davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Advanced Arithmetic.

Kenneth is the name of good ma.
tured Washington lad who is as stu.
dious as any of his companions, but he
Is young yet and has not advanced
very far In the grades of the public
schools. The other evening he was Wis.
tting a boy friend who has laid his
plans for serving in Uncle Sans army
in the future and contemplates gradu.
ating from West Point some day. The
two were talking about mathematics
when young lady sought to test Ken.
neth's knowledge of 'rithmetic.
III lemons are % cents n Dozen" she
asked him, chow much are cast iron
lamp posts apieceY
/, iWith a perfectly serious expression
mi n face Kenneth replied: 3.
ttH1 DIDN'T know, miss. haven't got
that far in 'rithmetic yet."-washing.
ton Star.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Muskrats.

Rare old Captain John Smith in his
quaint History of New England and
the Summer Isles" published in Lon.
don in 1924, gives probably the first
written account of the muskrat. He
says that 1.-The mussacus is beast of
the form and nature of our (English)
water rat and adds that "some of
them smell exceedingly strong Of
musk" These animals may be caught
in almost any sort of trap baited
with sweet apples or parsnips. Musk.
rats have very strong teeth and can
use them on wood effectively, SO 1t is
wise to protect all corners and cracks
in your wooden traps with pieces OF
tin or sheet iron. They have good
noses and can smell an apple a long
distance of. Place your traps In the
shallow water at the edge of the mill
pond or stream inhabited by these rats,
and they will doubtless find 1t without
difficulty. Young muskrats are very
gentle and playful and may be handled
without fear. They do not grow fierce
with age If reared In captivity aud &C.
customed to gentle treatment.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

ment stroked his neck The animal
stood with dropping head and look.
of docile innocence which to prac-
ticed eye was IL precursor of certain
mischief. There was an instant's
pause. The young man gathered up;
the reins. stopped slightly. then sud
denly shot upward. landing squarely
in the saddle and slipping his feet into
the swinging stirrups. 1t was ia
miliar range trick and deity carried
ont $40
1t is difficult to say which were the
more astonished. the grooms, Mr., Rem.
wyck or Hawk himself, who squatted,
reared and wheeled sharply to the left.
Failing in the first attempt to rid him,
self of an unwelcome burden, the ami.
nal reared again, spinning on the
pivot of his heels. but stopped ut the
stab Of steel between his ribs.
Then began battle which caused
Miss Renwyck to hold her breath in
admiration and alarm and her mother
nearly to faint with terror. Her IA
Their forgot his wager and his dignity
and danced In excitement, shouting
encouragement to the daring rider.
The roam, now thoroughly enraged.
sought by every equine trick he knew
to unseat his master. but in vain. II
he bolted to right or left he felt q
weight swing inward at the turn; If
he reared two maddening spurs were
dug into his tanks. while the effort to
lower his head was checked by an iron
hand.
Presently the horse stood still. as
though he We're thinking deeply, then
suddenly plunged away on dead
straight line. For twenty yards be
raced. then spread ont his legs and
slid, in the budding hope that his rider
might continue on. but in this he was
bitterly disappointed. He felt the
agony of u cruel curb that gripped his
tongue and found himself forced back
upon his launches, while his tenacious
rider still remained astride his back.
Now, Hawk was not single minded
brute and had. SO to speak, another
project. up his sleeve. Without warn.
ing he dropped upon the turf and roll
ed. Richard jumped. He aligbted up
on his feet, ran backward to avoid
the vicious hoofs, and as the horse
rose he mounted with a flying vault,
willie from his audience came cheer
that was music to the vanity Of man
and a further irritation to the horse.
The roam repeated his experiment the
second time, but with the same result.
then once more bo.ted ON the run, this
time for the four foot fence of the
paddock To dash his rider against
ronsh oai; post was II most commenda-
Bile design IN horse. but the rider
was otherwise disposed The Texan
gave his steed Il loose. free rein, but
as lie neared the barrier checked him
sharply aud applied the spur. Hawk
lnirefcd. crouched then took the fence
ike n Soarin. bird HE
Outside Il smooth road stretched
away I'LL lost behind the crest of IL dis
tnnt hill III, his Highway file big
troan tlaiidere;l rs though old Tam o.
Shanter covered npun his back. With
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
CHAPTER VI

eat luncheon Richard was present
IA ed to Mrs. Renwyck, nee Cor
rigan. Il kindly disposed mid
die aged woman of ample pro;
portions. whose money had enabled her
to marry above her and who had since
been desperately endeavoring to live
up to the obligations of her position.
To her n lord was Il lord, indeed, and
at first She was rather inclined to stand
in awe of the Earl of Croyland's title,
but before luncheon was over she had
lost her nervousness and was begin,
ming to feel toward him us though he
were real American. Miss Harriet
Iscnwyck was charming, sitting oppo-
site Richard, who, having crossed his
first bridge with flying colors, grew
more confident, though careful not to
overact his role. Thanks to the In
struction of the exemplary Bills, he
was steering Il safe course among the
forks too. The Texan discussed Amer
lea with his host. who admitted can
didly that Richards views were
broader than those Of any Engishman
lie had ever known. Concerning the
present policy of Great Britain Mr..
Renwyck found his guest strangely
reticent. The conversation then turned
upon various topics. social and per.
sonal. ending in horsefesh, which
with Mr. Renwyck was passion
Lord Croyland." he said. "I'm really
worried as to what to do with u horse
of mine called Hawk. He is democrat.
izing my whole stable."
and what is the trouble with
Hawk?" Richard asked.
Everything" exclaimed his host
"a magnificent animal. but very
devil, beg your pardon, Mrs. Rem,
wyck, but it's true. Why, sir. there
isn't man on my place who dares to
put his leg across his back"
Ever try an outsidcr?" asked the
guest. forgetting his part in his inter
est in the horse.
Yes" returned Mr.. Renwyck. ''There
was Jockey up here last week. l Of
ferel him $50 for every minute he
kept the saddle. BY stop watch he
earned about 10 cents and told me that
lie wouldn't have the beast for n
precious gift"
Too bad" murmured Richard.
Greatly, l should like uncommonly
well to try him."
'You!" cried Mr.. Renwyck in genu-
inc surprise. He paused to laugh. 81
know you Englishmen are pretty good
horsemen, Lord Croyland. but I'll tell
you what-if you ride Hawk for half
an l:our without spill I'll make you a
present of him."
"Donev' said Richard.
"On conditions" added the other
craftily.
"And those?"
''If you fail you'll buy him at my
own price,"
'Done again" said Richard quietly.
But here Mrs. Renwyck and her
daughter. protested vigorously. They
would not have their guest murdered
before their eyes for foolish wager.
There We're other horses in the stable
of which Lord Croyland might have
Ills pick, so why leopard life and
limb on this crazy. cranky brute that
had proved himself so dangerous?
5 After much discussion the matter was
compromised. They would inspect the
horse after luncheon and then decide.
Mrs. lsenwyek believed that her guest
after once seeing the animal would
change his mind.
TO Richard. who had been born in
the sadlie. so to speal, without re.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

If thou addest little to little and
doest SO often soon 1t will become g
great heap.-Hesiod.
A Wasted Present.
what In the world shall send
Aunt Betsy. John?" demanded the mas
terful lady Of the mild little man.
"A workbasket or book?" he sug.
gested.
Don't be fool, John! You've no
taste. I'll send her one of those fancy
boxes of soap"
And she lifted to her nose box
containing six round tablets of per-
fumed soap.
Yes" she continued, '.this is the
very thing"
but. my dear, really he protest
ed.
You be quiet, John! Now, wrap
this up, miss.'
Two days later Il packet arrived from
Aunt Betsy, and in haste they opened
1t to see how she had taken their
thoughtful present. Under the wrap.
ping was the affectionate message:
Niece Herewith / return the box
Of shaving soap you sent me. am
too old to appreciate the joke Of be-
Ing regarded as bearded lady. Your
aunt, Betsy"
Then, but only for moment, the
mild little man smiled. = Pearson's
Weekly
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

Aect,np ri, ms rnas,,a. sa a. ef; \. ,s,f
c,snouerine Howl. wos nc vine nm q
thirsty toner.s ton,ma S,naa iaaa,,o
Thxas his very knees no,, n,naa -
grin n horses borreI and now 81 was
Nth the gre.tas+ d,e,om,tr No. LIS
rising snirits we're hold N checi.
Miss Hnrr;at wos fl;yi,ad l,atuoa,
fear OF nm almost certain occidenf and
tho wish to SEQ This vopnr m,n r;1o
There was something about Ills ensr
loose knit tirnre whicb in.nircd .n,a'
ddncc. There was .omctl,inu foo.
Just what she could NOT sny-tlc,t RI.
colIed n mcn,nrv or ,lnnr;nu oa,tio !.
d,,st $50. u ."'u"s" e'o"us VI
frnn ~. sn,,s,o GU" M, VIZ" ~, HM.l'' nef
sanea, Sha Hi ,,i. - 49, =, ~
Englisbman ana nat s,,n -, ,a' We, en- :.
~ .,,,sh,,.a,' -, ,o''"' ~ i,
when tba, sn;si,o, a. ,,,,a,,... a..
renoirad 70 tha na,,a 81. a.'s
ras iod t,o,, t,a ..s,,,s .1"M
hano,ng r,,n - ,s. 49, .Mo s.oo.ns
etrons nc ,rns $3.50 800 90,
. Iglossy ooo+ ona n,ass,ua s ILL, VII
THO snail, hoo, al, ~ 80, so ~, .e,s
n Tho aars Low hao,. ~, ~ ~" SUI. s.
III bis o,os n,aa,,.ss ,'..a'..,,. .s WY. .
toI haar omt Mr. panmro,.,. -,
as to h,s nostr tannar 's'.'sn'
.I1mnhm so;a n..,,
.rIonrs nc ~ ,,a $3.50 :. ~. -. =,
o,nros ~ ,,,.,, u pme .le
stenned rorwara Vs. ru u"esn n ., ne
along Hawks mnsc,a ominor;na n,,.h.
arl ..Inmnan., f"''e''"s WIZ
ives sir" rof,,rnaa ~. .n,.,a,,.,...
head Groom. .snmr foot n,a,, tp s,s ~
: clean hoof. Ne' ''' "4e'
'
Richard nodded.
.Just saddle him. will Won. nv eoo,1
man? fancy Hawk and Will hit II
off together nicely"
The horse was led into the center Of
the spongy Daddock where the dan.
gerous task Of saddllng was completed
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
d horde Of witches streaming fat out

H..
M t. 80
~. ..,..,. =. u nau peen SING
,ass his roo,,,ass .nn., ~, au uoup.-
toron IN tho sona ,,,t -. sn' nave
nectea checl, AZ he $50 an -. uu ~
road herond tho fanoa hn 49, ~ Nv. .ne
rod foood NOR ,r,,n ~, 49,, ''.e.e
: ''"" e'Appeu ap-
clause with two plump white hands,
1t was not so much the gentleman him.
self that troubled Richards mind, but
the thought Of doubtful compliment
shouted down the wind:
Very good seat for an Englishman.
my lord!"
For Richard of course sat on his
horse like a plains rider who loathes
the up and down motion OF England
and the riding school.
For long time Miss Renwyck and
her father awaited their guests return
in great anxiety until they were reliey-
ed at last by the sight of him coming
down the road at an easy ,canter eyi.
IDENTIFY master of the situation.
HE rides well. father. doesn't hep.
HE does" the old gentleman replied
and added something which ouaiified
firm opinion.
Richard soon reached the paddock
fence. forcing his faded mount to take
1t for second time, crossed the field
and dtsmounted at Miss .Harriet,s side.
The horse stood still. his head drooped
again, but this time in utter WEAKNESS
not mischief. His glossy cont was
streaked with foam. his widespread
nostrils inlamed and red. while his
barrel heaved to the pant Of his labor
ed breath. He shivered in defeat and
offered no resentment of his riders
arm about his neck In rough caress
Look here, young man." satd Mr.
Renwyck's greeting. "where did. Won
learn to ride like thnt9"
IL was uncommonly keen on riding
rs boy" said Richard. falling into
lazy drawl, land. besides. 1 stayed
for several months in Texas. Won
know"
Miss Harriet started and fixed
searching gaze. ON the sneakers face.
but her father nodded crayely. -
"Umph," he returned. 81 see. Good
Instructors, those fellows on the plains.
eh?"
"Well. rather" assented- Richard.
with a hugh. "My trainer was n gen.
tleman known colloouially Ms Dog
Faced Sam. though dare saw his mr..
cnts never bothered TO cbristen him nt
all. Jolly sort. those-er-cow cbaps.
non nv word,"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

In nine out Of ten cases your infant
prodigy is a musician. Among paint
ers the prodigy of prodigles was Sir
Thomas Lawrence. One OF his earliest
pictures, 1t is said, was produced In
1916. quite early enough, for the love:
ly cherub who painted 1t was then six
years old. He was getting on in life.
tottering on the verge of twelve, when
the quality crowded his, studio at
Bath. The fates We're kind to the In
FAINT prodigy when they made his fa-
Their landlord Of the Black Bull, De-
WEES, the inn where fashionable men
and women called for rest and refresh
ment on their way to the waters. AT
the Black Bull the prodigy made his
first acquaintance with the great world
which fattered him in after life and
which he flattered on canvas. = st.
James Gazette.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Bluebsard.

"Bluebeard" originated in France and
was called the Romance Of the Cheva.
lier Raoul," the historic figure being q
certain Giles de Laval, lord of Rail-.
He was marshal Of France In 1929 and
though brave and fearless soldier
was addicted to vice and violence, and
from this fact was charged with the
wholesale murder Of young women,
whose blood he used for the purpose of
diabolical lamentations. From these
circumstances the web of the story is
spun.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

3 Every good act is charity. Giving
water to the thirsty tsscharity. Re-
moving stones and thorns from the
road is charity. Exhorting your fel-
low men to yirtuous deeds is charity.
Smiling in your brothers face is char
iitys Putting wanderer In the right
path is charity. A mans true wealth
is the good he does In this world.
When he dies mortals will ask what
property has he left behind him, but
angels will inquire, what good deeds
hast thou sent before thee 71-Moham.
med.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Worse.

"At least the audience didn't hiss
remarked the playwright after the un.
successful first night.
NO" replied the manager sadly;
"they were too sleepy."-L ippincott's
Magazine.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

1t may be the census idea that g
woman who Is merely the mother of a
family has no occupation, but the job
Keeps her pretty busy just the same
indianapolis News.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

Mamma, Mrs. Oldcastle just went
wild over our new bust of Shakespeare
when she was here this afternoon"
Burst my dear, burst Mercy sakes,
how can you use such slang? And
you've been to Europe twice toom--
Chicago Record Herald.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

'That fellow" said Tete de veau, "ls
always getting or the old Joke about
the difficulty Of finding a woman's
pocket
"But, you know" L'Oignon explain
ed. smiling "he married a rich wife,
Los Angeles Times.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

At times when you don't feel just
right, when you have bad stomach,
take something right away that will as
sist digestion; not something that vii.
stimulate for time but something
that will positively do the very WORK
that the stomach performs under or
binary and normal conditions, some
thing that will make the food digest
To do this you must take natural
dtgestsnt like Kodol for Dyspepsia
KOdol is scientific preparation Of
vegetable acids with natural digestants
and contains the same juices found In =
healthy stomach. Each dose will d.
gest more than 1900 grains of GOOD
food. 1t is sure to afford prompt re-
lief; it digests what you eat and ii
pleasant to take. Sold by all druggists.
~ # . q
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Good Actions.

When we have practiced good nc
tons awhile they become easy. When
they are easy we take pleasure in
them. When they please US we do
them frequently, and then by frequen.
cy OF act they grow into habit.-Ttl.
.lotson. -
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Reeeivino Tommy,

There is certain Inspector of schools
who prides himself on his original
method of examining, but occasionally
his originality receives a shock. In q
fatherly manner he had gathered q
class Of young children round him and
soon had their open mouthed atten-
ton.
Now, suppose that you and l were
playing n game Of marbles" he said
to little Tommy Jones. "You have
ten marbles and have eight
The class gathered closer round.
"At the end of the game you have
won half Of my marbles, and Of course
l want to play again to win them
back"
The children pressed even nearer.
"At the end of the second game l
win half of those you now have. Tell
waxed intense-.tell
me-" he continued, "how many mar.
bles you IRE left with?n
{ With look Of inexpressible disgust
the boy addressed fell, back. why,
Billy" he said, "blowed If it amt
sums. "-London Answers.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Between Friends.

Nan-Did you notice how dreadfully
that piano needed tuning? Fan-Why,
no, dear; thought it harmonized per.
fectly with your Voice. Chicago Trib-
une,
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Safe.

Eloper Gn a loud wbisper)--Are you
sure the rope ladder is firmly at
tached? Eloperess Oh. yes. won't
fall. Papa and mamma are at the top
holding Cleveland Leader. !.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
Settino Him R;aht.

He-Tell me. confidentially. how
much did the bonnet cost you?
She-George, there is but one way in
which you can obtain the right to in
spect my millinery bills.
He popped.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

There is no tyrant like custom and
no freedom where Its edicts are not
resisted. -Boyee.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
A Mean Trick.

A Mean Trick.
In his home city they tell a sad story
of a mean trick ona pawnbroker. He
was enjoying beauty sleep when a
furious knocking at the street door
brought him to the window with a
jerk.
whats the matter" he shouted.
Come down." demanded the knock
er.
"But'-
"Come down."
The man of many nephews hastened
downstairs and peeped around the
door. Now, sir" the pawnbroker de-
manded.
Il vanish know the time" said the
reveler.
do you mean to say you knocked
me up for that? How dare you!"
The midnight visitor looked injured
Weil, you've got my watch" he said.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

Mr.. Kidder-I think n woman's club
to be successful should aim at some
thing far removed from female suf-
frage.
Miss strong-I don't agree with you,.
Sir. That should be Its sole object.
Mr.. kidder-Yes, but it's more likely
to hit that object II 1t aims at some
thing else.-Philade1phla Press.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
A FUGITIVE Ait.

LEND me pencil" said the press
humorist.
Thought Of something funny?"
mo, but I've thought of something
that will pass muster as joke
Louisville Courier-Journal.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
n. Md short,x,.

~ WIZ SuStAys
Mechanics are sometimes deceptive
things. and they are oftentimes ex-
tremely funny. 1 was in a small town
not many miles south of Boston and,
asking for certain piece of informa-
ton, was informed by several that
Shorty" could give it to me, and he
seemed to be the only man who could.
Not knowing just who Shorty" was,
I made further inquiries and was told
that he could be found in the store
just across the square.
gust ask for Shorty" 1 was told.
"Any one will show him to you"
went over to the store as directed
and looked yainly about for some one
who might answer the name. Only
one man was present, and he was al
most seven footer. After looking
about moment started to leave.
"Lookin' for some one, stranger?" he
observed.
Eyes, I'm looking for Shorty" I
told him.
A broad grin overspread his face.
Guess you've got him." he muir
INJURED. "I'm your man." - Boston
Traveller.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

Everything taken intu the stomach
should be digested fully within cel.
tain time. When you feel that your
stomach is not in good order, that To,
food you have eaten is not being digest.
ed, take good, natural digestADt thai
will DO the work the digestive juice.
are not doing. The best remedy know,
nday for all stomach troubles is Kodo
which is guaranteed to give prompt re-
lief. 1t is natural digestan,; 1t d.
ests what you eat, 1t is pleasant Il
AXE and is sold here by ali druggists
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
He Told the Reason.

"The aeronaut to get along must
keep his wits about him." said an ar.
my official. Under the most adverse
circumstances he must not lose his
head. Always he must be alert and
ready, like-like-wcll, like scientist
L used to know.
This scientist gave scientific lee
ture in church one night, and ut the
lectures end he said, beaming on his
audience condescendingly:
Snow, If there is any scientific
question that any of my friends would
like to ask, I4beg them not to hesitate.
I shall be only too happy to answer
an1 Inquiry in my power
San old lady in spectacles that gave
her n severe. stern look rose and said:
"'Why do wet tea leaves kill
reaches?
"tl'he scientist didn't know they did,
let alone the cause of the phenomenon.
But, never at a loss, he replied:
Because, madam, when a roach
comes across a wet tea leaf he says,
Hello, here's blanket" and wraps
himself up in 1t, catches cold and
dies. '"-Los Angeles Times.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
THE CHILDREN LIKE 1T
kENNEDYeS LAXATIVE
COUGH SYRUP

Special Announcement Regarding the
National Pure Food and Drug Law.
We are pleased to announce that Fo.
ley's Honey and Tar for crughs, colds
and lung troubles IL not affected by III.
National Pure Food and Drug law as it
contains no oplstes or other harmful
drugs, and we recommend 1t as safe
rem. dy for children and adults. An
ders s. Philip.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19
GOVERNMENT ANIMALS.

ITO BE coSr1surD.l.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-02-19

If thou addest little to little and
doest SO often soon 1t will become q
great heap.-Hesiod.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-05-29
So BATTLES FOUGHT BY
JAPANESE IN ONE MONTH
$40 Korean Insurgents Killed, Many
Wounded and Captured, and
but Thirty Brown
Men Slain

SEOUL, Korea, May 2S.--According to
a military report a total of f1fty-three
engagements were fought during the
month of May in the campaign of the
Japanese forces against Korean insur-
gents and rioters, 549 insurgents being
killed, many wounded and large num-
ber captured. The Japanese lost 30
killed. The insurgents Invariably out
numbered the Japanese forces five to
one.
The greatest activity of the rebellious
element has been In the provinces of
Ham Kyondo and Kwang Wando.
Many of the Korean insurgents who
have given the Japanese much trouble
are surrendering. In fact, the insur-
rectionary movement has lost all SEM
blance of organization and control
since the only recognized Korean in
surgent leader came to Seoul on May
27 and gave himself up.
At Japanese military headquarters
1t is confidently predicted that the en-
tire disturbing element in Korea will
be subdued within sixty days. Gend-
armes are now thoroughly distributed
through the disaffected provinces.