davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

Arthur Stitts, the two-year grand
son of Mrs. S. E. Root of S27 Jackson
street, took an overdose OF kerosene last
night. The child mistook the illunlnaS-
ing fluid for pop. as it had been care
lessly left handy in a pop bottle. The
child had spasms. as the result OF the
dose. but is all right today ana looking
for something more to drink.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06
COMPLETE TREATMENT
For Every Humour So

Complete external and internal
treatment for every humour, consist
Ing of Cuticura Soap, Ointment, and
Pills, may now be had for one dollar.
A single set Is often sufficient to cure
the most torturing. disfguring, itch
ing, burning, and scaly humours,
ecZemas, rashes, and irritations, from
infancy to age, when all else fails.
CuHeurn soap Ointment and Pills are sold throughout
tae world Potter Drug Chem. Corp BoEton, Sole Props
az Send foF i' Skin and Blood Publication"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

The only disturbance occurring at the
street show last night was nipped in
the bud by Chief Goodwin and OFFICER
Miller. who CHANGED to be handy. Frank
Curless and F. T. Keller, members of
the rough neck class started a little
fistic nil and were stopped in the first
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

round. Curless was fined IS in police
court this morning. Keller convinced
the court that he was fighting only in
self defense and he was discharged.
John Desch, a Russian, was arrested IN
North Topeka during the evening for
taking a poke at George Allendorf
c0uutrvr1an
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06
No Commercial club Meeting.

There win be no commerciaI club
meeting on Friday night. It has been
postponed until June D, the last meet
ing of the summer. The change Of date
was due partially to the fact that a
Council Grove railroad meeting will be
held here next week and also because
the GaslziH Carnival Show is on all Of
this week.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06
Missouri Boy Wins

New York. June John Wythe
Lewis of Fulton. No. a junior, has won
the first prize of SIS in the George
Augustus Sandman oratorical contest
ia New York university.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06
ANOTHER WONDER OF SCIENCE.
Biology Has Proved That Dandruff Is
Caused by a Germ.

Science is doing wonders these days in
medicine as well as in mechanics. Since
Adam lived the human race has been
troubled with dandruff, for which no hair
preparation has heretofore proved a sue
cessful cure until Newbro's -HerDicIde was
put on the market. It is a seientihee prep
aration that kills the germ that makes
dandrun or scurf by. digging into the
scalp to get at the root of the hair. where
it saps the vitality, causing itching scalp,
out dandruf hair must grow luxuriantly.
1t is the only destroyer of dandruff.
Sold by leading druggists. Send Zoe in
stamps for sample to the HerDicide Co..
Detroit, Mich. Rowley & Snow, special
agents.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06
PhiIadeInhla. - Ynrl-

Baltimore, Washington, and Asburv
Park, n. ]. Visit them all June %.
30, July I. .. Agents of the Pennsvi-
vania Short Lines will sell tickets to
Asbury Park, allowing stop-overs at
the above cities. at very low rates. An
excellent vacation trip. For further
information address Theo. H Thorn
rs u. S. bank bldg, Omaha, Neb.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

very fury of rage. she drives them
about and eompels them to go through
sort of semi performance which is
really great to see. After that she goes
into the den Of Leo. a full grown Afrf-
can lion, and prods and leases him in
the same way until the big fellow fair
ly crouehes time and again in at+emuts
to spring at her.
For the person who wants light and
airy songs and dances, the Ping Pong
shows are open. Here he will find a
actntillating galaxy Of beautiful girls in
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

IN life I have but one regret"
Remarked the doctor to the nurse
Il 1--we a moral life, and yet
At times 1 go from bad to worse.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

All of the shows, except the three
which were hammered into kindling
wood and oblivion in the Atchison wreck
on Sunday morning were doing business
in full blast They opened promptly at
o'clock as advertised and kept going
until close to midnight, as long as there
were visitors on the grounds.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06
Housewares

G4OSAS@ W @A4 ~
COTTON DISH MOPS-with
wood Enthusiastically sc, for
SC.
DOVER EGG BEATER-reg-
ular 10c kind for &c.
AIOLDING HOOKS-in two
styles-per dozen sc.
PICTURE WIRE-25 yards,
in box-for tomorrow loo ones
only &c.
ROPE CLOTHES LINE-5O-
#. length-10c ones for &c
ADJUSTABLE W I N D o W
'SCREEN-30x36 when extend
ed-tomorrow's special price
29c.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06
PERSIAN LAWN. 29c.

Beautiful white Persian lawn. AZ
inches wide-fne even weave-it's
a material that's used extensively
for evening dresses and shirt waists
this material was made to sell at
35c yard-it's worth tive
7 7ss selling it per 29C
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06
WHITE SWISS. 25c.

This white swiss is % inches wide
its a very even pretty weave
embroidered dots closely woven
through it-just the prettiest, cool
est fabric for white dresses you can
find-this is q splendid value at
S SaF price for tomorrow Csc
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

Miss Edna Pence, were in Hoyt yester-
day to attend the funeral of Mrs. P. H.
Steward which was held at the Baptist
church at Hoyt, Rev. w. T. Pence, an
old friend of the family. officiated.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

Mr. and Mrs. Shirley French and
family, Mr.. and Mrs. Herbert French
and children and Mr.. Merton French
went to Silver Lake today where they
will be the guests for a few days of
their brother and sister, Mr.. and
Mrs. c. C. French.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

Gertrude Blanche, of Washington. d
c., will arrive in Topeka this week for
a visit of several months to her par
ents, Mr.. and Mrs. J. W. Rfgdon of
Quincy street
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-06

Mrs. ". L. Hotter and little daugh-
ter, Dora returned yesterday from
Kansas City where they have been for
the past two weeks the guests of DR..
and Mrs. U. S. Hughes and Mr.. and
Mrs J. F. Morris and family. Mr..
Hofer went to Kansas City last Friday
and accompanied his wife home.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
THE MARDI 0RAS.
L0w.rate Tour TO New Orleans via PenOsyIva-
mia Railroad.

For the especial benefit of those
desiring to witness the unique Mardi
Gras celebration at New Orleans, the
Pennsylvania Railroad has arranged
for a personally conducted tour, to
leave New York, Philadelphia, Balti-
more, and Washington. Friday, March
3. A special train of high-class Pull
man equipment will be run, in charge
of tourist agent. Three days will be
devoted to New Orleans, the party re-
turning direct to New York.
Tourists will occupy this train con-
tinuously, so that hotel accommoda-
tions and meals in New Orleans will
not have to be considered. A special
grand stand will be provided on the
main line of the great parades. Round
trip rate, including round-trip tran
sportation, Pullman berth in both
directions and during stay in New
Orleans, all meals III dining car during
entire trip, and seat in special grand
stand at New Orleans: $65 from Balti-
more and $63 from Washington. Pro-
portlonate rates from other points.
Detailed itineraries and full informa.
tion may be obtained of Ticket Agents
Hugh Hasson, Jr., Passenger Agent
Baltimore District, 315 North Charles
Steeet, Baltimore, Nd. B. NJ. Newbold,
Passenger Agent Southeastern Dis.
trict, Fifteenth and G Street, Wash.
ington, D. c.; or Geo. W. Boyd,
General Passenger Agent, Broad
Street Station, Philadelphia, Pa.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
KENTON.
Mrs. Mary J. Walker Suffers a Severe Fall
by Slipping on the Ice-LOcal Happenings
and Personal Mention.
Special Correspondence to the Times.

Special Correspondence to the Times
KENToN, Feb. 14:-Mrs. Mary j.
Walker, while going from her house to
the woodshed to look after some things
on Saturday evening fell and struck
her right shoulder against the ground
and cut both of her hands on the ice.
Her shoulder has given her much
trouble ever since.
The officers and teachers meeting
will be held at the Parsonage on Fri
day evening. Everyone is requested
to be present. The Board of Stewards
will also meet there.
Herbert Wright, a tenant on the
Nudge Farm, lost one of his fine driv-
ing horses last week.
Personals Oscar Hoffecker of
Wilmington spent from Saturday un-
til Monday with his parents, Mr.. and
Mrs. George T. Hofecker near town.
MIR. Wallace Hilyard who has been
employed in the city of Philadelphia,
was called to his home on Saturday
because of the illness of his mother,
Mrs. Matte Hilyard. Mr.. Hilysrd
will remain at home until his mother
recovers.-Mr. Thomas G. Baxter, a
student at Princeton College, Prince
ton, N. J. was the guest of friends in
town on Sunday.-Mrs. Alice Four
akers and son Earnest of Dover, was
the guest of Mr.. and Mrs. Elmer H.
Walker. Miss Elizabeth Cooper is
visiting in Camden.-The following
have been added to the sick list during
the past week: Mrs. Frank Graham
and son William. Mr.. Samuel Fortner,
Mrs. Sallie Taylor, Mr.. Joel Clark an d
son Charles, Mrs. George T. Davis,
and daughter Ella, Miss Maie Frazier,
and others.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Public Sales.

Thursday, February 16:-S Stock and
Farming Implements, of Presley
Ford on the "Maple Farm" five
miles from Smyrna, on the road
leading from Woodland Beach to
Leipsic, at 10 o'clock a. m
Thursday, February 16:-Stock and
Farming Implements of George Pratt
near Blackiston's Church on the road
leading from Millington to Smyrna,
at 10 o'clock a. m. JAS. d. Wright
auc.
Friday, Feb. 17-Stock. Farming I'M
plements, etc., of David Thompson
and Herbert Bennett. on the Hud-
son farm, one-half mile from Smyrna
between Smyrna and Clayton, at 10
O'Clock a. m. B. V. Weldon, auc.
Monday, Feb. 20, Stock and farming
implements of J. Dora Hazell on the
"N. N. Bull Farm" Il miles from
Kenton on the road leading to
Downs Chapel at 10 o'clock a. M.
Leroy Roberts. auc.
Tuesday, Feb. 21-Stock, Farming,
Implements, &c, of d. B. Burrows,
on the ''Maple Lane Farm" miles
east of Smyrna, near Severson's 8
Church, on the road leading to
Woodland Beach, at 10 o'clock a. M.
B.. V. Weldon, auc,
Wednesday, Feb. 22.-Stock, Farming
Implements, &c, of d. A. GoldsbOr-
ough, on the 81. n Mills Farm" on
the road leading from Dexter's Cor
ner to Cypress Bridge, at 10 o'clock
a. m. W. Harman Reynolds, auc.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
CHESWOLD.

Old Inhabitants Declare Present Weather With
out ParaIleI-LOeaI Happenings, Personals
Special Correspondence the TIMES.
CHEswoLD, Feb. 14:-The winter
weather which continues unabated is
thought by many to be without par
allel. Last winter passed a cold win
ter. but it's like has been known and
pointed out by our older heads who
now think this winter outclasses them
all within their experience for low tenn
perature and continual blockade of
snow. Our rural mail carriers have
not vet covered all their routes though
we are informed they managed tn serve
the mail without encountering all of
the bad portions.
The Usher's Union of Cheswold have
made the following appointments for
February. Collectors: Messrs Clifford
Anderson and Norman Hoffecker with
Eugene johnson a reserve. Morning
ushers. Messrs Bradley Shahan, Ed
gar Boggs, with John Kemp, Jr.. in
reserve. Evening ushers, Messrs
George G. Anderson, Paul Emerson
with Robert Johnston in reserve
Our w. @. T. q. will meet Thurs
dag evening with Mrs. G. Boggs. They
are planning a Francis E. Willard
Memorial service which will be given
next Sunday evening in Cheswold
Church IN charge of Miss Georgia Ar
mold. After the morning there was no
service held in Cheswold Church ow-
ing to the storm. Pastor Goodhand
preached a pleasing discourse on
Faith.
Personals: Miss Myra Sherwood of
Wilmington is visiting her sister, Mrs.
Mrs. w. o. Merrick. Mrs. George
FAIRIES of Smyrna was guest of Mrs.
J. II. Bishop last Frlday.-Mr. and
Mrs. William NJ. Waster of Crisfeld,
were guests of Mr.. and Mrs. L. D.
Learned over Sunday.-Mr. Ralph
Savin near Cheswold has returned
from a visit to friends in Milford
Miss Lottie Shahan of Middletown,
spent Sunday with her mother, Mrs.
Hannah Shahan.- Arthur Jones,
OF Wilmington, was a guest of Mrs. ID.
II. Boyce Friday and Saturday.-Mr.
and Mrs. R. E. Cantwell of Clayton
were guests of Mr.. and Mrs. W. 8.
Cantwell last Friday. Mr.. John Kemr
Ir. is visiting friends in Wilkesbarre,
Pa.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
CALIFORNIA.
Thirty-three Days Tour via Pennsylvania
Railroad.

Thlrty-three Days Tour via Pennsylvania
Railroad.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Com
pany has arranged for a special per-
sonal-conducted tour through Califor-
MA to leave New York, Philadelphia,
Baltimore and Washington on Febru-
ary 16, by Golden Gate Special COM
posed exclusively of Pullman parlor-
smoking. dining, drawing room Sleep
ing compartment, and observation
cars, returning by March 81. This
special train will be run over the en-
tire route. The best hotels will be
used where extended stops are made,
but the train will be at the constant
command of the party.
Round-trip tickets covering all nec-
essary expenses, 1876 from all points
on Pennsylvania Railroad except Pitts
burg, from which point the rate will
be S270.
For itineraries and further informs-
tion apply to ticket agents. O. Studds
Eastern Passenger Agent, 1853 Fifth
Ave, New York; Hugh Hasson, Jr.,
Passenger Agent Baltimore District.
Baltimore, Md; b. M. Newbold, Pas
senger Agent Southeastern District,
Washington, d. c.; Thomas e. Watt,
Passenger Agent Western District,
Pittsburg, Pa; or address Geo. w.
Boyd. General Passenger Agent, Phil
adelphia.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Give Your Stomach a Rest.

Your food must be properly digested
and assimilated to be of any value to
you. Ii your stomach is wesk or di-
seased take Kodol Dyspepsia Cure. It
digests what you eat and gives the
stomach rest, enabling it to recuper-
ate, take on new life and grow strong
again. Kodol cures sour stomach. gas
bloating. heart palpitation and all al.
gestlve disorders. Sold by William
+. Dunn. -
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15

Mr.. A. G. Price who recently dis
solved partnership with Lewis & Price,
butchers, and since has been employed
by 7. Purnal Lewis who bought him
out, has resigned his position and will
open shambles in the new store build
ing of John L. Graham and go in busi-
ness for himself. John Porter, the
shoemaker who is also butcher. will
succeed Mr.. Price.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
BLACKBIRD.
Surprise Party to Mrs. James A. BucksOn on
Her Return From 0hiO-Entertainments
AIrauged-PersOna Mention.

Surprise Party 10 MRS. James a. DuChsOu On
Her Return From hiO-EntertaInments
AIrauged-PersOhal Mention.
special Correspondence to the TIMES.
BLAoKBIRD, Feb. 14:-A very pleas
ant evening was spent at the home OF
Mr.. and Mrs. James A. Buckson on
Saturday night, the occasion being in
honor of Mrs. Buckson, who with her
daughter Ella have returned from a
seven weeks visit to Ohio. Mrs. Buck
son surprised her family and friends
by returning one day earlier than ex-
pected. Those present we're: Mrs.
William Fortner. Mrs. George @.
Heinhold, Mrs. Jacob Spicer, Misses
Eva, Nellie and Bessie Schafer, Misses
Beulah and Ella Buckson, Misses
Edith and Florence Heinhold and
Miss Susie Watson and Miss F. E.
Husbands.
The continued long spell of stormy
weather has kept the young people of
this community from going to series
of entertainments long planned for.
The young people of Walkers we un-
derstand are going to give an enter
tainment on the oath of February if
the roads improve. The severe win
ter weather with its surfeit of snow
blocked roads, rain and sleet has been
one of anxiety for the people of this
community. Wood piles are getting
low and roads have been in such con-
dition to make it almost impossible to
get to the woods.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Deserved Popularity.

To cure Constipation and Liver
troubles by gently moving the bowels
and acting as tonic to the liver, take
Little Early Risers. These famous
little pills are mild, pleasant and harm
less, but effective and sure. There un-
versal use for many years is a strong
guarantee of their popularity and use
fulness. Sold by William F. Dunn.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15

The members of Shawnee Tribe No.
~. Imp'd. o. r. M. are requested to
meet at the Wigwam, on Sunday, the
10th. inst, at 10 O'Clock, a. m. for the
purpose of attending religious service
in st. Paul M. E. Church, Clayton.
W. L. Gooding, G. of R.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
That Tickling in the Throat.

One minute after taking One Minute
Cough Cure that tickling in the throat
is gone. 1t acts in the throat not the
stomach. Harmless good for chill
drenr Sold by William F. Dunn.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
China and Gut Glass at February Prices

If you would have Tea Set at far below usr
made especially attractive for their little prices
$5Oo-Austrlan China, Sc pieces, pink floral
decorations and gold trimmings good
$500 value.
Cracker Jars-Elite china, newest shapes, va
rious decorations. Were $1.00 now. ......75c
Oat Meal Sets-Austrian china, blue and pink
floral decorations and coin gold trimmings.
This weeks price e...................6 soc
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
CLAYTON DEPARTMENT.
CLAYTON.

items of Interest Cleaned From the Doing
Ia and About Town:
Mr.. Oscar r. DEM of Salem N. J.
who has been the guest of Mrs. W. J.
VsnDyke, has left on an extended
trip to Florida and other southern
points.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15

$6.50-Austrian China, Sc pieces, violet decora-
tions with raised work. Sold usually at
$780,
Chocolate Pots-German China, newest shapes
and decorations. Regularly $1.75 Sale
price. ..s...... .......................S 81 90
Placques-Hand painted, game and center dec
orations. Each. 81 90
Berry Sets-Austrian China, S-inch bowl and
SIX saucers. Sale price ce................ Csc
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
To Cure a Cold in One Day

Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets
All druggists refund the money if it
fails to cure. E. w. Groves sigma
ture is on each box. 25c.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
PRESSED GLASSWARE

Tumblers, thin and heavy blown, each. 80. sc
Cake Stands, and 10-inch, each. .2Oc and 95e
water Jugs. -: ........... each 40c
Finger Bowls, plain and etched, each
15c and zoe
gruets, plain glass, cut shoppers, . each 25c
water sets, four styles, each. ............. 81 90
Art Floor
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Mattings
Underpriced a Fifth.

For an all year floor covering it's the most
popular.
Made of extra heavy straw. You'll fad such
a wide range of neat patterns and sturdy wear
ing qualities that any room can be suitably
covered.
All bales, full 40 yards
Priced at $4.OO to $1,000 the bale.
Fourth Floor
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
A MOST IMPORTANT SALE
Every Housewife is Interested.

from he star Our Great FenuaySa aeiH interest Tenrd dbyespp
F to b de' class an d know 6 few W OF 9 Inc to miss coming here md
ft th~ resort
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Save on Your New Carpets and Have Them Made
and Laid Free

the suitably half furnished
pleasant
IS epre TIL pnces ave made very att act
tapestries SOC Oc and 0 yard
heyard
Axnnnste 4Oand$1 g. the -FourthF Floor
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Beautiful Rugs
Lessened Prices

Usually we own our rugs but the day of az
rival. As soon as shown there's new owner.
New arrivals coming daily gives us a complete
showing in every size. Allowing only rugs of
merit to enter our stock, you'll find an ex-
clusiveness not obtainable in ordinary stocks
The door sizes can be had at Csc with all
grades at in between prices tn $5400 for
handsome room size rug.
Fourth Floor
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
SCarfS, Shams, Covers
and DOiIieS

All the Slightly soiled ones, all broken sets
have been placed in this lot at a third and a
half under usual prices:
The 75c ones, now 3716c
The 81 90 ones, noW.kQe
The 81 25 ones, now Csc
The $3.50 ones, now 75c
The soc ones, now 33c
The 75c ones, now SOC
The 81. 90 ones, now 66c
whe 81 rs ones, now SSc
Second Floor.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Little Prices Rule This
Sale of Turkish Towels

1910 value, this sale 1Oc
A full bleached, fringed towel, 1sxs6 inch.
Regularly lac, this sale. .12c
A full bleached, heavy towel, 17x96 inch, Reg
ularly 15c this sale 121Sc.
A full bleaehed, hemmed towel, 19x4O inch
Regularly lie, this sale .14e
A full bleached fringed towel, 2Sx44 inch. Reg
ularly 28c, this sale 23c.
heavy bath towel, 291zx56 inch. Regularly
Second Floor.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Have Your Furniture
Recovered Free

You buy the coverings at greatly reduced
prices and we put them on without charge for
labor. Your old parlor suite or those odd chairs
get on a surprisingly new appearance after pas
sing through our workrooms. We're always
glad to estimate.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15
Special Attention Given
to RefiniShing

Iyou've any antiques, heirlooms or odd pieces
which have been cast aside on account of mar
costs to restore their beauties We've experts
doing this work continually and you'll be well
pleased with results when it's returned to you.
Either phone -304-will bring our man.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15

We Allow Car Fare
On all sales of Suitable
Amounts. A mention of this
paper when ordering saves
you all Freight Charges.
Smyrna times., 1905-02-15

d have Tea Set far below usual prices these Austrian China
ly attractive for their little prices
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1905-11-02
cORrELYOU TO POsTMAsrERs.
Tells Tncumbents of Third Glass Of
Aces They VIII BE Retained
During Satisfactory Service.

Washington, Oct 2&-Convention
Of national league postmasters Of
fourth class ofiices Of the United States
came to an end Friday afternoon when
the delegates were received by Post
mastr General Cortelyou. After vel
coming them Mr.. Cortelyou made an
address in which he reiterated the at
titude Of the postofice department to
organizations within its ranks and dis
cussed contemplated changes in Or
ganization and administration methods.
He pointed out that organizations
within the department to receive its
sanction in any degree must have for
their object improvements in the SER
vice or be Of a purely fraternal or
beneficial character and that he recog-
nized every employee as an individual
TO be appointed. advanced, transferred
and in all respects treated upon merit.
"In April last" sail the postmaster
general. "the present policy Of the de-
partment regarding fourth class offices
was announced, namely, that incum-
bents will be retained during satisfac-
tory services. This is being adhered to
strictly and l am confident that q
continued adherence to 1t will result in
substantial improvement"