimens Ii wanted atonee
Keep O Bottle the House. lis the pest o.
economy.
Keep n Bottle I'm the Factory. IsimmediAn
nae IN of accident pain and loss OF wages
Keep . Bottle Always IN the stable lea
asS when Wssseos
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-22

les, duu HAS UGH l0T Inc laSJ twenty
years, and 50 told him.
''What did he say to thatl"
He said he saw l was going to brazen it
out. l said, 'Brazen out what" and he re-
torted, with scowl, that would have fright
ened an elephant, that knew very well
Then he turned and walked of l could not
help laughing at the poor old fellow at the
time, he was so desperately serious about it
all However, the sun may do the same for
me some day, and / really pity him, for he's
very good chap when he's all right
20, q capital feliow,' replied the other,
land can tell very good story. It's really
very sad. l suppose it must have been a
touch of the sun, though never heard of
his being odd before"
He seems all right now, any way said
Werner, looking up the table where Colonel
Punter was sitting.
80, yes, he's all right now. I'll tell you
what, Werner; have an explanation. The
old boy came down from town by midday
train, and dare say missed his lunch, and
what you took for mailman was only a
fellow very much in want of his dinner"
And the two young men laughingly changed
the subject.
A few days after this the Colonel was
back in town, and found himself 6reading
| considerably the coming interview with the
widow. He would have to confirm her
worst fears, he was afraid; also, that there
would be scene, and he did not like the
idea of it at all He felt, moreover, that he
must appear in the light of bearer of bad
news-a melancholy character which he did
not by any means wish to assume in Mrs.
VeTner'seyes. However" thought he, "a
shall at any rate have an opportunity after
ward of playing the part of comforter and
adviser" And this reflection seemed to
cause him good deal of satisfaction. 1t will
be seen, therefore, that the Colonel had been
somewhat taken Ito use the word which he
employed in confessing it to himselD, OF
smitten with Mrs. Werner on the one oc
casion on which he had seen her, and during
the few days that interviewed between his
return to town and the day on which the J
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-22

"A lady in Grant County. Va. aged
seventy, recently had an attack OF
measles. whereby she was cured OF
rheumatism
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
Jersey CITY.

At meeting Of the Church Temperance Union on
Monday night It decided to merge that organize
ton into tho Law and Order League
By direction Of Bishop Wlgger the committee OF
clergymen having charge of the temperance work In
the diocese Of Newark about to arrange for
series of temperance meetings in different parts OF the
diocese The high license legislation is generally
approved by tho Catholic clergy.
The strike at Smith Brothers iron works has ended
Tho etrkers held conference with the firm, and II
Was agreed that the should have the extra hour
on Saturday which they struck and that the time
should be made up in some other way
Adam Kessler who was engaged in the wholesale
meat business on Jersey City Heights, and who was
prominent member Of several German societies, mas
gone to Canada He Leaves debts spproximating
several thousand dollars, including largo sums OF
money which he borrowed from friends Just before
his departure.
A fire broke out at 1 80 a. m. yesterday in william
Green's house. No o Stevens An alarm was
given but Police Captain Smith and some OF bis men
extingushed tho flames before tho fremen ar
rived family named Bennett narrowly escaped
being suffoc aed by smoke They tried to make their
way down the stairs but were forced BACK py inc
thick smoke Mr. Bennett lowered his wife and
children by a rope from the window to veranda ana
from there they were taken to the ground
Two small boys, John Smith and " lille sceley, were
playing yesterday around carboy OF Vtrioi
In front Of No. $50 Yorkst They had been
cautioned to keep away, but poured some out on
bandkcrc blef TO sec the effects boy named Morgan
was passing and they threw tho handkerchief at him.
It struck his chin and tho fluid spattcrcd all over his
face burning him frfghtully. The boys were paroed
for further hearing in tho police court and warrant
was issued for the of the man who was careless
enough to lcavc the yitrIol in ths street.
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11

ys r. ,sss %a;' ss ys.''as' to 'ad'r''A Sf''
q ma: rs TIT sss s:;:sssss;. % ;::ssssss.
Ss'; s:s:a :ts' &C. A.i nv VIZ *: "s;' Il:
s 8 :s'; F.srss :1S
I's%ss S,ss. General wha', Bears" ''''n with ma''
:.:s:s S%s: S.;:s%' Sss!s Srsri:ss;, i. x., w..s
ss,. with ns.. t.
se.n:r Aaa.sSa ss~'orl0an' day" with "a''
sss@sr kSrsss Quick. Ssw.orlsan' days. with md''
St% :nd
Siis ssp Sf os.aa:S Ss.sss ssssa q diSs with "d''
to ED srSi ss:.s s.
yohns fh dsys With sugar mOas'ss and passengers
ana Sssy 4 city s H.sns SEI SinS s'rous raining
Steamer CALI, tsr. Muruhy Liverpool, Vernon
Steamer Wisconsin tBr. Bentley. nvsrpool-A Under
HALEY Br Holt LysrPS9BS,st Bruce 5.vUaf .m.y
Steamer Scraps (Br) DoDson Jeddah. Adsn' @o-A re'
steamer En-. (Gerl Jungst Bremen via Southampton
Steamer Bsg.nland (selO BcynoD. Ant~erp-Petsr
ssss@sr Sip. .Br, savin. oarshassna sa''nil' 60
Steamer Hondo (Br). Brownrgg, Kingston. wI-"iinam'
steamer Stamford Nor) Christensen. Baraooa-a0ne1
Pearsaf. - .-.. r.o,rv xonoe
steamer City Savannah Smith savannsn-heny
Steamer Delaware. Chichester, Charleston anu rernAn
steamer seneca, Walker Norfolk and Newport News
Old Dominion Is Co. -, w, ~, Dori,,op
nowpar
VIM woodward Yo@ng 6ougsss
B.Ts B.s TaEsn Tssma. % srsr Blaze FrBoyd
SAILED.
Steamers st AIrans for Singapore Wisconsin for Lav
erpool Delaware for Charleston
MOVEMENTS OF STEAMERS.
FOREIGN PORTS
ourKy.rowN April lO-Arrived steamer Arabic Smith,
from New.York Mar 81 for Liverpool ,,, mia,
SoUTHAMProS, April l9-Arrivei. steamer Fuida slns
from New.York Mar 81. (and proceeded on her way !"
salsd steamer Elder aur, from Bremen for New-1oIg
PORTLAND. April s-Arrived. steamer ocean, schm'u"
from New.York Mar %.
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
LONG ISLAND.

Tho Rev. j. II. Ranger, who has been rector OF
Christ Episcopal Church, In Bay Ridge for two years
has offered his resignation, to tako effect june i.
This Is the result Of differences IN the parish whch
have been agtatng It for several months. Mr. Kan
ger was formerly in ST. Barnabas Chapel, In New-forh
Johanna Augustine, sixteen years old, daughter
of Julius Augustine we'll known merchant OF HeEs
VILE was bitten by largo Newfoundland dog Her
parents became alarmed lest hydrophobia should loo"
and she has gone Paris to be treated by Pasteur'
The case Of Cora f. HiSke Flushing school teacher
against Charles W. Bardecn, Editor % The School
Bulletinn was resumed in the Special Term Supreme
Court Long Island City, yesterday Miss Fiske claims
that her nut alton has been damaged TO the extent
Of $4,000 by a publication In Bardecn's paper re,
fccting upon her competency as school teacher and
accusing her OF failing to pay him monoy due As conf
mission for obtaining her positions
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
BROOKLYN.

The third and last concert Of the Apollo Club was
held last evening in the Academy. The club was as
sisted by Miss Emma Juch, soprano, Camilla Urso
volinlst and Henry =. Reddall bass, with the New
York Philharmonic Club.
Deaths last week 3l5 births 241, marriages 100.
The Injunction to prevent the Kings County Ele-
waited Railroad Company from constructing Q stair
way in Sands st TO the station at Fulton and Sands
sts was dissolved by Judge Cullen yesterday.
Charles W. Green. Of No. 100 Rodney-st, pleaded
not guilty yesterday TO indictment charging him
with murder in the first degree in killing hs brother
in-law. Nicholas Goldenhrch. March "a. The
trial will probably take place In May.
Austin Corbin president Of tho Long Island Ele-
vatod Railway Company wrote 10 Mayor Chaplin yes.
terday calling attention to Tho faet that an appiea
tion BY the company TO the Common Council for per
mission 10 build w. road In Atlantic ave- had not been
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
A THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR MISSING BABY.

Memories Of Charlie have been aroused by the sd
Sertsement In papers yesterday Offering reward or
and no questions asked" the return OF the baby
that disappeared from carriage Siegel Co.'S
6rygocds store at Thirdaye and Seventy sevenh-st,
while its mother was inside store Nobody had come
for the 81 900 yesterday afternoon and the detectives who
were investigating the case had found clew. At the
request the detectives names OF the chds parents
made public present but it is announced that
they will be published the baby is found 1t
Is said however that the parents wealthy and we'll
known the nohbofhood and that the child was not an
adopted one that 1t probable that It was
stolen solely for the sake Of Tho baby was
s one year and three months old at the time OF is
disappearance white embroidered dress robe and
cloak black stockings and kid shoes had on IL. risht
hand gold ring with the word Baby" bscx nsmeed
letters
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
PoUR poo1sELLERs HELD FOR TRIAL.

Inspector Steers and Captain Slevin created
element Monday night by raidng the pool
rooms OF William Lowell ct No. Barcsyst.. and Of
Ridge Levlen Of No. e4 ChuIchst In Lovells they
cured only prisoner George II. Wilson. At Leven
5000 seized and George Smith, Harry Ackerman and
William Ht thin arrested At the Tombs Court yes
terdsy all held in $500 for trial. with the exception
Of Wilson, who held in 1000 for examination next
Wednesday He Will DO tried under the Pool Act
which 1t mlsdemeanor 70 sell combination tickets
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
ALONG TIE SOUND.

Sullivan & Crew. OF New York city, have received
the contract to build at cost Of s2 0Go2 "a steamer br6g.
Ut Steam Ferry Company. The specifications call
Tor a boat 40 feet long, twenty iour feet beam,
eight and half feet hold, with engines OF 2oo horse
At the ninety seventh annual meeting of tho Fair
field County Medical Society," In Bridgeport, yesterday,
Dr. Robert Lander, OF that city, was chosen pesueh'
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11

rather wild and improbable chapter of the serpent
serial published yesterday 1t was TO the enect that
the serpent fully sixty feet long with scales as big as
nlatters with horse head and and snakes body
had been By OF the officers and passengers from
che deck Of the Guon Wisconsin at a. m. last
empty soda water bottle and several other
empty bottles thrown at 1t and 1t disappeared As
was a. m and no moon and there many empty
bottles around the story is thought explain itself
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
Percentage Percentage
OF Population Of Admissions
According 10 70 Public


This table proves that the Irish furnish more than
double the number which would naturally belong
to percentage OF population while the Oermsns ana
below the percentage due TO their pro-
portion OF the total population.
/ do not sdduos these figures in order 70 raise
any comment 10 the burdens imposed
upon tho city In consequence OF the Pc
euar condition of the Irish portion OF our population
due believe mainly tho injustice TO which they have
been subjected their native land and which
Justly for them the sympathies OF the lovers OF
sefgovenment throughout the world and especially in
this country OF equal rights and homo rule. We have
been trained regard this land the refuge for the op
pressed of all nations and blessed with free gov
srnment and boundless resources extend warm well
come 10 who 1t shield themselves under the
broad folds American Gaa and with hem we freely
share the rghts and duties Of our common citizenship
But the facts above stated when properly considered,
should impose modest restraint In claiming new privileges
which are not known the law, and not desired by
the conservative portions Of the nationality In whose
favor tho exception is demanded The American people,
made up Of many elements is tolerant long suffering and
slow anger they regard the nag as the symbol Of
nationality they will surely resent any propositions
the recognition OF any other idea OF SOW
eregnty within the limits OF the Union, than that which
IL embodied National flag sancned as II Is In their
Ace ABRAM S. HEWITT, Mayor
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
STATEN ISLAND.

George W. Griffin was arrested in Danbury, Conn,
Yesterday at II O'Clock by Inspector COBB and onccr
Devn, of Staten Island lie was fouhd IN ccHIctoiS
At that place weeping the grave OF his father,
with largo music box by his side Mrs: Grimm was as
informed and after paying 500 expenses which he
Incurred during his oscapadc, she brought him TO
Port Richmond, where he was arralgned before justice
Uulsebus on charge OF stealing from his wlie the sum
of "a $50 AS his victim did not press the charge
Griffin was dismissed.
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
IIRFRT FINK FALSELY OUOTFD

A report Of what pLrported to be an interview with
Albert Fink. tho well. known railroad expert and cngi-
near condemning the wellington plan for New
York terminus the Brooklyn Bridge published in
Tho New.York World" Monday. Mr. Fink has
written TO Mr. wellington saying that the interview
extremely incorrect. and that he did not condemn his
nlan at
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
BARRETT STA BBBD BIZ DRUNKEN VETERAN.

On Monday afternoon Patrick Ooen. fortyeieht years
old who lives at No. II Monroest and veteran Of
the War Of the Rebellion drew pension Of 5000. He
started on way pswnshop 70 redeem several articles
be had pawned but stopped get several drinks When
be got his bundles from pawnshop he drunk On
his way roughs took his bundles from him and
ran away. Coon pursued them with . knife. He met
John Barrett Q truck-drivsr who 70 an unole Of the
young Barrett murdered by Loneobsfd and installing him
Tor seves stabbed him the head 10 seversi
pasea Policeman Nullsa 10 sTsstips Cssn received
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
NEWS FROM TIE SUE URBS
NEW-JERsEY.

Ex-Governor Ludlow. J. Williams Crane, and Fred
erck Heidritter adjustment Commissioners under the
Martin Act were busy all day yesterday viewing the
property in the Sixth Ward Of Elisabeth. The eomn,s
s,onsrs will begin work Immediately In adjusting the
a.sss.ments and back taxes due the city from this
ward
OF forty applications for licenses at New brunswick
vesterdav. thirteen were laid over refused.
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
NEWARK.

"Patsy" Reynolds, of tho boys bitten by dog
and sent to Paris be treated by Paseur two years
ago, was In court yesterday to answer charge OF
embezzing sc from his employer Patsy" pieauea
guilty and said he spent the money for cakes and
candy Judge Kirkpatrick gave the boy warning
and susnendcd sentence.
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
SHIPPING NEWS.


PORT OF NKw.YoRK. .......-TU EsDAY. APRIh TO- 1888
ARRIVED
Steamer Nevada (Brl Cushing. Liverpsol Mar 81 and
oye.n.own April with mdse and passengers Under,
gtssmer stsudun CITY (Brl Cove Bristol Mar 2s with
pdse npd pAssenssrs 70 james Arks Co Arrvsd s ths
bar 81 9Am
StaAnG cifssssA (sTS Campbell, Glasgow Mar "a Ne,
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11

scted upon, and Asking tho Mayor 10 stir up tho
Aldermen In the mailer
Annie Foster, age eight OF No. 1875 Broadway, was
choked 10 death on Monday afternoon II 10 thousnt
by swallowing toy whistle attached W rubber paI
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
Announcements.
No TROUBLE

NO HUUBLE
70 take RIKERs COMPOUND sARsAPAR which is gusran'
beer than any advertised thoy agree to return tho
money! and as 1t only taken t1lco DAY oetore preak
retirin2 10 may De taken Win tno
larty without trouble .-.u.x. - ro, aro
Insist having RiKERB SARsAPAkILlA anu Jou Jna 70
n.sitiv1ly sure OF cure Do not allow any ono 70
ppersuade yos otherwise Sold by almost All -, ues ~
any druggst refuses to supply you. you can oe
.rre ~ eating what yon the drygoos houses apn
re neral direct ftom "h D. hlhEh S''' wv
Gth.aye-, NewYerk
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11

cut on the hand Coen srrGned before Justice foso
tn the Tombs yesterday and hold for trial On charge
OF felouious assault in Default Of q. 900 bail o.,
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
vEsTCUFSTER COUNTY.

Benjamin o. Buchhoist, wealthy farmer OF INC
sitting by the kitchen stove He was sxty-fve years
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
WHAT Is GOING ON TO-DAY.

Thomas d. Kerrs before Court Of oyer and Ter
miner. -. x., :,
Board Of Estimate and ApporuoDmens. City Han.
D. x.,
women's Board of Foreign Missions. DR.. Paxtons
Church, 10 o. m.
PARK and AQveduct Conmissioners meetings
The Rev K. walpoIe warrens case before Judge wal
lace ,,,
Board OF Trade and Transportation. Bryant Building
3 80 p. m. a. -
sFashlns Thursday in Venice Metropolitan Opera
House, 8 80 p. m. .
Association Of Union Prisoners Of War, Second Battery
Armory 8 p.
Meeting 0, Twenty third Street Railroad drectors
Life Insurance Company election OF uustoes
No. 346 Broadway.
Lecture by DR.. Maynard, Chickerng Hall, p. m
General Time Convention, Hotel Brunswick, IL a. m
Manhattan Congrega onal Association, Broadway TSper
nacle. IL o. IN.
New Parks Commission, No. 45 Willismst 1 y. m
Opening OF Butterfly Show, Eden Musee.
king .Trow bridge case, Tombs Police CCurt
Urion Boat Club entertainment Lexington Ave
nue. Opera House, evening.
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11
HOME NE W s.

PROMINENT ARRIVALS AT THE HOTELS.
EyERETT-Emmons Blaine, Of Chicago. FIFTH
AyENU Eek. Congressman Frederick Niles, OF Conneo
tcut and A. L. Conger, of Ohio. GILSEY-Senaeor
Lwight M sabin, of Minnesota, and John NJ Franes OF
Troy acknowledgements Colonel Peter c. HANS
ond Lieutenant Colonel Gearge L. 0nnspie, U. D. A.
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11

ITO MOTHERS"
Mss wrysLow's SOOTHING SYtUP. t,r Chttrs1 rsnsnne
.o,sns tho GUNS reduces nha nuatoa. allys all pai1.
cnres nd oslIc and diarrhpA T1ony'hve centt ostt
New-York tribune., 1888-04-11

"THE best cure in the world for c0nRns M
cslds and consumption Is Cutler Bro. q SoS "'nAHs"
cid Boston Vegetable Pulmonary Balsam