davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
A dispatch from Napoleonvil!e,

A dispatch from NapoleonvilIe,
dated -, says: Feeling is running
high to-day in this parish relative to
the condition of Bayou Lafourche.
Since the dam has been put IN at
Donaldsonville the bayou has fallen
to such a stage as to make it impos-
sihle for boats of any kind to run; a
few sugar-houses have had to close
down for want of water for the boil
ers and will have to lengthen the
pipes running into the bayou before
they can resume operations. Fiat
boats, loaded with cane to be trans
ported to sugar-houses, could not be
budged this morning. A mass meet
ing will be held here tomorrow to
discuss the bayou situation, and to
adopt resolutions protesting against
the damming of Bayou Lafourche.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
EVER 4 FRIEND AND HELPER.

When N. C. Blanchard was in Con-
nress from the Fourth District, 10 this
State. it was a woll-knnWn fact that
no man, however humble, in or out OF
his district, eve wrote to him asking
advice or Information touching any
matter in which he was interested be-
fore any of the departments in Wash
ington, without reccivinga prompt and
courteous reply-and finding the aid
he sought.
III. all the troubles which the people
of Calcasieu had with the agents of
the United States Government in the
noted timber seizures, it WASH. c. Blan-
chard to whom they looked for assist
ance and counsel. It was he who
championed their cause and succeeded
in ~extricating them from their perilous
pre- dicament. 1t was he who straight
ened out the kinks and tangleS which
beset the humble homestea0er and Sc
cured to him a little farm and a patent.
All this without any other reward than
the grateful thanks of those whom he
served.
He was often called at Washington,
CONGRESSMAN from the State at
large" for he was ever alive and on
the alert to protect the interest of the
people.
We are glad to know that to-day
Hon. Adolph Meyer; of the First Dis
trict, whose untiring efforts secured to
the State the Naval Station at Algiers,
is also a ~wideawake Congressman, ever
ready and willing to serve the people
of any part Of the State,
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

The Monroe News which has
ALWAYS been anti administration and
against rings and bosses. takes a
little of The wind out of Jastremski's
sail by this shot:
You must not, g"od brother, put
Gen. Jastremski as the original white
primaryite for be is a recent convert
and also q very recent convert to
the curtaiiment of the Governors
appointiye power. Why, bless your
soul, he has been feeding good long
and well at the appointive CRIB.
Even when he announced for Gov.
cr0oS as the champion of the white
primary idea and the leader fol the
abrosation Of the Governors ap-
point've power he was holling an
appointment right in the Governors
office and continued to so hold il an
I'll several weeks after he began his
campaign. So don't trot the good
old General ont as the leader OF the
cnrtaiIment OF the Governors pc yer.
You make Us sick and an overhaul
ing of records might injnre the
General.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
Revolution Imminent.

A sure sign of approaching revolt
and serious trouble in your system is
nervousness, sleeplessness, or stomach
upsets. Electric Bitters will quickly
Gisnember the troublesome causes. 1t
never fails to tone the stomach, reg1l-
late the kidneys and bowels, stimulate
the liver, and clarity the blood run
down systems benefit particularly and
all the usual attending aches vanish
under its searching and thorough eff
fectiveness electric bitters is only SOC,
and that is returned it it don't give
perfect Satisfaction guaranteed by A J
GODDARD, druggist.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
Coughing Spell aused Death.

Harry Duckwell, aged Is years,
checked to death early yesterday morn
ing at his home, in the presence of his
wife and child. He contracted a slight
cold a few days ago and paid but little
attention to it. Yesterday morning he
was seized with a fit of coughing which
continued for some time. His wife
sent for a phyician but before he could
arrive. another coughing spell came on
and Duckwell died from %suffocation.
st. Louis Glope-D Democrat, Dec. l,
1901. Billiards. Horehound Syrup
would have saved him. 25c and ST..
Godards drugstore.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
no the Voters OF the Parish OF
VerEn5EiOn.

After q public service, az Assessor of
the parish Of Vermilion, for the period
of three years, | submit my name to
my felIoW-citjZcIs as a candidate for
reelection in the approaching primary.
| lay no superior claim to your suf-
frage, or your favor, other than a re-
cord Of honest endeaver TO render a
faithful and acceptable service in the
office which | hold. Ihaye endeavored
to conduct my office according to strict
business methods, and to bring to my
assistance in the discharge of my du-
ties, capable and efficient men, courte~
Gus. prompt and accuratei in their deal
ings with the public.
In the ordinary course Of business, I
may not be able to see all of my friends
in the several parts of the parish, per
sonally; and 7, therefore, take this
method of bringing my candidacy to
your attention, pledging myself to a
continuation of an honest and faithful
discharge of my duties, if elected, and
asking favorable consideration of my
candidacy at the hands of the voters
Of this parish.
have the honor to remain yours,
L. J. BROUSSARD.
Abbeville, La, Nov. q, 1908.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

Hebert Spencer, the great English
scientist, died on the Sth inst, aged 81
years, He was the most comprehen-
sive thinker of the century, and was
the first to formulate the theory OF
evolution and give it universal applica-
ton.
Chicago is in the hands Of highway
men and thugs. Life is insecure on the
streets after dark, and the citizens are
organizing vigilance committees to
run down the thieves and hold up men
who are terrorizing the city.
The Lafayette Gazette calls down
DR.. Fred ]. Mayer on his little spiel
here the other day when he claimed
Lafayette parish for "the hero of NAL
vern Hill" by a majority of 6 to l. It
says the genial and gushing Doctor is
suffering from "an irridescent dream,
1t is truly lamentable that General
Jastremski should find himself so hard
pressed for something to say as to be
led into making the pLerile and foolish
charge that Judge Blanchard vas not
in the Confederate army because he was
a coward. This will do to tell the ma
rlnes; for any man who knows Judge
Blanchard car testify that, while he is
not particularly given to blowing about
his courage, he is as brave as julius
Caesar was.
Cattle and hog raisers are rather blue
these days on account of the big slump
in prices. Iowa and Texas farmers say
the big meat trust is to blame. Beef
cattle on the hoof sold last year in Chi
cago at ST 80 tn IS IS a hundred, and
has declined to s. IS to SIS 60, although
there is no decline in the dressed pro-
duct.
Texas is suffering from an excess of
damage suits against railroads for per-
sonal injuries. Last year the Southern
Pacific paid out $500, 852, while the
Santa Fe paid $234,830. 1t is said that
many OF these cases were trumped up.
and IN reality Matchmaking suits. If
the evil continues the charges on
freight will increase to pay the bills.
1t is in order for some of the
brethren of the State press to eat a
little crow and do some apologize
ing. We refer to those who SO Sc
verely abused F. N. Gray. editor of the
Rlce Industry of Houston, Texas, last
Year, when be estimated the rice crop
Of 1902 at4,000, 900 bags. The United
States Department of Agriculture has
issued its report fixing the crop at 3d.
100000 bags. So, Gray was only l0O,-
900 shy.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

William Jennings Bryan, accompa-
nice by his son, was received in pri-
vate audience by the Pope last Sun
day. His Holiness spoke with great
interest of the Catholics in the United
States. After the audience Mr..
Bryan expressed himself as highly
pleased with the Pope's kindly
bearing. Before going to the Vatican
Mr.. Bryan visited several of the
interesting sights of Rome, including
the Coliseum and the Roman Forum.
He took particular interest in the spot
from which Cicero Numbered his
lnvectives against Catalina. Later
Mr.. Bryan lunched with Ambassador
Meyer.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

W. B. Ramsey has organized a piano
manufacturing company in New Orleans
under the title of the ramsey Piano
Manufacturing Co." with a capital
stock of $50, 900. The company will
manufacture pianos, organs and other
musical Instruments.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

Senator Hoar his introduced q
resolution asking the President to
furnish to the Senate with all the in
formation in his possession in regard
to Panama, and inquiring particularly
as to knowledge of this Government
Of the impending revolution.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
O STATE

We are authorized to announce the
w. 7. PETERMAN,
of Franklin. L., as a candidate for Sena-
tor of the district composed of the par
lshes of st. Mary and Vermilion. subject
to the action of the Democratic party.
FOR REPRESENTATIVE.
We are authorized to announce the
HENRY L. GUEYDAN,
as a candidate for Representative in the
Legislature. subject to the action OF the
Democratic primary.
We are authorized to the
WORTHY QUEREAU,
as a candidate for the Legislature from
Vermilion parish, subject to the action OF
the Democratic primary.
We are authorized to announce the
name of
Ron. P. LEBLANC,
as a candidate for Representative in the
Legislature. subject to the action of the
Democratic primary.
FOR SHERIFF
We are authorized to announce the
nam of
j. OSCAR HILBERT,
as a candidate for reelection to the Office
of Sheriff of Vermilion parish, subject
to the action of the Democratic primary,
We are authorized to announce the
name of
CORNELIUS HARRINGTON
as d candidate for the office of Sheriff OF
Vermiiion parish, subject to tho action of
the Democratic primary.
We are authorized TO the
name of
WILLIAM D. LfoNa
as O candidate for the Office of Sheriff of
Vermilion parish. subject to the action of
the Democratic primary.
We are authorized to announce the
name of .rt.t
OLIPHIADE HILBERT
an a candidate for the Office of Sheriff of
VermiliOn parish, subject to the action of
the Democratic primary.
FOR ASSESSOR.
We are authorized to announce the
ADAM BoUDREAUx
as a candidate for Assessor. subject to the
action of the Democratic primary.
We are authorized to announce the
name of
l.. J. BRoUssARD
as q candidate for reelection to the office
of Assessor, subject to the action of the
Democratic primary.
FOR POLICE JURYMAN.
We are authorized to announce the
name of
f. NJ. STEBBlNs
as a candidate for member of the Police
Jury for the Third ward, subject to the
action of the Democratic primary.
We are authorized to announce the
name of
ERNEST BRoUssARD,
rs a candidate for member of the Police
Jury for the Sixth Ward, subject to the
action of the Democratic primary.
FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
We are authorized to the
name of
GABRIEL LABAUvE
as a candidate for the office of Justice of
the Peace for the Third Ward. subject to
the action of the Democratic Primary.
We are authorized to announce the
name of
J.. A. SCHLEsSlNGER
"a a candidate for the office of Justice Of
the Peace for the Third Ward, subject to
the action Of the Democratic primary.
FOR CONSTABLE.
We are authorize to announce the
name of
FL. B. LYONS
as q candidate for the off ce of Constable of
the Third Ward, subject to the actlen OF
the Democratic primary.
We are authorized to announce the
name of
CHARLES b. UPCHURCH
as a candidate for the Office of Constable
for, the Third Ward of veTmlllon parish
to the action of the Democratic
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
zone Hundred Dollars a Box

is the value H A Tisdale, Summerton,
5 c places on DeWitt's Witch Hazel
Salve. He says:"I had the piles for 20
years. | tried many doctors and med
icines, but al. failed except DeWitts
Witch Hazel Salve. It lisa combination
of the healing properties of Witch Hazel
with antiseptics and emollients; relives
and permanently cures blind, beeding,
itching and p%rotruding piles, sores,
cuts, bruises, eczema salt rheum and all
skin diseases. Sold by GODDARD.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

By a vote of 81 10 IS the Senate
passed the Cuban tariff bill on We'd
nesday.
The Methodist Conference is in
session at Minden, Bishop Key, pre-
siding
Rear Admiral Gherardi died or the
10th inst, at his home in Strattord,
Conn, aged II years. He was born IN
Jackson, La, in 1882.
The ceremonies celebrating the Lou
isiana purchase will take place at the
Cabildo in New Orleans on the IL, -
and goth, the latter being the date 100
years ago when the flag OF France was
hauled down.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
A Costly Mistake.

Blunders are sometimes very expen-
siVe Occasionally life itself is the price
of a mistake, but You'll never be wrong
if you take DR. Kings New Life Pills for
dyspepsia, dizziness, headache, liver or
bowel troubles They are gentle yet
thorough, 25c at Godard's drugstore.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
Heart FlutteTing,

Undigested food and gas in the stom-
ach, located just below the heart,
presses against it and causes heart pal
pitation' When your heart troubles
you in that way take Herbine for a
few days. You will soon he all right.
Soc. Godards drugstore.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
r. VI. SnERBINS &
COMPANY.
Succession Sale.
STATE OF LOUISIANA-1nh Judicial
District Court-Parlsh of Vermflion--
No. 52S.

District Court-ParIsh of VerinlllOn~
No. 52S.
Succession of Albert Clement.
By virtue of an order renderedlntne
above numbered and entitled success.
sion, /, Peter Clement, administrator
of said succession, will proceed 70 SOL,
at public auction, for cash, TO inc lass
and highest bidder, in order to pay ~
debts of said succession, at the pfln.
cipal front door OF the courthouse q
Abbeville, La, on
Wednesday, the 9th day q January
1904,
between the hours of II q. NJ anu :
.. m, thefollowing described plop01''
tO-Wit e. ...o.ad
One certain lot of ground sl'aa.sa
in the. town of Gneydan, La, uss,s
mated as lot No. one, II olocA ~ s,ss n
eight, having a front Of fitg lsS. svd
Garland street by one h1hu'ea
forty-two feet on'Fifth street. ,ooa
Abbeville, La, December !, l5e''
PETER CLEMENT
Administrator.
Preston ]. Greene, Attorney
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

The Mississippi Methodist Con-
ference met at Meridian this year,
and among other things adopted tenn
perance resolutions favoring statuto-
ry prohibition.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

President Peters Of the Texas Cot
ton Growers, Protective Association
has advised planters to not sell their
cotton for less than fifteen cents a
pound and says the Bureau estimate
is under instead of over the actual
crop.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

Two prominent Republicans are
named as members Of the Jastremskl
committee in Grant parish, viz ".
P. Guynes and Guy S. Garner.
This forcib1y reminds us of the old
adage, drowning men grasp at
straws.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
stray Notice

Taken up by the undersigned = ~ !.
his home, at Crosse lie gap, y IA
third hi (5) ward, one e., oa anass |,
spotted heifer calf. The owl sl,in
requested to come forward s,', y
said animal and pay the oos
keeping. PoLlGNAo
November 81, 1905.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

Father Time seems to be running
the thread of life backward in the
crses of both Adelina Patti and Sarah
Bernhardt,
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

A mass meeting of planters and
citizens at NapoIeonville adopted
resolutions asking the Governor to re-
move the Atchafalaya and Lafourche
Leyee Boards, because Of the failure
to maintain a sufficient depth of water
after the dam was completed.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

j. NJ. Nugent, former well-known
resident of Grant parish, is reputed
to have cleared s85 900 in the rise in
cotton last week.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

The plant Of the Providence Gin
and Improvement Company was des-
troyed by fire at Lake Providence, La.
Loss, SO, 900; insurance, $500.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

W. will give the republican party
credit for the high price of coal and
the very low price of cattle and hogs
and dollar wheat. Let well enough
alone, please.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

Five deaths rom pneumonia 'oc-
cured at Baton Rouge recently in the
space of "a hours.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

An oil company has been organ
lied in Calcasieu parish with a capi-
tai Of $50, 900 in 81 shares.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

Illinois this year tried an experiment
in raising cotton. Forty acres were
planted nea Cairo, and a fair yield
obtained which sold at $34 a thou
sand in the seed.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
suecfaE Notice.

AnBEv1LLr, La, Dec ,. - -
Having disposed OF my iiso. having
valery Leblanc, all peis0 Iii uIsass
claims against said business WIZ Iii
present them to me for settlement n,1' 1lesss
persons indebted to the s'ap' j. delay.
come forward and settle Wl1ho cnnaRD
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

Nc Vice-President has ever sue
ceeded to the presidency by election.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
80 FINEXISITING CA

80 FINEVIsITING CARDS for 10
CENTs-On receipt Of TEN CENTS in
stamps or silver we will print your name
on 90 fashionable visiting cards and
send them postpaid to any address in
the world, together with our big cata-
logue of jewely, rare books, novelties,
music, etc. Address: IRVING j. KEYEs
q Co., Milford, Conn.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

The National Republican con-
vention will be held IN Chicago.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

After a long deliberation the Plea
yune has come out squarely for Judge
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19
LUnl BIER
DAR
To Everybody in need Of Lumber.

From this date until January ls
next, we are going to divide proaa
with you, in other words those who
want TO purchase lumber for cash
will get it a price that Will just pay
our expenses. To those who wish to
purchase ontime giving good bank.
able paper we guarantee to sell the
same. Our object in doing thlsis.o
get ready for the immense concern
We are going To establish near tho
Wholesale Grocery Company. We
have had a liberal share 81 tho
trade, we fatter ourselves that our
customers inthe past will be oursin
the future, we are going to do just
as we say and We believe you will
believe us when ne say il, and va
will be dOully sure when you gel
the prices By calling at our placed
business.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

Everybody should subscribe for
HE MERIDIoNL-only one dollar a
year.
The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1903-12-19

An INSTRUMENTATION Congress
OF Women are endeavoring to have
Reed Smoot, a Mormon, ousted from
the United States Senate.
The San Francisco call., 1903-01-25
Total s5o5, ,elo, 900

ABRAHAM. ABRAHAM. Brooklyn. n. Y.
gift 70 Cornell University. the great Egypt
oloeical and Assyriologicsl library Of the late
Professor august Eisenlohr OF Heidelberg
University.
ADAMS. CHARLES KENDALL. Madison.
VIE. beQuest % Wisconsin University, avail
able on the death Of his widow, fifteen fellow
ships or $1,000 each
ADAMS PROFESSOR HERBERT BAX-
TER Johns Hopkins University (ded in 1902.
bequest 10 the university. his residuary estate;
paid IN 1902 amounting 10 $4,000
ADELPHI COLLEGE Brooklyn. n. Y. gift
from friends 10 secure gift Of Sl25. 900 from
John d Rockefeller s125. 900
kLBINGER. JOSEPH. Mount Vernon. n.
7. bequest 70 the Church Of Our Lady OF
Victory there. $4,000
Allegheny COLLEGE. gift from friend.
AMERICAN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION.
New York gift from friend. for missionary
AMEs. MRS. ANNA C.. North Eastern.
Mass-. Eift 70 the public high school there. =
fully EQUIPPED gymnasium cost $4,000.
AMHERST COLLEGE. gifts from friends for
o new observatory 10 contain the largest OBJ
.eet glass IN New Engiand. $4,000
ANDERSON MRS A. A. New York City,
gift 70 rhe Society FOR Improving the Condition
of the Pooh, for public baths. 100000
ANDREWS. WALLACE C. New York City
meut ~ Girls Industrial School at VIII
loufhhy. o.. a part of his estate, which in
1u02 amounted 10 about 81 600 600 and was
made available by act OF the Ohio Legisla-
ture Incorporating a trust 10 manage the be-
quest
AeD.f -AsAo iNaS'AD.--N. VI NV AOhfA
CITY Fift Tor the establishment in Philadel-
Thia ~ a free clinic for the treatment OF
T.aar ooasuu1ptivcs 20 be under the charge OF
Dr. lawrence i. Flick. 200. and q pledge
o. further sum Tor maintenance
hRChBOLD JOHN D.. New York City. gift
o. syracuse University toward endowment
SO gOC. the New York kindergarten ASsocia-
ton Tor endowment of new kindergarten. s40.-
nCO. and with his wife. slit 10 ST. Christopher
Il nc for p new school building Sl5 600
AFTER j. A. Cleveland O.. gift 10 Alle-
gfeng college NIoa6ville Pa $50. OcO.
hTNITI. MRS. CORNELIA A New York
i.rruests 10 81 PauIs Protestant Episcopal
,-i-uroh ~ Foughktcpsio $1,000; and the
Cal audct Home Tor Deaf Mutes at New Ham
Ls.rg 5000
ATrCHaRD DAVID. Helena. Mont. bequesi
fo- the building and maintenance of q Ma
sonic Home his estate Of more than 10000
8 aere= stocked with choice cattle and thor
otgn nbred horses.
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1903-03-27
Cambridge.

Joel Thompson was up from Edgerton
last Friday replenishing his stock of liv-
cry horses from a car load shipped in
here last week.
Fire destroyed Hans A Olson's barn
and burned his horse, buggy, cutter, har
ness, robe and some hardware stored in
the building, early last Monday morning.
The fire was discovered about l o'clock
a. M. and at that time the interior was
all ablaze so that those first at the scene
we're unable to save single thing.
Knute Save has purchased an 800 acre
farm about two miles south of Freder-
ickburg, Va, and will remove there with
his family in the course of couple of
weeks. Knute has certainly made
good strike, if all reports be true, for he
has very level farm with timber enough
upon it to more than pay for the farm
at the figures for which he secured it.
OH Hanson has purchased farm in
old Kentucky, consisting of 125 acres.
Oscar bought it on a sort of blind deal
but it being located in the blue grass
country, he thought the price worthy
the speculation, as, if he could not make
a little on the deal he could utilize it in
his favorite pursuit-breeding fancy bred
roadsters and trotting horses.
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1903-03-27
West Porter.

Gabriel Luddon's health is improving.
Miss Eta earle is still on the sick
list.
Mr. Thomas has leased M n A Pounds
farm.
VIM Conneway has moved on James
Cullen's farm.
wv Lienau is at Marshfeld looking
up real estate.
G. w Mccarthy transacted business
in GAINESVILLE Monday.
Thomas and Jenie Frusher Sundayed
with William Douglas.
John Burbrick of Richland Center is
down to work for Bert Hadly.
William Douglas has sold his 'O2 to-
bacco for &c and &c in bundle.
TW Frusher has his '02 tobacco for
SC and &c in bundle to Ed Hopkins
Chas Mongnos has returned from a
pleasant visit with his father in Belle
Vile.
Miss Alice Sweetman and Miss Frances
Horne are out from Milwaukee to spend
the summer.
Mrs J F Mccarthy has sold her O2
tobacco for 7c and &c in bundle to
GAINESVILLE firm.
Miss Ida Wright of the town of James
vile is dangerously i'll with infiamatory
rheumatism.
Messrs Fethers & Jeffris auction sale
was largely attended on Tuesday,
although the bad weather prevented
many from attending.