davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
YOUTHFUL WRECKERS.
Arrested on Charge of Derailing Oak
land Street Car.

Eight small boys all residents of Oak
land, were arrested by city court Off
street car.
1t appears that the youths were in the
habit of placing dirt on the rails Just
to see the wheels go round" and the
sparks fly when a car passed. Their
sport was too much for one car, and it
tried to go round the obstruction. Yes
terday little Peter Roof was arrested,
and he turned states evidence, with the
result that Denny and Eddie Sanderson,
Ollie Busen, Jake Roof, Reed Spencer,
Henry McDague Clarence Sutherland
and Johnnie DONNIE were arrested. All
the boys were admitted to $50 bond.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
AGREEABLE CHANGE.
Weather Today Affords Pleas
ant Breathing Spell.

People who were obliged to seek their
porches and lawns in order to sleep
Tuesday night put an extra. coverlet on
their beds Wednesday night. For the
first time in weeks it was possible to
read in comfort beside a light, and this
morning the weather was actually cool
cold compared to the day before.
Wednesday was a record breaker in
high temperature in many parts of
Kansas. MacksVille and Mcpherson
reported a tempera ture of los degrees.
and it was 1O4 at Dodge City and
Wichita, and 100 at Sedan
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
AIDES New Opera " Shotgun .

Henry w. Savage has announced t.1at
the new musical comedy by George AIDE,
author of THE Sultan of Sulu'' and
Peggy From Paris" and Gustave Lud-
ers, the composer of "The Prince of Pill
sem and King Dodo,s' will be called
THE Shotgun" It is in two acts and
the scenes are laid at the present day in
Korea Mr. Savage viii make the pro-
duction upon an elaborate scale. Will
r. Barnes. the New York artist is now
at work uDon the costume plates. 1.-The
Sho-Gun'' will be seen early in the sea
son.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
PUFFS OF SMOKE
Have Been Emitted by the
SOuffriere Since July 19.

Kingston. Island of St Vincent. July
23-The Soufriere volcano has been
slightly agitated since July 19, emitting
puffs intermittently which cause cleo
trified clouds and low rumblings Sc
we're earthquake shock was felt at 1:4o
a. m. Tuesday. accompanied by sub
terranean sound of cracking, which
shook the buildings here and threw the
people into state of CONSERVATION.
fearing that a disastrous phenomenon
would follow this earthquake similar to
that of July H. 1902, which preceded
the eruption of September g. 1902.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
Too Few Berry Crates.

Wathena, Kas., July 23.-There has
been a crate famine in the fruit belt
here for two days and thousands or
quarts of blackberries are spelling on
the vines for lack of material to ship
them The berries are dead ripe, and
today a number of the growers are
turning their crops into wine.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23

cept for the faithful guard and peni-
tentiaries whose prayers could be heard
in the immediate vicinity of the chapel
of the Sacrament Throughout the re-
mainder of the vast basilica silence
reigned The body of the dead pope
rests on the high catafalque with his
slipered feet protruding through the
gates to be kissed by the faithful when
they will be admitted to the chapel
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
BOWLING CONTEST
Elite and Topeka Athlstic Associa-
ton Teams Will Meet

A free bowling contest is to be held
at the Elite alleys Friday night be-
tween the Elite team and the T. A. A
Manager E. E Hoenshel of the Elite
alleys has recently had the establish
ment thoroughly overhauled. The con-
test will be held under very favorable
conditions for good playing. The oppos-
ing teams will be composed as follows;
Elites-Wentworth, Gossett, EWart,
Hoenshel and Richey. T. A. A--k1rk-
pa trick, Harry Wolf, Arthur Wolf'
Morton, and Clark.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
Smallpox Near Hope.

Abilene, Kan. July 23.-Two families
north of Hope are quarantined because
of smallpox A son belonging to one of
the families has been working on the
railroad and came home sick, breaking
out with the disease later. There are
three or four cases but all are light and
no spread of the disease is probable.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
A School House Burned.

Great Bend, Kas.. July 23.-The East
ward school building in the Fourth
ward, which cost about $4,000, was
burned Wednesday. There was $1,000
insurance on the building. much
larger and nicer building probably will
be erected this fall The cause of the
fire is unknown.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
IN MEMORY OF THE POPE.
Church Bell Will Be Tolled Daily
Until the Funeral.

At u o'clock noon and at o'clock
morning and evening the bell of the
Church of the Assumption tolls for the
passing of the soul of Pope Leo XIII.
The bell is always rung at this hour but
since word of the death of the pope was
received it has been tolled for several
minutes at the hours named and this
will continue until the papal obsequies
are over. A commemorative pontifical
mass will be celebrated at the church
some time next week.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23

Mahanoy City, Pa, July Z.-By the
bursting through of large body Of water
that was impounded in an abandoned sec
ton of Ellangowan colliery of the Phila-
delphia and Reading Coal and Iron COM
pary Just before quitting time last even
ing five miners. all foreigners, were drown
ed Considerable coal accompanied the
rush Of water. making 1t impossible to
reach the bodies.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
Constitution Fails to Appear.

Brenton's Point, r. L, July 23.-The
Reliance and Columbia only started in
the 90-footer class today, the Constitu-
ton having failed to appear. The act
ual times of crossing, as seen from shore,
were: Columbia 11:4s:s9; Reliance
11:50:4S.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
Cut OfTan Months.

Chicago July 23.-Two military prisoners
Privates Wilson and Long. knocked their
guard senseless with his own gun and fled
to the country. evading the patrols sent tc
retake them The men had yet ten months
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
Temperatures of Large Cities.

Chicago. July 23.-7 a. m. tempera-
lures: New York SIS: Boston. IS: Phila-
delphia, y; Washington, 20; Chicago,
66; Minneapolis. 81; Cincinnati, 20; St.
Louis, IA.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
FARJEON DEAD.
Noted Author and SOn-in-Law
of Joe jefferson.

London, July 23.-B- L. Farjeon. the
novelist, died suddenly at his residence
at Hampstead this morning He mar
ried in 1877 Margaret. daughter of Jo-
seph Jefferson, the American actor. Mr..
Farjeon died from the rupture of a
blood vessel.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
WON DECIDING HEAT.
John Taylor Captures Unfinished
Race at Detroit.

Detroit, July 23.-John Taylor won the
fifth and deciding heat in the Merchants
and Manufacturers $4,000 stake for 2:24
class trotters at Crosse Pointe this
afternoon. Time, 2:101a.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
outing for Congressman Scott.

lola. Kan, July 23.-Congressman
Charles Scott and family left Wednes-
day afternoon for Estes Park, Colo,
where they will enjoy little outing in
the mountains.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23
mother Jones Permitted to Speak.

New York, July 23.-After calling on
Mayor Low. Mother Jones secured from
the park department permit to hold q
meeting in Washington Square park to-
night.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23

Chicago July 23-Forecas ast-Kansas:
Partly cloudy tonight and Friday with
possibly local showers; continued warm;
| variable winds.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19

When at his best Delehanty had but one
equal as a thrower-Big Sam Thompson.
No pitcher ever took better care OF his arm
than did Del of what he called his whip.
When he started playing left he was
himself when throwing except when reces-
sary to cut off a run or hold man on
base After making catch De!ehanty IN
Ied. But K he had to line it to a base
or to the plate. no one could 60 it with
greater accuracy or with greater speed II
on him that led Del to play first base.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
OF SPORT FOLLOWERS.

Nick Sanford. C;.y-There is no reason
why you should not claim the bantam cham
ptonship Harry Forbes is more than 800
miles away.
Local sport-certainly. fighting Is a man
" sport, and it does one good to witness
high-class men in the ring. When Jeffries
and Fftz appeared here. all the spectators
felt they had been done good-and plenty.
Fight Goer-Yes, Tommy Feitz and Otto
Richter think Harry Sharpe is the best
referee in America.
Rising Pugilist-It is hard to say which
is the best liniment for fighters use. OIL
Of mustard is often effective. 1t should be
rubbed on the gloves.
Old Subscriber-Yes. the policemen you see
at the West End Clue are Haushton's
guests He Is always delighted to see
them.
Young Kid McCoy-No. soap is not new
sort of breakfast food. Get some one to
show you a cake.
Otto Richter-No. we don't think there is
any chance of Haughton putting you and
Jack McKenna on in a special bout for
managers. He says he can't afford to build
a new ring after the fight
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19

Hans Wagner retains his Job as leader Of
!. the National League batsmen, keeping up
Percentage OF $40 and having q lead OF
nine points on Roger Brcsnehan. his near
est competitor Harry Steinfeldt is third
and Fred Clarke fourth.
Twenty-Five men ara batting 200 or better.
OF these. Pittsburg has four. New York
four. Cincinnati the same number Boston
two Philadelphia only one, Chicago four,
Brooklyn one and St Louis two. Beau
mont leads in runs scored and hits made
Beau IS the only player who has scored
more runs than games played. while Beau
and Wagner are the only men who have
made over 100 hits.
Pfttshurg leads in team batting, Chicago
second. The Pirates have an immense mar
gin in the way of extra base hitting.
Mathewson leads the pitchers in fielding
and Warner the catchers Doyle heads the
first hasenen. Magoon the second sackers
and Wolrerton the third base guardians
Dahlen tops the shortstops and DoIan the
outaelders. Brooklyn leads in club fielding,
New York second,
The figures:
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19

Because Of his great bulk and his ungain-
" stride in negotiating the bases. DeIehanty
was never seriously considered a base
runner, Yet matter of fact he was one
of the very best that ever wore q Phila-
delphia uniform. There were probably
dozen others who stole more bases during
their connection with the Phillies than did
Del. but if the records had been kept it
would be found that ne had stolen more
bases when they Were necessary for the
winning of game than any of the others.
and I'm not unmindful Of the fact that
Billy Hamilton was considered the king of
base-runners. Had Dslehanty been as
speedy as. say. Elmer Flick 4, he would have
department of the game. He rarely got a
bad start. He seemed to know d intuit!vsly
hail and was under full sail before It had
left the twirlers hand Then his fset;f RS,
base. and If It happened that Del's legs and
the ball hit the base about tie same me-, time;
would be safe. if he did not get an extra
base.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19

stshl IS still the batting leader OF the
American League, though tho great LaJoie
is entitled to the honors on tho basis OF al
season play. Twenty men are batting .Ss' OF
better, the hitting, all the way through
averaging 4 shade lighter than that OF the
National League.
OF these twenty star batters. Boston has
four, Cleveland two. Chicago three. Wash
iDrton only one-the dead Deiehanty-the
Athletics three, Detroit three. St Louis two
and New York two.
Detroit leads in team batting Analysis OF
the figures shows that this is wholly due to
the fact that Detroit has several heavy-hit-
ting pitchers, who boost the:c team average
trenerGously, while the other clubs all have
a lot of twirlers batting; under 20. The
sticl. work of the Nv York and 81. LOUIS
teams Is joke, ard enc OF the Gisappcint-
ments OF the season.
Four pitchers stall have perfect fielding
records Eeruis leads the catchers. GanZsi
the trst basemen. and Mccormick the sec
ord haSemen. Lave Cross has high mark
at third Moran leads a short, and O'Brien
- Boston los. leads IN team fielding. St Louis
second.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19
PITCHERS.

Double piaysAthletics 81. Boston 10: Chicago
| 81; Cleveland IS: Detroit Il: New York "a: St.
Louis -: Washington 81.
Triple plays-New York l.
|
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19
STAHL STILL LEADS THE AMERICAN;
WAGNER is BEST HITTER IN NATIONAL

Jo Is Climbing Front in LeasueBrowns
Have Only Two Batsmen in the Three Hundred List Detroit
Organization Team Bagitt<busg Leads
the Parent Body in Team Hit ting
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19

Double plays-Boston q: Brooklyn 30: Chicago
q: Cincinnati q New York 90: Philadelphia u:
Triple l!ays-<Asv1 York !. Cincinnati 2.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19

Clarence Forbes-Your letter explains
your showing against Regain and we are
sure the referee must have been prejudiced.
The fact that he barred kicking and hit
ting below the waist shows this,
Ring Aspirant-We believe eight ounce
gloves are best for beginners. A larger
piece Of iron can be inserted in them than
In the regulation fYe-ounce NIT
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19
Chautnugun Lake, n. ", and Return,
S14.00,

Return limit. thirty days. Trains leave
Chicago 1853 a. m. SIS p. m. and 1000 p. n.
Write d. NJ. Bowman. g; w: P. ~. Ere
Railroad. Chicago, for information and IL
IL strated ChautauQua folder.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-19

AS an all-around bali player there is not
man in the league who compares with Joe
Kelley of the Reds. There is not another
player in the league who can be at the head
of the list in any position in the outflald and
hold up his end in any one of the iateld
positions Such man is most valuable TO
a team. Kelley has already proved this.
had they not had Kelley to play at short
Jack Morrissey showed IN one game thar he
another man on the team who could have
half way filled Corcoran's place excepting
kelley. Kelley. of course. is not Corcoran
at short, but one would not believe that that
was not his regular position IL the fact was
not generally known. So long as the Reds
have Kelley and three other outhelders
there need never be an effort made to find
a utility man. Kelley is all that; ard
out Of his regular position does not affect
his PLAYING and hating in o the d Least END
that is saying great eea ior most payers
hitting.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05
Silks

81 inch China Silk ..-.... SOC
Yard wide black Taffeta Silk k.......85c
Good Taffeta Silk, all shades -..-..- Soc
25 inch Palette De Sole Silk.............75 DC
27 inch black Satin Duchesse .....-- -.....-9 9Oc
Black Peau de Sole Silk.-.......--..-75c up
Fouard Silks, 100 grades going at.---~6Oc
Foulard Silk 75c grades going at..-....~~5Oc
Silk Grenadine-you must see this line if
you appreciate values and styles
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05
Dress Goods.

Here we can give you but faint glimpse
of the real merit and beauty of this de-
partment SO many new weayes and
novelties. Suffice to say that here you
will find not only the newest, but the best
and most select of the new and at prices
asked by others for inferior limitations.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05
Dress Trimmings.

An endless variety, Applique. Appiqued
Bands, Medallions, all over applique; in
fact, you have but to ask for the latest
We have it.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05

26 inch Cotton Checks, round thread 3!c
SO inch Brown l. l. Domestic-.--...-.-..-- &c
Good Calico, new styles. -....----- &c
Yard wide Sea Island Domestic. DC
Yard wide Beached Domestic...-.....--. &c
Fast color Apron Girgham 81 in. . &c
27 inch Shifting, good weight and color, 7tc
Double fold Dress Percal, beautiful
patterns, figures and stripes .........-.. be
Big lot of 8bc Gingham, good shirting
aud waist styles-whle they last.-.- DC
Beautiful assortment of imported
French waist Gngham, Persian and
Roman stripes, worth 20 and 25c,
go at........... ....... ........- ...... 15c
Scotch Dress Lawns, good colors, new
Spring styles-....- -.........-..... nc
q in "sNovella" Batiste, all the new
Styles, regular 13c value ..~........ DC
Dormock Dimities and 1400 Lawns,
elegant styles, very sheer effects
equal to any 15c goods shown. we
will put the whole lot down to-......-..- lOc
5000 Dimity we consider this one of
the best values in the house, very
dainty patterns Ask for them, --- 15c
Marietta Batste, we think they are ex
cellent values, we want your judg-
ment, they go at -...-..-.. see. -..--.-..- 10c
Dotted Swiss Muslin, sheer as yeil
floral and Persian stripes for waists
or dresses ......... 15c
Leno De Sole, something entirely new,
mercerized lace stripe, very sheer,
both figured and striped-be sure to
see this line 1Oc
Macrame Lace Novelty, 80 inches wide
as pretty as a dream, all the new
shadings, worth 40c, go at..-....-- zoe
Mercerized Tissue, beautiful goods,
very light and sheer with mercerized
embroidered and lace stripe, comes
in all the late shades ana should be
in the SOC line-we let them go at Soc
1t will be to the interest of every lady TO
examine our line of Waist Fabrics and
Suitings at SOC per yard. These comprise
the most elaborate collection and includes
the new Oxfords, Basket Weaves and
Mercerized effects so popular this season.
Space forbids full description, but it will
be well worth your time to inspect the DIFF
ferent goods shown at this price. Our line
of white Pique and Mercerized Madras,
| ranging in price from 10 to Toe comprises
| every new idea out in the realm OF TINS lne'
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05
White Goods Department.

These goods come direct from the i'm
porter and are superior to all others. be-
cause of the very sheer effects and dainty
designs. Our Persian Lawns, Paris Lawns
and Organdies are the admiration of every
beholder. having that same distinctiveness
which characterizes our entire white goods
line.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05
Counterpanes. S.

See those yalence Counterpanes for iron
beds. Inspect our line Lace Curtains be-
fore making your selections, We have
just what you want.
Embroidery, Lace, Ribbons.
These goods must be seen to be APP
preciated. Nothing equal to them in the
Territory-our own importation. They
form very important part of the money
saving values now upon our counters-an
endless variety. All the new novelties
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05
Notions.

Adamantine Pins, papers-...-...-... .-. -....-5c
Brass Pins, solid heads, needle points-.-5c
Union Safety Pins, nickle plated. doz be
Ball Thread. 30 balls for DC
Hair Curriers'. small size, doz, ,. .- =. .........- DC
Wire hair Pins, papers for-.............--- DC
Curling Irons, nickle plate.
Good black or white elastic per yd. ..5c
Golden eyed Needles, paper ........... DC
White or colored finishing Braid. 6 yd--5c
San Silk, best mercerized - ........- -..-- Sc
Embroidery Silk Flo and E E, 3 skins, 1Oc
Steel and Aluminium Thimbles DC
Shirt Waists.
More popular than ever, and such a
beautiful line-dreams of beauty. We can
not describe them-you must zee thin
A new shipment has just arrived aud
your size is here for you
Ask to see the Wash Silk Waists,
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05
Linens

Turkish Towels fringed, unbleached--..oc
=" g 22x4S 1870
bleached 1Sx3S 1870
bath Towels, bleached 22x52, 2oc
9 Towels, unbleached 27x60-25c
Bleached crochet firinged towels. 16x3O..oc
' 20x40. 1Oc
Red Table Damask as low as--...-l21sc yd
Bleached table I" Sc in wide...-.....25c yd
4" So in, wide 35c yd
Half bleached table Damask, GO doc yd
Bleached table Damask 66 in wide--5Oc yd
Linen Satin Damask 75c yd
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05
Clothing.

Our new spring stock is ready for your
inspection.
We pride ourselves upon the superior
workmanship and style of our clothing. :.
WE SELL CLoTHING TEAT FITS.
Boys School Suits, knee pants-...-- $l'OO
Full line Boys Flannel Suits.
Mems Unlined Wool Crash Suits $4.OO
Mems Uulined Flannel ard Wool
Crash Suits ......., .... .......-..- ..-.. $o.OO
Mems Skeleton Lined 2 pc. Flan-
mel Suits $3.50 $40 and 81 90
High Grade, Skeleton Lined 3 pc.
Flannel Suits, SIC to -.......... .-...--$12 30
The famous Criterion" Suits $40 $16 90
Mems Jeans Pants, full size, we'll
lndue.--- sco
Mems Overalls, good as 81 goods, 62tc
The old reliable Diamond" Brand
Overalls, union made. perfect fit III OO
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1903-04-05

Ladies' Walking Skirts, $3.50 to- So so
Ladies' Black Silk Skirts, $500 to $25.OO
Ladies' Black Net Skirts, so to-. SO 90
And be sure to see that lovely line Wolfe
aud Etamine Skirts-the delight of every
beholder. All the new designs in lined or
unlined.
The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

bill on technical points, but Senator
Mulkey proved an adept parliamen.
tartan. The cry Of Car Reed was
raised. and Mulkey proved that he
could go Reed one better, and ruled
that, in the absence Of printed rule,
the senate had a right to consider a
measure of so much Importance to the
people.
Kuykendall made a great effort to
down the bill, but failed to make him.
self clear, beyond that he was OPP
posed in principle to direct nomina-
ton of candidates for office. The bill
might now be sent to the judiciary
committee. but II would never come
back. He had canvassed Lane coun-
~, and his people we're against it.
Squire Farrar made an able and
manly plea for reconsideration, and
showed that he had a great deal Of
fire in his makeup for anything he
thinks is right. The people of Ma.
rion county wanted this law
Marsters here arose and raised
further parliamentary objections, go
ing so far as TO appeal from the de.
cision of the chair, but the chair was
sustained by big vote. Marsters and
a few of the opposition disclosed their
objection TO the bill because they do
not believe in direct nomination, but
believe in the delegate system OF
making nominations. In this they are
sincere, and their objection is not
taken to be against any defect Of the
Croisan bill
Senator Brownell made one Of the
great efforts of the session, going so
far as to quote the scriptures and
other great moral authorities in favor
OF making nominations directly by
the voice Of the people, He was re.
peatedly applaudcd by the crowds
that thronged the senate chamber to
hear the debate
He thought Il was a mistake TO say
the people were not ready for such a
law. They We're ready for such law
and now was the time to give them
the law.
I'VE have been talking reform in