davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
DIVORCE CASE COMPLETED.
Has Occupied More Time Than Any
Other During the Term.

The LABEL divorce case. which has occu-
pied County Court for the past few days,
was completed yesterday afternoon and
the decision withheld by Judge Watson
for elaboration. The case has occupied
more time than any other on the docket
and a large number of witnesses have
been examined H. S. Peck and f. B. Taft
represented Mrs. LABEL and II. y. Deav-
lit and K. +. Brown appeared for Mr.. La
bell
The case of George H. Snay KS. PhilO-
meme II SnaY was taken up at tho conclu-
sion Of the Label case The case is brought
Oh the grounds Of descrtion. Mrs Snay, ac-
Corliug to the testimony of her husband,
having left him about five years ago and
gone to New York State. Since that time
he has written to her repeatedly asking
her to return and live with him. His let
tiers have been answered by Il daughter.
with the exception of the last one to which
no answer has come. In every cas-" his
wife refused to return. Judgment in thu
matter will he rendered to-day The anal
adjournment Of County Court will be TAX
en- within a day or two.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
F0RESTERS' DANCE.
Second Annual Ball by Members of St.
Mary's Court.

The second annual ball of st. Mary
court. G. o. F., was held last evening
at the Masonic temple hall and was az
tended by nearly 100 couples. Dancing be-
gan at about o'clock and continued UNI
Ill >, a well balanced order of "a dances
having been prepared. Excellent music
was furnished by Watermans orchestra.
Refreshments were served and the affair
sustained the reputation gained by tie
hrst annual ball given last year The COM
mittees in, charge were as follows:
Floor director, Andrew Charland.
Aids VIM. Moran, T. T.. Conlon, G.. VI.
Cosgriff, Edward Dooley.
Committee of arrangements-Mrs. An
drew Charland, Mrs. G. NJ. CosGriff Mr.
John Shea, Miss Jennie Murphy, Miss L.
Mulqueen, Miss Katherine Gleason, Miss
Anna Mahoney.
Committee of introductcn-Miss Nora
Sullivan Mrs VIM. Moran Miss Anna
McAuliffe. Miss Mary Smith. Mrs Patrick
Lynch, Miss Julia Sullivan, Miss Is. A
Nick cnze
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
SOFT HERMlTS,

Cream half a oupful of butter and add
gradually one cupful of seeded and chop
ped raisins, two tablespocnfuls of -four
sifted with half a teaspoonful each of elm
namon, mace and nutmeg and one-fourth
teaspoonful of cloves. Lastly put In two
wel-beaten eggs, half a cupfu of milk
and enough -four sifted with two tea
sroonfuls of baking powder to make a
soft dough. Pat out small piece of the
dough to the thickness of half an inch or
less. cut in rounds and bake in quick
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
BEEF A LA MODE.

Buy piece from the under part of the
pund or the face of the rump and let
stand several hours in Il marnide of half
Cupful each of vinegar and oil, a chop
ped onion eight peppercorns. a bay Leaf
and chopped parsley. Baste often and
WHEN ready to cook, wipe dry and brown
on all sides in hot Gripping to scar the
outside and give a flavor to the meat
Half cover with boiling water and cook
at the simmering point with the addition
of salt when needed, from four to seven
hours, Thicker the gravy with -four and
water and serve with the meat
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
EILLETS OLE FOUNDER.

Into half pound of firm, raw fish, chop
red very fine and passed through seiv",
beat the white of one egg. half teaspoon
full of salt and a dash of paprika. Stir In
nearly one cupful of cream beaten stiff
and spread the mixture on half of the sur
face of hllets cut from large founders.
Fold the other half of each hllet over this,
cover with crumbs dip in white Of egg
beaten with two tablespoonfuls of water
and again cover with crumbs and fry In
deep fat. Drain on soft paper and garnish
with lemon and parsley, Tomato sauce
should be served with this dish
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
OBJECT TO DISCHARGE.
Three Creditors Of Knott g. Closson APP
pear in Opposition.

A hearing on the discharge Of Knott &,
Closson, bankruptcy. was set for Tuesday
afternoon at o'clock, Referee George w.
Deberville rad notified all creditors 0 the
bankrupt firm to show cause before him
Tuesday why the said bankrupts should
not be discharged. The meeting was held
for the purpose Of allowing the creditors
t. enter their appearance in opposition ~
the discharge.
f. w. Putnam Of Brattleboro and p. G
Dodge of burlington, represented by -. G..
Fits of Brattleboro, and Mrs p. g. Dodg,
OF Burlington, represented by Henry Bal.
lard. appeared in opposition. The time for
ling specifications was continued until
the 18th of October, Shortly thereafter the
referee will fix date for nearing the
same. On that date the bankrupts will
be present in person and all matters Will
be- considered and reviewed.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
Downs Elixir.

For more than 70 years Downs Elixir
has been the most popular cough remedy
sold. 1t is merit, not advertising, that
has given it this wonderful reputation.
1t cures coughs, colds. whooping cough.
Group, and all threat and lung trouble,
and even consumption.
A full dose of Downs Elixir on going to
bed. and small doses during the day, will
cure the most severe cough Any drug
glst will refund the money IL 1t does not
cure.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
FRIED CHICKEN WITH RICE.

Choose two or three tender chickens
clean them, cut them up and half fry
them while boiling half pint Of rice in a
quart of water. Leave the rice grains dis
tiuCt, but not too dry and stir into them
one large Tablespoonful of butter while
still hot enough to melt it. Then beat in
five eggs with little salt, pepper and
nutmeg, and uso for a covering to the
chickens after they have oeen placed in
a deep dish Brown in a moderate oven.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
WHITE CORN CAKE.

Mix and sift one cupful each of white
corn meal and flour, one-quartcr of a cup
full of sugar one-half Il teaSpoonful OF
salt, and two level teaspoonfuls of hal-
ing powder Add ono cUpful Of milk, the
whites of two eggs beaten stiff and one
and one-half tablespOonfuls of melted but
ter Turn in the mixture place on tho
centre crate of a hot even and bake TWEEN
ty minutes
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
No Appetite.

Want of appetite means bad digestion,
biIiousness, jaundicc, foul stomach, sick
headache, constipation. and general
breaking down of the system.
Bakers Mandrake Btters are guaran-
teod by every druggist in the United
states to cure these diseases or money re-
funded.
why take the risk of i'll health when
sure remedy is SO easily procured. Sold
everywhere, In liquid or tablets, at 70
,ents Der bottle or box.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
Dl Ed

CROOKER-In this city, Thursday Oct.
3. Arahella, eldest daughter of Mrs Cor
della G. Crooker and the late William Il.
Crooker.
TAYLOR-In Winooski oct s. 1901, Mrs.
katherine Sullivan, wife of James Taylor.
aged n years.
Funeral from ST. stephens church FRI
day morning, Oct, nth, at 9 o'clock,
CURTIS-In this city, of pneumonia.
Ursula Muriel, daughter of Henry +. and
Mary Kennedy Curtis,
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
BUNS.

Mix together enc Tablespoonful of butter,
one quarter cupful of sugar, one-half tea
spoonful of salt, one cupful of scaldel milk,
quarter to n whole yeast cake, accord
ing to time, and one pint OF -four Let rise
till it doubles in bulk, then add one-half
cupful of sugar mixed with ono-quartor
tcasponful of sugar, one-quarter cupful Of
fruit and nearly one pnt OF -four, Kncad
well let rise again and bake.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10

RECENT DEATH.

Horace F, Durham, aged about 20 years,
one of the old residents of Woodst ock,
died AT his home on Pleasant street Mon
day morning. He had always been promi-
nent IN the business affairs Of the town
ana was by profession a land surveyor.
Throuehout his whole life he had been
Interested in scientific and mercantile dis
covcries and had been instrumental in inc
Producing many in that locality.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10

young man was fortunate not to lose tho
entire arm. He was Immediately taken to
Sparhawks Santarium, where his injuries
were carefully examined and dressed. In
the evening he was removed to his home.
His sufferings were intense and while IT
Is hoped to save his hand he will be unable
to use 1t for two or three months.
present at this meeting.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
TAPIOCA CREDIBLE CAKES.

Stir half Il cupful of fine t0piOca into a
Cupful Of boiling water ana add aalf Il
teaspoouful of salt. Continue stirring UNI
til the tapioca is transparent, then add one
Cupful of cold milk, enc well-btatcn egg
and a Cupful of -four sifted with two level
tcaSpoOnfuls of baking powder. Cook as
soon as mixed and serve at once.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
EGGS AND POTATOES AL GRATIN.

Arrange alternate layers CT cold boiled
potatoes and hard boiled eggs. cut in one
quarter inch slices. Sprinkle the potatoes
with salt and pepper Pour over a white
sauce, cover with tuttered bread crumbs.
and bake until the crumbs are brown.
Fer two potatoes. allow three hard boiled
eggs and one cupful CT white sauce.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
BAKED BEAN SOTp.

To orc and one-half cupfuls Of cold
baked beans add four cupfuls of boiling
water. one slice Of onion and onc-uuarter
OF teaspoonful of celery salt Cook
twenty minutes and rub through q sieve
Add one-third of a cupful of tomato autsup
and salt and pepper to taste. Melt orc.
halr Tablespoonful Of butter, add one Ia
tlospoonful of butter. add enc tablespoon
ful Of flour and stir into the boiling soup
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
CURRIED EGGS,

Slice two onions and fry them in buttcr.
Add a tablespoonful of curry powder and
ono pint of coed broth or stock and stew
until the onions are quito tender. Then
add a cupful Of cream thickencd with ar
r3Wroot or rice flour, simmer a few min
uteS and beat in eight or ten hard boiled
oess cut in slices. DO not boil this mix
lllra
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
HAD IT ANAlYZEO .7ag

The Geo. /. Hagar Estate have received
from Prof. Wiltse, the Vermont state
Chemist a certificate Of analysis which
certifies that Dcvoe Lead and Zinc is rnads
only of lead. zinc. color, turpentiue dryer
ana lnseed oil; nothing else; no adultera-
ton,
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
PEANUT COOKIES.

Cream one-fourth cupful of butter and
gradually add half cupful of sugar and
thrco-fourths cupful of peanuts, pom ded
fine in a mortar. Stir In one beaten egg
and when light add cne-fourth tcaspoonful
of salt. two tahespoontuls of milk ANA
ono cupful of flour into which two tea
spoonsfuls of baking powder have been sift-
cd. DrOn Tie mixture on to huttercd tins.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
MHITE MI SnROOM SAI.CE.

Melt one Tablespoonful of butter in n
aGd one tablespoonful of -four,
and pour on slowly one cup of milk. sea-
son with Onc-quarter of n teHspOonful of
salt a few grains of cayenne, and one
third cup of earned mushrooms cut IN
slices lencthWiSe.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
CIGAR 80 INCHES LONG.
Sample Of the Kind Smoked by Filipino
Women Sent Here.

w. T.. Hcndee received yesterday by mail
n huge cigar from Capt, J. w, Heard, who
is now quartermaster of the Third Cav
airy at Nigan, llocos Sur, Luzon, L. l..
The cigar is about 30 inches long and IL
nearly an inch in diameter the end which
IL nlnCed In the mouth being SLIGHTLY
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
MARRIED.,

RL'LAND-GETTN-In this city, at tho
residence IF n. lombard, No. 367 St Paul
street. Monday evening, Sept 30, by the
Rev. q. q. Atkins. c. NJ. Rutland of Bos-
ton. Mass, and Miss Nelly Getty of Bur-
liugtOn,
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
CABBAGE AND SALARY SALAD.

Mix equal parts Of thnlv sliced cabbage
and celery, cut in small pieces. Moisten
the mixture with cream dressing. Gar
nish with celery tips and serve at once.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10

TomaKe Cows pay use Sharples cream
SeparatOrs. Book "Business Dairylng'
& Cat 3O6 free. w. Chester, Pa.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
SPECIAL TRAINS TO RUTLAND.

The Rutland railroad will sell round
trip tickets to Burlington from all sta-
tions between Alburgh and Rutland dur
ing the festival at the rate of the fare one
way. The tickets will be good going Octo-
Der IA, 10 and Ii and they will be valid for
the return trip until October H. inclusive.
A special train will leave Burlington for
Rutland and intermediate stations at II
o'clock Monday, Tuesday and Wednes-
day evenings,
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
ELLEN;
OF, Whisperlngs of an
Old Pine.
By JOSEPH BATTELL.

This book demonstrates the absurd and
impossible character of the Darwinian the
Dry of evolution and all undulatory theo-
RIGS and otherwise points out gross errors
which have become common in the text
books of science. Already it's contention
II regard to undulatory theories has
been accepted by the world (see article on
Cathode Rays by the great physicist, Prof
Joseph John Thomson of Cambridge. Eng
land, in llarper's Magazine for Septem-
b"r, which means the reconstruction of
all textbooks on physics. The argument
against evolution will unquestionably has
ten the death of a very superficial theory,
which now for some years has been slowly
dying, for it is the bedrock argument on
the subject, both convincing and conclu-
sivc
A very interesting book, w, j. Bryan
in The Commoner.
A book with much ingenious construction
of the most vital truths-Henry Waiter
son in Louisville Journal.
Lieutenant-Co L. S Army, James NJ.
ingalls,, one of the most eminent mathe-
maticians in the world and whose books
are recognized as the highest authority
on the science of projectiles. writes
My dear Mr., Battel:-I received a few
days ago a copy of your great work, Ell
LEM or Whisperings of an Old Pine" l
have looked 1t over very carefully, and |
think | can say positively that it Is the
best argument against the present accept
ed theories of sound that has ever been
presented to the public"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
GoS%2e&%;2
eexalonYen

a tcasponful at n time, and garnish the
top of each bit of dough with piece of
nut.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10
VERMONT'S ENTHUSIASM
Schools to be Closed For Festival Days
Large Returns Coming in From
Other Parts Of the State.

The board of school directors. recogniz-
ing the high educational value of musical
festivals and the unusual opportunity al
forded to hear the great artists, have de-
cided to close the high and grammar
schools at 10 o clock a. m. on Monday and
Wednesday of next week. In the other
schools pupils will be excused on those
morn ings by the teachers at 10 o'clock OH
request by the parents, it being under
stood that they are to be excused to at
tend the musical rehearsals. The gram
mar school on Monday and Wednesday
will begin at $50 a. m. and close at ~
o clock for each festival day.
PORTLAND FESTIVAL.
The first festival concert in Portland
aroused to great enthusiasm an immense
audience of over two thousand people.
The same concert with the same great
artists and orchestra will be given here
next Monday evening. The Portland Ar
gus says of the concert in that city:
The opening scene last night must have
been inspiring to every musician present.
That bank of chorus singers, rising tier on
tier and completely filling the rear of the
stage. a thousand strong. was a beautiful
and impressive spectacle lightened and
colored by the tasteful decorations and
electric lights. with a gigantic Tyre illu-
minated by colored lights for centre
BltttS, TIE Nlolt eject lIIOWlllE llli' tl
chcstra in the stage foreground into bold
relief.
This from the Press:
Enthusiasm reigned supreme last even
ing at the Auditorium, and never was
there so successful an opening concert in
the history of our music festivals APP
parently every seat was taken in the i'm
mense audience room, and in spite of the
heat and long programme of double and
nnt h. iyl, tnet 90 loss
ness was manifested among the crowd,
spectators.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10

book with much ingenious construction
OF the most vital truths.-Ilenry Waiter
son in Louisville Journal.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-10-10

A very interesting book. w. j. Bryan
in The Commoner.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-05-31
SALARIES IN PHILIPPINES.
Natives Must Pay Taxes of 81 100000 fsa
Civil Service Rule, Besides judicial
Administration.

Washington, May 2s.-In anticipa-
ton of the establishment of civil gov
eminent on July 1. the Philippine
commission has just enacted law
declaring the salaries to be received
by officials and employees of the CEN
trail government in the islands. In
round numbers the estimate is s., 200,-
600. Including the cost of provincial
and judicial administration, the Fill
pino taxpayers will pay salaries
amounting to several million dollars
Some of the principal items OF ex-
pense will be: Philippine commission
and staff, s112,62O; military governor.
$4,000; collector of customs in Ma
Mia, $19s,650; post Office in Manila,
s67,77o; collectors of customs outside
Manila, $225,000; municipal admins
tration, $243, 1896; auditor, $52, 4s0; po-
lice of Manila. $33, 760; post Offices out
side Manila, $30,s00; internal revenue
collection, s2s,106; civil service, $21,o5o.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-05-31
wAnToNness uneQuALE0.
War Department Receives Reports Of Ter
rible Cruelties Practiced by Outlaws
In the Philippines.

Washington, May 2s.-Oficial papers
received at the war department from
the Philippines give the details of
many horrible crimes committed in
the islands, for which the perpetrators
were tried before military committees
convened from time to time. Many
of them for savage cruelty and wan
tonness are unsurpassed.
A native named Flores led detach-
ment of about 60 Filipinos on pratt
cal raid upon the puebla of Irocin, in
Sorsogon, to plumber colony Of
peaceful Chinese merchants. They
met no opposition, nevertheless
hacked to death three inoffensive Chi
nese men, assaulted another so MUIR
derously as to cause him to lose his
left eye and arm and carried off for
ransom three other Cinnamon, a ma
tive and Spaniard. Flores was SEN
fenced to be hanged.
A native captain of insurgents in
the army of the famous Alejandrino
seized q Filipino in the full vigor of
life and had him buried alive. A ma
tive policeman, on duty in the Puebla
of Misamis, on Mindanao island, was
seized by band of natives, tied to
post and beaten with a gun. He was
then taken out on the highway, where
his assailants finished him with bolos
and pinned on him paper bearing
this inscription: "Countrymen: Don't
initiate me, for I am an Americanista
and have talked with Americans" One
victim was made to stand on the brink
of a grave dug for him, and there
stabbed to death.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-05-31
BURIAL OF JOHN r. TANNER.
All the Pomp and Circumstance OF a MILL
tary Funeral Attended the Last Rites for
the Ex-Governor at Springfield.

Springfield, ILL.,, May es.-In the
beauty of a perfect May day and with
all the pomp and circumstance of a
military funeral and the rites of the
church, the remains of former Gov.
Tanner were consigned to the grave in
Oak Ridge cemetery. The funeral
was the largest in point of attend
ance ever known in Springfield, with
the exception of the burial of Presi-
dent Lincoln in April, 1865.
A movement is on foot by 12,OOO, 900
colored people of the United States
to erect monument to Gov. Tanner
in one of the public parks of Chicago,
because he was the only governor
that mustered in a colored regiment
in the Spanish-American war Offered
by colored men from top to bottom.
This was the Eighth Illinois infantry
volunteers, which saw service in Cuba
near Santiago after the surrender Of
that city.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-05-31
POPULAR IN HAVANA.
Telephones Arc Used More Generally Tha0
In American Cities, Owing to the
Warm Climate.

Chicago, May 2s.-A. F. Blundell.
manager of the telephone companies
in Havana, is in this city to obtain
$500 automatic telephones for use
in Cuba. He said: Telephones in
Havana are in greater use than In
any American city of the same size.
People like to use them and they
have become q necessity. The warm
climate and the habits of the people
conspire to cause the Havanese to
make constant use of the telephone.
All that stands in the way of an inn
mediate boom in Cuba is the Foraker
resolution, which forbids grants and
franchises from the provisional gov
eminent. Capital in all lines of bust.
ness is simply waiting"
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-05-31
VICTIM OF AAzERs' BRUSH.
Young Student at Batavia, n. T., Has His
Face Painted with a Mixture of
Acid and Iodine.

Batavia, n. Y, May 2s.-Great rival
ry has existed between the gradual
ing class and the class Of 1902 in the
high school and the class fights have
been most bitter. A climax has been
reached, for John Swartz, a member
of the graduating class, was waylaid
in lonely section of the town, secure
ly bound to tree and his face was
painted with mixture of acid and
iodine. Blinded with pain, Swartzwas
released and secured medical aid to
remove the acids. There is probable
ity that his face will always bear the
marks of the hazers' brush. Vigor-
Gus efforts will be made to bring the
hazers to justice.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-05-31
AT HIS FATHERS STATUE.
Gen. Fred Grant Unexpectedly Met Civil
War Veterans In Lincoln Park and
Joino1 in Memorial Exercises.

Chicago, May 2s.-The event of the
many memorial meetings held in Chi
cago Sunday was the presence of Brig.
Gen. Fred D. Grant, who recently re-
turned from the Philippines, at the
service of U. S. Grant post veterans
before the statue of their old COM
mander in Lincoln park. The coming
of the general was unexpected, and
the 400 old soldiers present cheered
for five minutes. Gen. Grant was es-
corted to the speakers platform,
which was one of the projecting
blocks of granite of the Grant monu-
ment. No chairs were provided and
Gen. Grant remained standing
throughout the services.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-05-31
ONLY A CIVIC QUESTION.
United Presbyterian Assembly Held That
the Woman Suffrage Discussion Could
Not Come Before 1t.

Des Moines, Ia, May 2s.-The
United Presbyterian assembly placed
it's seal upon the question of approx
ing woman suffrage by formally ac-
cepting the report of the judiciary
committee which was to the effect
that the question was purely civic
one and therefore not one that prop
erly can come before an ecclesiastical
legislative body. Ten thousand dol
lars was appropriated for ministerial
relief, the maximum annuity being
fixed at $3.50. One hundred thousand
dollars was appropriated for home
missions, an increase over that of last
year.