davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
LOW GRADE PROPOSITIONS.
But Virginia Declares the Deal Is OF
Great Importance.

Virginia, Mimi. Feb. 17.-The taking
over of the Canisteo holdings by the
United States Steel corporation is the
most important mining deal that has
been closed on the Mesaba range in
months. The Canisteo properties are
on the western Mesaba, and are now
low grade propositions. Most OF the
ore is largely mixed with sand ane
must be put thru a washing procesf
before it can be shipped to the fur-
naces. The properties are said to con-
tain 1873, 100000 tons.
The Diamond and Arcturas mines
lie in this district, and it is though,
that these properties will also be pure
chased by the steel people.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
JAY COOK DIES SUDDENLY.
World Famed Financier Passes Away
at PHILADELPHIA.

Philadelphia, Feb. 17-Jay CoOks
whose fame as a financier is world
wide. died last night at the home Of
his son-in-law, Charles D. Barney, at
Ogontz. a suburb of this city, aged 81
years. Though he had been complain
ing for several years, his condition was
not considered serious, and his death
came rather suddenly.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
PEACE DISCUSSED.
Emperor and Ministers Known to
Have Talked Over the Question.

St. Peterburg, Feb. 17.-The Asso-
ciated Press learns on exceptional
authority that the question of peace
was formally considered by the En-
peror and his ministers al a conference
held at Tsarskoe Selo yesterday. NO
particulars are obtainable as before
the discussion began the emperor eX-
acted from each one present solemn
promise not to divulge the slightest
hint of what transpired
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17

PAGE ONE.
TeIegraphic News.
Grand Duke Sergius Assassinated.
He Was Uncle of the Car.
Gripenberg in St Petersburg.
Desultory Fighting at the Front.
The Armstrong Bankruptcy Case.
Hoch's Wife Died of Poison.
Armour Car Line Assessment.
PAGES TWO AND THREE.
Iowa News in Brief:
Hawkeye Coal Mine Company.
Vaccination War On.
Searching For a Will
Miller is Acquitted.
Costly Furs Stolen.
Convention of Cement Users.
PAGE FOUR.
Editorial:
Cost of Carelessness.
Was Gratitude Misplaced?
A Knock for Knockers.
Iowa at Annapolis.
Topics of the Times.
Iowa Opinion and Newspapers.
The Strawpile.
PAGE FIVE.
General Telearaphic News:
Oil Lease Termed Scandal.
Cody's Divorce Case on Trial.
Miscellaneous News.
PAGES SIX AND SEVEN.
City News:
Destitution Not Responsible
Coroner Receives Report of Death!
Woman Attempts Suicide.
Hoo Hoos Are Here.
Coal Situation Improved.
Trains About on Schedule.
Several Weddings.
The City Field.
PAGE EIGHT.
Iowa and Commercial:
Bad Break in Wheat.
Board of Trade Quotations.
The Livestock Market.
Livestock Census COMPARISONS.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17

there is majority of from one to three
:.gairs. Senator Smott 1t is estimate i
that all the democrats on the commit
tee will vote against Mr.. Smoot. and
that at least two republicans Will act
with them. This would give the OPP
ponents of the senator Il majority oil
one the committee being composed OF
eight republicans and five democrats.
Friends of Mr. Smoot do not concede
that this computation is accurate.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
Senate Yields to House.

Washington, Feb. 1.-THE senate
TODAY yielded to the house and recon-
sidered the vote by which the agrlcul-
tural appropriation bill was passed
and struck out by the amendment at
fecting tariff on wheat, to which the
house objected. and the bill Vas again
ma ssed. The house adopted resolu-
tion from the committee on rules to
disagree to the senate amendments TO
the statehood bill and asked for con-
ference.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
Others Marked For Murder.

st. Petersburg, Feb. 17.-This after
noon Ambassador McCormica and
other ambassadors drove to the palace
to express their official condolences.
also leaving their cards at the palaces
of the various members of the imper-
ial family
At the time sentence of death wa,
pronounced by terrorists upon Grand
Duke Sergius it was reported Grand
Duke Alexis and General Trepoff.
governor general of St Petersburg
were also condemned to death and
according to some reports a similar SEN
tence was imposed upon Dowager EN-
press Maria F'eodoroNna
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS.
All Hope of Finding saIusherry's Body
Given up.

Wallace, Idaho. Feb 17.-All hope
of finding Walter Salusber,-y, who was
lost in the Couer u Aleneno mount-s
aims has been abandoned. He is be-
lieved to BE buried in snow drifts OF
the Idaho Mountain diyiSe. Saluse
berry's family live at Streater, Ill.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17

kin during the famous koursk manneu-
vers.
ST Petersburg. Feb 17.-News of
the assassination of the grand duke
REACHED Tsarskoe Selo while the mn
perial family was entertaining Prince
Frederick Leopold of Prussia. III
created the greatest CONSERVATION. The
emperor is reported to have been
completely Frustrated. All the fes-
tivities in honor of the Prussian
guest were abandoned.
Moscow, Feb. II. = While Grand
Duke Serguis was driving today from
Nicholas palace through the senate
quarter, his carriage was followed by
two cabs At Law Courts the sleigh in
which were two men, one dressed as a
workman, went quickly ahead of the
Dukes carriage. The sleigh then SLOW
ed up to allow the carriage to pass and
at that moment a bomb was thrown
beneath his carriage. The force of the
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
MAY FIGHT CANNON
Prospects Good for War Between
Speaker and Public Buildings House
Committee Over Public Buildings
Bill = House May Override the
Cneaker
70 rimes-Renublican.

Special to Times Republican.
Washington, Feb. 17.-1ndications
point to war between Speaker Cannon
and the house public buildings COM
mittee over the public building bill
sneaker Cannon refuses to allow the
r,,,a nnder which to consider the bill
The committee is backed by the mem
bership of the house and may override
the speakers opposition.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
To Honor the Kaiser.

Berlin. Feb 17.-Emperor William
will accept the degree of doctor of
laws from the University of Pennsyl-
vania 1t will be conferred upon him
in absent. Feb 90. same time that 1t
is to bestowed upon President Roose-
welt.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
DUCHESS WAS in PERIL.
Fancy Ball Dress Caught Fire, But
Duchess Was Not Burned.

Duchess Was Not Burned.
London. Feb. 17.-At a fancy ball
given in Dublin by Lord Greenville,
the Duchess of Marlborough narrowly
escaped a perilous accident. burn
ing cigarette which had been dropped
upon the floor. came in contact with
the Duchess fluffy shirt, and in a
moment her clothing was in flames.
Niscount 0'richton tore off his coat and
smothered the flames. and the Duchess
was not even scorched.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17

New York. Feb. 17.- One woman
was burned to death and fifteen men
and women narrowly escaped in IRE
which damaged the Hotel Winton, cor
ner of 110th street and Park avenue
tOday.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
MOB SHOOTS NEGRO
colored Man Who Assaulted White
Woman Captured by a Mob and
Shot to Pieces-He Makes Con;
fession of His Crime.

Smithville, Texas, Feb. IL. = The
negro charged with criminally assault
ing Mrs. Powell Tiffany was captured
late last night and shot to pieces by
mob. He made a confession implicat-
ing three others.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
GRAND DUKE SERGIUS
ASSASSINATED TODAY
Uncle Of the Car and Governor General of
Moscow Falls a Victim to
Bomb Throwers

He Was Known to Have Been Marked For Death by the Revo
tonary Societies. But His Assassination Causes Great Excite
ment-Conmon People of Russia Called Him the Countrys S
Evil enusHe Stood Close to the Gar and Had Powerful
Influence at Court--Assassins Placed Under Arrest.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
Professor Goodspeed Dead.

Chicago, Feb. 17.-Dr. George Step
hen Goodspeed. professor of history in
the University of Chicago died of
penumonia today.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17

ST Peterburg. Feb. IA Saehetum,
Manchuria dispatch says eleven thou
sand Japanese troops and Chinese BAN
dts are reported being southeast of
Manchuria forty miles northeast of
Gunshu pass. whence they intend to
operate against the railroad. de-
tachment, however, while advancing
was surrounded by two regiments OF
Japanese cavalry, four companies OF
infantry and a large band of Chinese
bandits, about fifteen miles northwest
of Gunshu pass. and lost heavily. one
gun was lost and nearly all the gun
horses and a number of gunners.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
lombard JAP FRONT
Russian Artillery Bombards Three
Japanese stronshoIds Japanese
Scouting Party Defeats Small De-
tachment Near PinniuIupao - Rus
slams Retreat Northward.

Toxic Feb 1.-THE following Off
cial announcement was made today:
"On Thursday. the enemys artillery
bombarded our positions in front OF
Shaeiopao, Hanchenpao, Mengtapao,
and their vicintes. Today our scouts
encountered and repulsed a detach-
ment of the enemys infantry about
100 strong near Pinnulupao. The enc
my, who had come southward since
Wednesday, retreated north to Liu-
kanfang.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
T-.R. BULLETIN.
NOTICEABLE NEWS OF TODAY
Tho Weather.

Tho Weather.
Sun rises Feb. 1s. 6:51; sets, 5:3s.
Iowa and Missouri-Fair tonight and
Saturday; not much change in tenn
perature.
South Dakota-Falr tonight and
Saturday; slightly colder tonight in
the east.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
HocH SIGNS THE BILL.
Kansas Can Now Begin Active Fight
on Standard Oil.

Topeka. Feb. IT, Governor Hoch
signed the bill today for the e. e.ection
and maintenance by the state of an
oil refinery The measure makes 1T
possible for Kansas to begin in earnest
the fight started in the state recently
against the Standard OIL Company.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17
Frederick Cook Deas

Rochester, n. Y, Feb. II. Fred
erick Cook, former secretary of state,
died today.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-02-17

II during the famous Koursk manneu-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-04
OPPOSED STATEHOOD BILL.
Messrs. Stone, Berry and Morgan Ad-
dressed the Senate.

After the trial of Judge Swayne in the
Senate was suspended yesterday afternoon
the joint statehood bill was taken up, and
Messrs. Stone, Berry and Morgan spoke in
opposition to that measure in its present
form.
Mr.. Berry followed Mr.. Stone, saying it
was not true, as has been asserted in the
debate, that all the people wanted Okla
homa and Indian territory united as one
state. On the contrary. he said. the Indian
people in Indian territory were practically
unanimous in their desire for single state
hood He thought Oklahoma, New Mexico
and Arizona should be admitted as states
at this time, and that for the present In
dian territory should remain a territory.
Mr.. Morgan also opposed the bill In its
present shape He said that each of the
territories should be admitted into the
Union as a state, and that to fail to so ad-
nit them would be an act of bad faith
Mr. Morgan gave notice of several points
of order on the bill when it reaches vote
Mr. Teller sought consent to have printed
in the Record an article printed in New
York paper purporting to give the text of
the agreement between the United States
and San Domingo, but desisted when as
sured by Mr.. Cullom. chairman of the COM
mittee on foreign relations, that the pubIi-
cation was not correct. Mr.. Cullom added
that the agreement was in process of ex
ecution, and objected to publication under
the circumstances.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-04
CURES CATARRHAL DEAFNESS
One Weeks Use of Hyomei Did More
Than Six Months Treatment by
Socialists.

In the treatment of deafness, which is often a
result Of catarrh Hyomei acts almost Immediately
upon the infamed membrane and the hearing be-
gins to return at once. few days treatment Will
bring relief and In three four weeks, according
to the severity of the case. q cure will be accom-
plished.
Miss Meeks of Mattewan n. T.. says: "Hyomef
ia truly wonderful. have used 1t but short time
md see a great change in my condition. My hear
ing is improving rapidly. and had no idea 1
would improve so rapidly In SO short time. My
breath. which was SO offensive to myself and 9TH
ers. has lost its bad odor entirely. I have spent q
great deal Of money with catarrh specialists and
can truly soy that six months Of their treatment is
not equal to one month of Eyomei'
Henry Evans Is selling Hyomei upon the usual
plan Of agreeing to return the money If the medi-
cine does not cure.
complete outfit costs only 800 and consists
of an inhaler that can be carried in the vest
pocket, a medicine drepper and bottle of Hyo-
mel, The inhaler will last lifetime and there Is
enough Hyomei for several weeks treatment. Ad-
ditional bottles OF HyQnei can be procured for 80
cents Compare this small expense with the fees
charged BY specialists and then remember that IL
Hyomei does not cure Henry Evans will return
your money.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-04
Laurel and Vicinity.

Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
LAUREL, Md, February 3, 1905.
Mr.. and Mrs. John E. Crandle entertain
ed a number of their friends last evening at
their home on Main street. Vocal and in
strumental music was a feature of the
program. The guests came masqueraded.
An elaborate collation. was served at a late
hour. Among the guests present were Mr..
and Mrs. Frederick L. Flester, Mrs. NJ.
Stewart Misses Annie and Minnie Bevans
JESSIE Coda and BERTHE Miles, Jessie Reed,
Edith and Fannie Shaffer, Bessie Crandle,
Mrs. William Kaiser, Messrs. Joseph Fles-
ter, Ormond Phair, Frederick Flester,
George Levison, Walter Lanahan, Hugh
Fisher, Henry Baker and Ormond Phafr.
The funeral of Mrs. Deborah Roberts, a
former resident of Laurel, whose death Oc-
Cured in Washington, took place this art
ernoon. The remains were inferred IN Ivy
Hill cemetery at Laurel.
Mrs. BENJAMIN Dorsey, mother Of Mr..
William H. Dorsey, chief of the Laurel fire
department, is seriously ill of pneumonia.
Mr.. Victor Emanuel, who has been acting
as secretary to Mr. william E. Johnson at
Chicago, left this week for England, where
he will remain until summer.
Rev. Walter H. Dodd has returned from
a visit to relatives in Savannah, Ga. Mrs.
Dodd will remain some time longer in the
south.
Rev. F. A. Gains will deliver the second
of his series of sermons to young men at
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. Sun
day evening Subject, How to Succeed IN
Life"
Mrs Orr mother of Mr.. w. G. Orr, is
every i'll at her home on Montgomery street.
Rev S. M. Hartsock is visiting his son,
Rev. j. L. Hartsock, at Yonkers, n. Y.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-04
NOMINATIONS CONFIRMED.
Favorable Action of the Senate Yes
terday Afternoon.

The following nominations were confirm
ed by the Senate yesterday:
William Martin of New York, now con-
sui at Marking, to be consul general at
Hankau, China.
James C. Kellogg of Louisiana to be con-
sui at Barranquilla, Colombia.
Daniel S. Kidder of Florida. now consul
at Algiers. to be consul at Ranking, China
Harry Tarbell of Colorado, to be coiner of
the mint at Denver, Colo.
William A. Mcclure OF Taylor. n. D., to
he receiver of public moneys at Dickinson,
n. d.
Rev George ]. warng of Iowa, to be
chaplain in the army with the rank of first
lieutenant.
Capt. Hugh ]. Gallagher, commissary to
be commissary with the rank of major.
First Lieut. Stanley d. Embck, Artillery
Corps, to be captain.
First Lieut. Ralph B. Parrot, 22d Infan-
try, TO be captain.
Lieut.. George r. slocum to be a lieuten-
ant commander in the navy.
Lieut. Commander Clifford j. Boush to
be commander.
Postmasters:
Arkansas-Henry Thane, Arkansas City;
James II. Reding. Huntington.
California-Winslow l.. Rideout, Iakeport ::
George p. Manley, Sanger.
Georgia-James F. Dever, Rockmart;
Alice b. Bussey. Cuthbert
Montana-George W. Crane, Fort Ben
ton
New Hampshire-Adelia NJ. Barrows,
Hinsdale.
New York-Frank A Frost, Watkins:
Archibald X. Fowler, Caledonia
North Dakota-Charl6s Lano, Mohall
Pennsyivania-E. NJ. Frye, Monessen; W.
l. Stevenson, West Newton; Ammon NJ
Aurand. Beaver Springs; william b. Pal
mer, Clifton Heights: johnson d. Nelly,
Derry Station; Edward X. DENNY, Middle
town: George c. Worstan Newton: Michael
*. Bergey. Souderton.
South Dakota-Calyin Belts, Mount ver-
non.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-04
The Worlds Greatest
Skin Soap.
The Worlds Sweetest
Toilet Soap.
Sale Greater than the Worlds
Product of Other Skin Soaps
Sold Wherever Civilization Has
Penetrated.

Millions of the worlds best people
use Cuticura Soap, assisted by Cuti-
cura Ointment, the great skin cure,
for preserving, purifying, and beau
tifying the skin, for cleansing the
scalp of crusts, scales, and dandruff,
and the stopping of falling hair, for
softening, whitening, and soothing
red, rough, and sore hands, for baby
rashes, itchings, and chafngs, for
annoying irritations, or too free or
offensive Precipitation, for Lucrative
weaknesses, and many sanative, anti
septic purposes which readily suggest
themselves to women, especially
mothers, as well as for all the pur-
poses of the toilet, bath, and nursery.
Cuticura Soap combines delicate
smollient properties derived from
Cuticura, the great skin cure, with
the purest of cleansing ingredients
and the most refreshing Of flower
odours. No other medicated soap
ever compounded is to be compared
with it for preserving, purifying, and
identifying the skin, scalp, hair, and
hands. No other foreign or domestic
toilet soap, however expensive, is to
be compared with it for all the pur-
poses of the toilet, bath, and nursery.
Thus it combines in one soap at one
price the most effective skin and COM
plexion soap. and the purest and sweet
est toilet, bath, and nursery soap.
Sold throughout the World. Cuticura Resolven., &c.
I'm form Of Chocolate Coated Pills. &c per vial Of co.,
Ointment, Soc, Soap, 25c Depots London n Charter.
house 81 Paris hue de !. Psi1i Boston la7 Counbus
- send for a. 10. to Cure Every Humour."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-04
ROCKVILLE AND VICINITY.
General and Personal News From
Montgomery County's Capital.

Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
ROCKVILLE, Md, February 3, 1905.
The Glen Echo town council, at meeting
held last evening" passed an ordinance reg
ulating the speed of automobiles, motor
cycles electric carriages and all other ve-
hicles not propelled by horses or mules. The
maximum speed within the corporate limits
the town is fixed at six miles an hour, the
penalty for each violation to be not less
than So nor more than $25. The Conduit
road passes through Glen Echo, and 1t is
stated. automobiles make practice of
speeding from the Glen Echo post office to
Cabin John bridge, the distance being just
one mile. 1t was to break up this scorching
that the ordinance was adopted.
The council appointed Joseph Fowler and
Louis F. Harbert as marshals, their espe-
cial duty to be to see to the enforcement of
this law. They will be mounted on bicycles
and each will have speed indicator on his
machine
The clerk to the board reported that taxes
for the year ending June 80, 1905, have not
been paid on fifteen pieces of property, and
he was directed to advertise for sale at pub
lie auction all such property.
Mr.. Edward Anderson, jr., who has been
in st. Louis for several months in connec-
ton with the Interior Department exhibit,
has returned to his home at this place
Mr. James Arthur Harris and Miss Annie
Agnes hewitt. both of Washington, came
out to Rockville last evening and were quiet
~ married by Rev. Philip Mcclure, pastor
Of st. Mary's Catholic Church, the ceremony
taking place at st. Mary's Church. The
young folks were accompanied by several
Washington friends. the party returning to
the city Immediately after the ceremony.
At the regular weekly meeting of the or
phans court for this county Oscar L.
Thompson qualified as executor OF the will
of Richard r. Thompson and was granted
i bond zados n Cooke was APPOINT
ed guardian to Alverta Cooke: bond, 1900.
Miss Betsey Hilton, one Of the oldest resi-
dents of the vicinity Of Damascus, this
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-04
PROPOSALS FOR CRUISERS.
Bids Asked for Building Three Scout
Vessels

The Secretary of the Navy has issued a
circular inviting bids for the construction
of three scout cruisers of not more than
$3.50 tons trial displacement, carrying the
most powerful ordnance of vessels of their
class; to have the highest speed compatible
with good cruising qualities and great
radius of action, and to cost. exclusive of
armament, not exceeding 81 100000 each.
These vessels will be named the Chester,
the Birmingham and the Salem. Their
general dimensions and features are as
follows: Length between perpendiculars,
400 feet; breadth nodded, 46 feet 8 inches;
displacement on speed trial, not more than
$3.50 tons; mean draft to bottom of keel at
trial displacement not to exceed 10 feet 91a
inches; total coal bunker capacity about
1,250 tons; coal carried speed trial, Ats
tons; feed water carried on speed trial, so
tons. The armament consists of twelve
three-inch rapid-fre guns and two sub
merged tubes.
Bids are invited for their construction
under two classes follows:
Class 1.-For the construction of the hull
and machinery, including engines, boilers
and their appurtenanceS, and for equip
ment, complete in all respects, in accord
ance with the plans and specifications pro-
vided by the Secretary of the Navy, and
for the installation of ordnance and ord
nance outfit.
ClaSS S.-fOr tne construction or the null
and for equipment, complete in all respects
and for the installation of ordnance and
ordnance outfit, in general accordance with
the plans and specifications provided by
the Secretary of the Navy but on the bid
ders design of machinery, preference being
given, other things being equal, to a tur-
bin installation.
The maximum time allowed for compile
ton will be limited by the department to
thirty-two months, if reciprocatng engines
are adopted, and thrty-six months If tur-
bines are adopted, and no bids will be con-
sidered which propose to exceed those linn
its. Failure to complete the vessel within
the time specified in the contract will in
volve penalties follows, viz, 500 day
for the first month succeeding the eXpira-
ton of the period fixed by the contract,
and 500 day thereafter until the vessel
is completed and delivered prescribed
by the contract.
Maximum and progressive speed trials
ana endurance trials will be held after the
vessels are completed and under conditions
prescribed by the department and in ac-
cordance with the terms of the contract,
the average speed for four hours on the
maximum speed trial to be twenty-four
knots per heur. The final trial of the vessel
will not take place until a period of six
months has elapsed from the date of pre-
limnary acceptance
The bids will be opened at the Navy De-
partment at noon April 10 next, and 1t is
announced that In considering bids submit
ted the department will, other things being
equal, give due preference to such as guar
antee the shortest time for completion.