davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

a. MARROW EsCAPE.-Edward Nun.
nally and William Darling, two young
men, yesterday afternoon attempted to
bring a small rowboat down the river
to point near the Petersburg bridge,
from Belle Isle, Richmond. When
Mt point ust above the bridge the
1oat capsized The men scrambled
and wadeG 10 rock III the river at
that point, and seeing no other way to
reach shore, they attempted to swim.
Mr.. Nunnslly, after some difficulty,
succeeded in reaching his haven, but
Mr.. Darling was carried down stream.
He made great efforts to guide himself
into shore, but the strong current swept
him on, and many people who had
gathered on the bank and bridge be-
lieved that he would be drowned.
When opposite the, Southern Railway
shops, and near the falls, number Of
the workmen threw rope to the al.
most exhausted man, and be was pull
ed ashore. A minute later, ana he
would have been dashed over the falls
to his death.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS paid
out of the city treasury on Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday, and eight
hundred more on Fridey, for smallpox
expenses, and that, too, though in neither
of these sums were any of the large
smallpox bills presented to the City
Council at its last meeting, included,
may well set the city taxpayers to
thinking about the answer to the ques
ton one of their fellow.suflerers re-
Gently asked: which is worse, death
by smallpox or by taxation?
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

The UNIvERsITY.-The Board of
Visitors of the University of Virginia
was in session yesterday. The first
matter occupying the attention of
the board was the erection of the new
dormitories, which are to form an adj.
ditlon to East Lawn. Many plans were
submitted, but those made by Mr.. Paul
J. Pelz, of Washington, were selected.
The hoard also determined to inaugu-
rate hospital, and a committee of the
medical faculty, with DR.. p. B. Barriu-
ger as chairman, was appointed to sub.
nit plans at the meeting OF the board
in lima next
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

REPRESENTATIVE Bailey o! Texas,
in refusing to be candidate for re-
election to the position of Leader Of the
minority in the next .. 5. House OF Rep
re5entatives, has only done what COL
scientious conviction of his duty COM
PEELED him to do. Ifa majority Of the
democrats 10 the House, when only q
few of them were present, no matter
how small that majority may have
been. would allow their temporary
emotions to overcome their regard for
the express provisions of the Conslitn-
tion-their only palladium now, With b
President, both houses of Congress and
aSupreme Court all against them-he
naturally doesn't desire to be held re-
sponsible Tor anything hey may do,
which, Of course, he would be, il he
were their acknowledged and accepted
leader. Mr.. Bailey may rest assured OF
the fact that he mas the endorsement Of
his party, if not that ofsomeofits repre-
sentatives il tbe I. :. House Of Repre-
sentaives.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04
The Pope,s Condition Imnrm-:

ROME, March IT CHOW
ietin on the Pope's coad
this morning: Tn p,a
tranquil night and Is ,-el-. N- j
will leave his bed today
hours. The Pope temp-uUc
and respiration are norma II, y
petite is good and bodily .uo- ion, 81
regular. The Pope is quoted a- ~
ing; my recovery is miracle. Il.
statement is taken literally by '.t
Dopulace who are making many .l'l'
offerings and it has caused a. ac,c
sion of religious enthusiasm
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

THAT smallpox guarantees are not
effective is proved by the escape Of
those guarded by them, no matter to
what expense the city may be put for
their maintenance; and how can q
contagious disease be suppressed, if
those living in an infected house are
allowed to walk about the streets?
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

BosToN, Mar. 4.-Wm Ao-.
years old, received word as h.t oI.y
had been left An estsle worm =. 49,. 70
by an uncle, Frank A Myrt-en. .,,a
MIA. The property consists o.
tate, Amsterdam ships and Dea.-'-, j.
Morrison was a newsboy unit. i"' IND.
when he became an apprentice 10
office
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

For froct bites, burns, rdo.,.- ., u
zema. skin disease, and cspoe.t.l "a.
Wits Witch Hazel Salge s'a.'5 ~ 90 =
Look out for dishonest peos.r ...s
tate and counterfeit it II '.' ]. g.
ment OF good article Worn 5;,' TX,
not initiated. Get DeWiit7 ~ ~
salve. Edgar Warfeld, IT., co'1''
pift Srraats
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

Two thousand years ago, man sur
prisad AT the illegal acts Of soldiers. eX-
claimed: Ia the midst OF erms are
the laws silent? The echo of that ex-
clamation was often heard in this
country during the war between the
States, and will be heard as long as the
world shall last wherever might is
stronger than right. That it is now, ia
Porto Rico, is made plain by the fac
that General Henry, the military COM
mander there, who, when ia this couu-
try, was the colonel Of d negro regi-
ment, suppresses newspapers at his
own sweet will, though that island is
now part of this country, and though
the Constitution of the United States,
which is the supreme law OF the land,
expressly provides that the freedom Of
the press shall not be abridged.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04
List ofUncIalmed he'''

The following is list OF irs -
manning in the Alexaadr.+ '"
March / %
Persons calling for letter. ~"
they are advertised.
Advertised letters noi
weeks will be sent TO tls
Beckon. Willie 5
Carpenter. Madison ho
Dog lie, VIM ' saw,
Lee, Mrs C 4 e-,s,5 IL; =
Murphy, Mrs Maggie 'GGfpiIifapPEB, !. >
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

DIR. BULLS COUGH SYRUP
cures Group. It has saved the lie of
many a child. Mothers, keep this
medicine always on hand; it will save
you many restless moments. Price 25c.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04
STATE OF ONO. CITY OF TOLEDO, }

LUCAS COUNTY,
Frank J. Cheney makes oath that he is the
senior partner OF the firm OF F. J. Cheney &
Co, doing business in The city of Toledo
county ami State aforesaid, and that said firm
will pay the sum of ONE HUNDRED DOL
LARS for each and every case of Cstarrh that
cannot be cured by the use of HALLS Ca
TARRH CURE
FRANK J. CHENEY.
Sworn to before me and subscribed in my
presence this 9th day of December. a. D.
1856.
C@-1 a. W. GLEASON,
t--~' Notary Public.
Halls Cstarrh Cure is taken internally, and
acs directly on the blood and mucous sur
faces OF the system. Send for test monials,
free.
FL. CHENEY & CO, Props, Toledo, o.
Sold by all druggists, 75c
Halls Family Pills are the best.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

President Mckinley would like to
appoint Arson G. McCook, of New
York, Secretary of War to succeed AL
ger. There is perfect under
standing between the President
and Alger that the latter shall
retire from the cabinet at convenient
opportunity. Both the President and Sccre-
tsry Algcr are aware of the fact that Vice
President Hobart sud Senators Hanna and
Elkirs, Secretary Gage and a few others have
formed a combination for the purpose of driv-
ing Secretary Alger from the Cabinet.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04
The Markers.

GEORGETOWN. Mar. 4.-N1ei' 80
CHICAGO. Mar. 4.-The mare a..
follows: Wheat-Ju!y -
a72l2. Corn-July - Ha 5.-s
Oats-July =; May 2-42..
50 37a9 30. Lard-May - t'.'
BALTIMORE, Mar. 4.-t.sa. wv
unchanged Wheat duh au1 .''
month 755ss75a4; April '''i s.
dull and easy; spot and monlH
Oats dull aud easy No : VINE
2 mixed 33loa34
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04
The Snanish Cabinet.

MADRID, March 4-The conserva-
tives are not securing the assurances OF
support for a cabinet to be organized
bv Senior Silyela that they would wish,
it being believed that the accession OF
the conservative party to power would
be too ractonary. A further obstacle
is the attitude of General Polavieia,
who is holding back. His support is
most essential. The chances are
aeain in favor of Sagasta continuing in
Office through dissolution of the Cor
taS
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

DIR. BULLS COUGH SYRUP
cures all throat troubles. Why wear
out your throat by incessant coughing,
when this reliable remedy can be
bought for only p cts. q bottle?
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04

DEATH OF Mr.. GLENNAN.-Mr.
Michael Glennsn, vice-president and
general manager of the Virginian.Pil
Publishing Company and former owner
and editor of the Norfolk Virginau.
died at his home in Norfolk at u
O'Clock last night. Last Sunday morn
ing Mr.. Glennau, while attending SER
vices at St. Mary's Catholic Church,
was attacked by rheumatism, of which
he had been lifelong sufferer. This
finally reached his heart and caused
his death.
Mr.. Glennan had spent almost the
entire fifty-fve years of his life in news
paper work. He served calamity in
the Confederate service, being cap.
tured at Fort Fisher. In recent
years he was very prominent in the po-
litical arena. He was elector on the
Cleveland ticket, and was appointed
postmaster of Norfolk by President
Cleveland, holding that position four
years.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-03-04
MIR. BAILEY RETIRES.

Representative Bailey, of Texas, an
nounced yesterday that he would not
be candidate for the democratic lead
ership 10 the next Congress. He stated
that his decision was irrevocabie, al
though his friends appealed to him not
TO make statement.
Tue refusal vi the democrats Thurs
day TO follow his lead in the demand
for ne consideration of the resolutions
declaring General Wheeler and the
members who had accepted army com
missions had thereby vacated their
seats induced him to make this an
nouncement.
MI. Bailey gave the following state
ment OF his attitude:
81 want it distinctly understood that
l am not actuated by any feeling of
pique or personal disappointment, but
l am proceeding purely upon the
idea that as large number of
democrats are unwilling to insist
upon an obedience to a perfectly plain
provision of the constitution, they
ought not to be made responsible for
the leadership of man who believes
that the constitution is the supreme
law of the land, and ought to be
o6eyed at all times and by all men. l
would raise the same question again,
and l will raise it as often as it pre-
sents itself, but when | raise it from
my place in the ranks of the party |
must take the responsibility, and others
will not be compelled to share the re-
sponsiblity with mel believe that the
democrats who voted to allow these
military appointees of the President to
retain their seats in Congress greatly
mistake the sentiments of their demo-
cratic constituents. 1t is utterly i'm
possible for me to believe that any
man in this country is more popular
with the democratic masses than the
constitution, a reverence for which has
been the chief article Of our faith.
regret the vote almost beyond ex-
preston, because doubt if, with that
precedent established, any appointee
of the President will ever again be de-
MED right to sit in the House of Rep
resentatives.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

Mrs. Steve Holden has been sick the
past week.
AFRO Boyce recently shot hawk that
measured 9 l.2 feet.
The school in this district is not expect.
cd 60 begin until the second week In May
Winiired Foss begun her third term OF
school IN Dist. No. in Mortified Mon
day.
Mr.. Tucker Of Rochester has been sick
with the grip for the past three weeks at
Z. Il. Bowmau's.
Ziba Pages auction was held last week
Wednesday. The farm was not sold. Cows
sold from s2i to s3l,
Mrs. Ernest Blanchard and son, Paul.
OF North Cambridge, Mass, are guests at
l.. W. Blanchard 3,
Mrs. Waldo Rogers Of Randolph and
MIR Boyd OF East Randolph were In town
Wednesday to attend the funeral Of their
cousin, Aucs Webster,
This community was saddened last week
by the death Of Miss Alice May Webster.
which occurred at an early hour Monday
morning. Although she had been sick
for number Of weeks, her death came as
O shock TO her friends. A year ago she
spent the winter in California caring for
an uncle, returning here last May. She
was held in high esteem by all who knew
her and in her early death the Communi
ly suffers a loss. The funeral was from
her late home Wednesday afternoon, Rev.
W. $. Hazen Of Mortified officiating. The
intcrment was IN the hill cemetery by the
side of her father, who died few years
ago. Lovely flowers covered the casket
and beautiful form Of one who had been
am angel OF mercy TO many. She was p
years Oh age. The many friends have the
sympathy Of all in their bereavement.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20


Leet Blodgett is visiting his brother in
Lyndonville these days.
A fine span OF horses were sold to Geo
PantOn by e. b. Fisk recently.
Mrs. T. Calagan is slowly recovering
Z from Injuries received by fall.
As soon as possible j. W Parmentel
viii move his family into Mrs. Savilla
. Green's house
Charlie Flint is spending his vacation
/ from the experiment station with his SIS
/ ter, Mrs. W. J. Blodgett.
/ c. II. Kibbee has returned from his
work IN Barre and intends 20 run his meat
cart as soon as the travelling Will permit.
c. A. Bigelow and wife came from Bur
lington to see their little daughter and
visit bis parents recently.
While on a business trip to Burlington
Geo. Wheatley Of Boston made his mother
and his sister, Mrs. ]. Carpenter, a brief
visit.
Calvin FulIam was summoned to Bur
lingtOn last week on account OF the seri-
GUS illness Of his wife, who was in the
hospital.
Jason Nye of Randolph has rented the
hotel, and with his wife, will take posses
sion as soon as vacated by 5. Smiths
family the first OF May.
some people are greatly surprised, as
were +. A. Gaylord and wife last Satur-
day evening, their neighbors remember
ing it was his birthday.
The remains Of Rev. c.. Nelson Smith,
a former resident, were brought from
Maiden, Mass, for interment In the Cen
ter cemetery last Monday.
The fellow in Chelsea who only shot
four crows at one shot, is mo where I
compared with George WILDER Of our /
town, w-O shot ten at once, and little /
Robert Hall shot four.
Mrs. DIR. Ellis went 90 Burlington Mon f.
day to consult a specialist in regard 90 her
eyes ana Edith CalagBn, who has been
poorly for some time, went 10 the hospl
tai for counsel and advise.
Rev. Mr.. Abercr0mbIe wiIl preach a
sermon next Sunday for the community,
nom ChurChguers as well as those IS uu are
lahItuaI attendants 10 lis hoped many
sill be able to hear this discourse.
George Hall is able TO be about bis work
gslu after hissevere illness. While he
vas sick his friends provided an amount
# dry wood and hauled and worked up .
ears supply OF wood also meeting tbaeE-
'euse of sBW.ug the same.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

Rev. G. n. Ellis has gone TO Bethlehem.
Mrs. VIM. Paul has returned from
Boston.
Mrs. Elias Lathrop is visiting at Warren
Lathrop's.
Miss Lizzie Whitcomb Of Boston is in
town on business.
Mrs. Thomas has returned to her home
in Essex Junction.
School commences the first Monday m
May with Miss Madge Smith as teacher.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

1t is certainly gratifying to the public
to know of one concern in the land who
are not afraid TO be generous to the needy
and suffering The proprietOrs OF DR..
Kings New Discovery Tor consumption,
coughs and colds, have given away over
ten million trial bottles OF this great med.
iciue; and have the satisfaction OF know
ing it has absolutely cured thousands of
hOLelss Gaze Asthma, bronchitis, hoarse-
ness and all diseases OF the throat, chest
and lungs are surely cured by it. Call on
Drew Il Leonard, druggists, and get free
trial bottle. Regular size, soc. and 81
Every bottle guaranteed, or price re-
funded.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20
West IsrookfeId.

Eddie Boyce is on the sick list.
Mrs. Cora Kinre returned to Lebanon,
n. H., Monday,
Hebgr Thayer Of Worcester, Mass, was
IN tJWl last week.
Mrs Geo West is caring for her mother,
Mrs E. E Bowman.
Mr.. and Mrs, Chas. Oracle have moved
into Geo. Vests house.
Mrs. Homer Noble and son have been
visiting in Lowell, Mass.
Miss Lucinda Hatch from Colorado is
visiting her brother, Darius Hatch.
Miss Lila Chadwick spent last week
in Peth with her aunt, Mrs. Chas. Spear,
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20
East Brookheld.

Mrs Oliver Dutton continues in very
poor health.
j. II. Sprague returned from Boston and
Springfield, Mass, last Friday
Chas. A. BigelOw and wife Of Burling-
ton are visiting at c. H. BigeloR S.
Seth McNorton went to Hartford last
week to visit friends at his old home.
W. A. Robbins had the misfortune to
lose a horse last week. }, II. Sprague was
also unfortunate enough TO lose five head
of young cattle.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20
israve Men Fall

Victims TO stomach liver and kidney trou.
bies as well as women, and all feel the re-
suits in loss OF appetite, poisons in the
blood, baCkaChe, nervousness, headache
and tired, listless, run down feeling But
there's no need 10 feel like that. Listen
TO j, ". Gardner, ltsvilie, Ind. Ne SAYS:
Electric Bitters are just the thing for a
man when he is all run down and don't
care whether he lives or dies. II did more
70 give me strength end good appetite
than anything ! could take. can nov
eat anything and have a new lease OF
life Only SOC. at Drew & Leonard's
drug store. Every bottle guaranteed.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

Ed Preston is better.
Mrs. AFRO Bowen is sick.
Minnie Markham is little better.
c. Chadwick continues quite sick.
Mrs. Alonzo spooner continues to i'm
prove slowly.
The East Bethel school will not begin
until May LIST.
Luman Green is to carry on the Thresl @
er place again this year.
George Gage arrived at mis- fathers.
Henry Cages, last week. He has been in
California for some time.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

George Riley is working for Edwin
Church
Win Whitaker, one Of the listers, has
been on the war path.
Mr.. Perham and sister of Brookfield re-
Gently visited their sister, Mrs. Arthur
Williams.
Most OF the people have their sugar or
chards tapped. Geo. Bysm is carrying on
Arthur Williams.
II is reported that Lorenzo Bowen has
bought OF Levi Kidder one Of the Ransom
Tucker farms on Camp Brook.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

We, the undersigned. do hereby spreeto
refund the money on g 50-Cent bottle OF
Grgone's Warranted syrupof Tar II il fails
20 cure your cough or cold. We also guar
antee Is cent bottle 90 prove satisfactory
or money refunded.
". + Blood. Randolph.
p. Z. Csfiin, East Brsin.ree.
}. ~. Fargo, Randolph Center.
Bl0dEett Bros, Prookheld.
" h ~praEug, East Brookhald
A @. O~E1ud, EBst Randolph.
81. O. Hubbard, Granville.
Mauu S. Allen, Randolph.
b.. i Prince. South Randolph.
H 3d. t#ark, North Randolph
F. T.. Bachelor, West Braiutree.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

Calvin Metcslt is very feeble.
Mrs. E O.. saub0ru is quite poorly.
Pryntiss Ellis js going to Mrs. Drew s to
live this summer
Rev WILDER Fisk starts for his home in
Minnesota this week.
Mrs. Hannah BrouPhton is very low
and not expected 10 recover.
O. 2 Slack has adopted a little boy and
CIR. from a home ia Massachusetts.
10 is expected tbst Rev. Mr. Dickson
from Canada viii come here 20 preach.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

btsA Granville.
Fred Jaco' Of Braintree is at work for
Leslie Dict Tman.
Mr. and Mrs. Ordway were in town
from RoEbU-y last week
Mrs. Patel, With her brother, is visiting
in West Har rd this week.
stenhen BaJtartield OF Roxbury visited
his brother, q ). Butterfield, last Friday.
Mrs. Battles aud Miss Flint are at Mrs.
DickermBn's this week from RsndoInb
Mrs. J. thomEs00 OF Randolph was the
guest % Mrs. L. J.. . ckerman last Friday
and Saturday.
N. Rich and Mis- Nice Shepard. with
Master Nay land, fr.." R1Nbury visited at
l. l., DicEcrm8u'- I.sr THURSDAY.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

Very little sugar is being made ibis -as.
son.
Oscar Harding is going to spr.uga.s
TO run a milk route.
NJ. 81. Miller is visiting his brother ia
Washington, ID. c.
Herman DcMolt has resumed bis na9-.
for Mrs. 4. Il. Adams.
Frank Meieudy has gone to Bellows
Falls 20 work DO machine shop.
Newman Levette has moved bis hn.v
into part Of q. $. Jackman 20 house.
Mis- Bowers Of Weathersheld is caring
Tor Mrs. Z. $. Jackman, who Is still quite
sick.
Moses King Of Woodstock. who has
been boarding for some weeks at p.
DAVIS. has returned home.
Eugene Evans has moved 90 fhe Jara
ChedeI farm and Asphe AIlard has charge
Of the farm vacated by him.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

J.. C. Thayer OF Boston was 10 town Jas.
week.
Ida spooner is at work for Mrs. C. f.
Mann.
Julian Amidon Of Hartford visited bis
mother al p. A. Blanchard's last week.
{. Il. Flint, who works on the expert
ment farm in Burlington, visited bis ss-
ter, Mrs. Z. l., Smith, recently,
Ora Copeland, Who has been 90 work iar
Geo. Fiagg for nearly year and has teen
living 90 Mr.. Flagg's farm, bias moved
back 10 his home.
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20
EUa Dispositions
Are Early ShoQUn. "

Just so eUH in the blood
comes out in shape of scrof
ala, pin1pLes, etc., in children
and young people. Taken in
time It can be eradicated BY
using Hoods Satsapa4ua.
In older people, the aftermath
of irregular LfOing shogUs it.
self in bilious conditions, a
heaVy head, a foul mouth,
a general bad feeling.
1t is the blood, the impure blood.
friends, which is the real cause. Purify
that with Hoods Sarsaparilla and
happiness will reign in your family.
Blood Poison lived in a bed Of fire
for years owing to blood poisoning that fol-
lowed small po1. It broke out all over my
body, itching intensely. Tried doctors and
hospitals in vain. tried Hoods sarsapa-
rilla. II helped. kept at It and was en-
tirely cured. I could go on the housetops
and shout about It," Mas. J. T. WILLIAMS.
Carbondale Pa.
Scrofula Sores MY baby at two
months had scrofuIa sores on cheek and
arm. Local applications and physicians
medicine did little OF no good. Hoods Sar-
sapartlla cured him permanently. He is
now Tour, with smooth fair skin" Mrs
Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-04-20

When Nature is overtaxed she has
her own way of giving notice that assist
ance /, needed She does not ask ..r
Up until it is impossible TO get alone without
boll- and pimples are an indication taAt
e system is accommodating impurities which
IF they are an urgent appeal for assistance