davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
Expressions of Thanks
From the Old Soldiers.

Being and old Confederate Sol
dier and having just returned
from the Mobile Reunion, which
proved by far the most comfort
able and pleasant which has yet
been rendered the old soldiers, |
feel in duty bound to thank Mrs.
H. T. Saunders and here corps of
assistants, whose spirit of charity
prompted them to not only make
the trip more pleas ant hu t
through their liberal donations.
to make it possible to some to at
tend their first reunion. To Mrs.
Saunders. the leader and instlgi-
nator of this movementas we'll as
to all who took part in it, we
thank from the depths of our
hearts, for truly it was a noble
work and is appreciated beyond
expression.
The OLD SOLDIERS.
May II, 1910.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
King Edward VII.
NJ ay II. 1910.

The Natchez Democrat in it's
Sundays issue pays beautiful
tribute to the life and character
of the dead King in the following
seort EDITORIAL:
Edward VII. King of Great
Britain and Ireland and Emperor
of India, who died late Friday
night, earned the beautiful tri-
butes that have been paid to his
memory by the head of every
Government, monarchial Or re-
public, the press and .ha various
organizations. both religious and
civil,
He was the ideal King, a man
who lived his life, never sinking
responsibility and squaring his
every act in such manner as to
win the admiration and sincere
regard of all men.
Press reports throughout the
the years OF his youth and years
of maturity have been filled with
his doing and at all times he
appeared as one who enjoyed
life and who scorned to bend one
iota in the direction of subter.
fuge.
His was an open life and he
lived it in such way as to make
him appear to be one of the
people, rather than one who was
to rule, who did rule and ruled
wisely and well-always for the
good of his subjects and for the
world.
AS has been stated in our press
dispatches. he exercised a most
wholesome influence in preserv-
ing the peace of Europe and it
will be we'll for the world If the
lessons of his reign and influence
sink deep into the heart and
mind of every President, King,
Prince or Poteneate to the end
that diplomacy and readiness
to make honorable concessions
shall take the place Of war and
bloodshed.
America grieves with Great
Britain in the loss of Edward
VII, and wishes for his son,
King;George ", a successful and
prosperous reign.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
Bribery Charges Becoming
Common.

The charges of bribery in con-
nection with the election Of Will
liam Lorimer as United States
Senator from Illinois stands out
IN clear relief even in a year al
ready marked by startling graft
exposures. 1t would be pleas
ant if reasonable knowledge of
existing conditions in American
politics made the average man
feel, on reading such a story,
that it was plainly preposterous
and impossible or at least to be
seriously considered only after
the most final and convincing
proofs had been submitted. AS
matter of fact, however. there
are few men in every legisla-
ture who are financially crooked.
In an election where one candi-
date has a bi ig lead over his rlv-
ais, individuals of this sort have
small chance to ply their nefar-
ious trade. But when an elec-
ton hangs by thread, especial
ly if a secret ballot has been or
dered, there is always a chance
that one>of the candidates, if he
or his friends are unscrupulous
enough, can make deal with
this dishonest element and buy
his way into office. This is un-
fortunate, and it is more unfor-
tunate that the Senate, with its
great traditions and great names
it's memories of oratory and pa
;riotism, should have it's name
dragged in the mire by even a
uggestion of such scandal
NonrOe Times-Star.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
BRADLEY LOALS.
by BILL

by BILL.
Mr.. A. j. Skies is spending a
few days in the home of his sis,
ter, Mrs. Tennie Montgomery
Mrs. J. c.. Skies and daughter,
Miss Uenas, made flying trip
to Sturgls Monday.
Mrs. Chas. Skies spent the
day with Mrs. A. B. Hollmon.
Mr.. w. G. Montgomery made
a flying trip to Sturgis Sunday.
Business is picking up.
Mrs. J. A. Brown returne'
home from Ackerman Tuesday.
Miss Annie Skies spent few
DAYS with his uncle, Mr.. W H.
Montgomery last week.
Mrs. Mary Skidmore is visit
ing her son, Mr.G. A. Skidmore,
at Louisville.
Mr.. Clint Vaughn and family
spent the day in the home of his
brother, Mr.. T., NJ Vaughn.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
Those Pies of Boyhood.

How delicious were the pies OF boy
hood. No pies now ever taste as good.
What's changed? the pies? No. It's
you. You've lost the strong, healthy
stomach, the vigorous liver, the active
kidneys, the regular bowels of boyhood.
Your digestion is poor and you blame
the food. What's needed? A complete
toning up by Electric Bitters of all or
gans of igestion-Stomach, Liver,
Kidneys, Bowels-Trv them. They'll
restore your boyhood appetite and ap-
probation of food and fairly saturate
your body with new health strength
and vigor. soc. at all druggists.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13

The following from the excellent mes
sage of Gov. Sanders conveys hint the
next Mississippi Legislature might well
act on: 1.-The exemption of mortgages
from taxation has brought a large a
mount of capital into the state, thereby
both our industrial and ag-
ricultural growth. Louisiana is rich in
undeveloped resources and possibilities,
but to develop these resources, capital
is needed"
The State. Wide immigration
meeting at Jackson should seize
upon the suggestion. Factorie 8
and other industries are exemp-
ted. For whom? Not for the
benefit Of the farmers. If there
is to be any exemptions, exempt
money secured by mortgages
upon real estate. Keep the mon
ey at home for home develope-
ments. Mississippi oney is
loaned in states where it is ex-
empted.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
Trustees of the A. & M.
College Allow $4,000 for
Improvements.

There was an important meet
ing of the trustees of the Agri-
cultural and Mechanical College
Friday. The following mem.
bers were present: Governor
Noel, Messrs. Wainwright, Lea.
Glenn, Maer and White. The
following changes were made in
the faculty: Prof. w. l.. Hutch
inson was made dean of agricul.
ture and director Of farmers in.
stitutes; Prof. j. w. Fox was
made director OF the experiment
station. and Prof. E. r. Lloyd a
director to have charge of the
station of animal industry, with
an increase of $3.50 in salary.
Prof. A. Smith goes to the Del,
ia Experiment Station. Prof.
J. A. MCLEAN resigned and his
resignation was accepted. The
trustees allowed $4,000 towards
building the good road from
Starkville to the college chapel.
The county contributes 50. 900.
the City $4,000 and the citizens
by subscription something like
50, 500.
This piece of road will be look
ed forward with more interest
than any other road work with
in the State and it is to be hoped
that work will be at full head
way during the Commencement
exercises at the College SO that
our visitors will have an oppor-
tunity of seeing what can be
done in the direction of Road
Building
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
WEAK, WEARY WOMEN
Learn the Cause of Daily Woes and
End Them.


End Them.
When the back aches and throbs.
When housewOrk is torture.
When night brings no rest nor sleep.
When urinary disorders set in
Women lot is d weary one.
There is a way to pc thes woes.
Doan's Kidney Pills cure such ills.
Have cured thousands.
Read this woman's testimony.
Mrs. D. B. Fullington, 3s East Broad
St, West Point, Miss, says; ''Doan's
Kidney Pills have my highest endorse
ment. For some time my kidneys were
disordered and the secretions from these
organs were so frequent in passage that
[ was caused much ANNOYANCE. My
back was lame and sore and L felt tired
ind languid nearly all the time. A
riend advised me to try Doan's Kidney
Pills and deciding TO do so, / procured
box | was surprised and delighted
uv the results Of their use, for in less
til y three weeks the passages of the
kidn. secretiOns were regulated and
thu other symptoms of kidney trouble
had Il sappeared.
For sale by all dealers. Price so cts,
Foster-Mllburn Co., Buffalo. New York,
sole agents for the United States.
Remember the name-DOan's-a n
take no other
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13

All communications intended
for publication should be ad-
dressed to THE News, Stark
vile, Miss.
Persons wishing to become
correspondents should first make
application, for in this way we
may avoid having two CORE
spondents from the same neigh
borhood. Where there is more
than one correspondent we have
substantially the same news
items, Communications not ad-
dressed as above indicated. stand
a chance of being overlooked.
Give the local news of your
community.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
ADATON DEPARTMENT.


BY JoT
Our Sunday schoo! is progress
ing fine.
Mr.. George Parker, and sister
CT Starkyille, spent Saturday
night with their sister. Mrs.
Murry.
Mr.. George Parker took Miss
Minnie Lee Harris to Center
Grove to the memorial Sunday.
Come again George with your
dads mule and new buggy.
Rev. Hankins will preach to
US Wednesday night.
A lot of folks went to the me-
morial at Center Grove last Sun
day.
Mr.. Fred Clardy spent Sun
day at nome.
Mr.. and Mrs, J. S. Christo-
pher has had a sick baby for the
last week, but is improving now.
Mrs. Pearl Critz is still on the
sick list.
Lot of the men are attending
court this week.
Our Lavmen, Mr.. Stone, gay e
US another interesting talk last
Sunday.
We are going to have Quarter
ly meeting at our church. Steel>
Chapel, next Saturday and Sun
day II and Is. We will be glad
to have visitors from other
churches to come and mingle
with US.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
prosperous reign.

G,1l. w. N. Nash. who attend
ed the Mississippi Bar Assocla-
ton last week, reports a pleasant
time and speaks in highest terms
of the citizens of Ngtchez for the
royal entertainment. Genl. Nash
did some service SIS a sSldier in
that vicinity during the Civil war
and, of course, his visit was Of
increased interest.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
MEMORIAL DAY.

Wednesday was lively day in
harmony of the beautiful exercis-
es at the Opera House at 3 o.
clock p. M, under auspices of the
U. D. c., Regina Lee Chapter.
PROGRAMME:
/. Music. ..-........A. N Nj. Band
2. Invocation. Rev. w. E. Nj. Brogan
3. Song (Dixiey. Children Public School
T. Recitation. -. Miss Annie l.. Mckay
). Duet, After the Gray.
Profs. Herbert and Bragg
&. Bestowal of Crosses. S........
L. d. c. Chapter No $50
7. Introduction Of Speaker. MIR. J.J. Gill
s. Address. ..D DR.. w III. Magruder
9. Solo (Sing Me A Song of the Sunny
South" Mrs Allie Powers Tarry
10. Song (.'Tenting On the Old Camp
Ground" School Children
IL. Song, s'My Home Dress Is Plain, |
Know" w"............M Miss Moody
y. Music ......... .....College Band
Miss Tennie Perkins presided at the
Piano
In the absence Of Mrs. d. &.
Slaughter, president, on account
of indispositon. Mrs. W. Il. Mag
ruder presided with much grace
and ease.
Mr.. J. j. Gill introduced the
speaker for the occasion in a
most beautiful and appropriate
manner, which lent inspiration
for the hour. DR.. Magruder
seemed very much affected and
appreciative for the kind and
complimentary words spoken by
Mr.. Gill.
We regret very much our ina
bility to express our appreciation
of DIR. Magruder's address and
that Of every one who heard IL.
1t YVES somewhat out of the Ordi-
nary for its far reaching and com
pleteness. 1t was worthy of per
petuation and should be printed
in pamphlet form and placed in
the home Of everybody.
Capt. L. d Mcdowell, on the
part Of the Old Veterans, moved
that the Daughters request a
copy of DR.. Magruder and pub
lish same in the Confederate Vet
eran and such other papers that
may desire it. The motion was
put and enthusiastically unanimous
~ adopted by rising vote.
After ceremonies at the Opera
Hall the different orders and Cit
liens proceeded to the cemetery
where the old departed veterans
graves were lovingly decorated
with beautiful flowers by the
loyal and patriotics daughters.
Every one was of the mind and
expression. God bless the
women.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
Musical Entertainment.

The music pupils of the Stark
vile Public School will give their
closing Recital on Thursday ev-
ening, Nav 10Th. All are cordi
ally invited to attend.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13

Mr.. Geo. S. Turner attended
the Retailers Hardware Associa-
ton which convened in Columbus
this week.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
NOTICE.

The Commission having in
charge the construction Of the
Model Road between Starkville
and the A. & NJ. College, will
meet Monday morning May Is,
at 10 O'Clock at the City Hall. for
the purpose of deciding on which
side of the road 10 build the con-
crete walk. AS both sides are
asking for it, all parties interes-
ested will please appear and pres.
ent their claims to the Commis.
sion.
DIR. J. w. ECKFORD,
5.12,'1O. Secrtary.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
W. r. PARK. Vice-Presidel

Good show at the Opera House
this week. Waso The Wig, Co
medy Magician, May Marion.
Singer and Dancer; Two reels
of the latest motion pictures and
illustrated songs forms a Won
derful show for the admission
charged a high grade, refined
for ladies. gentlemen and child
rem, starting each night at eight
so'clock. Admission ten cents.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13

Mr.. Willis Garth is in Stark
vile for fortnight to attend
court.-Columbus Commercial.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13

Hons. Frank Pinson, w. j
Daniel and L. M. Adams of Ack-
erman. and G.. L. Tubb, of Aber-
deem. we're visiting attorneys in
attendance on Circuit court this
week.
The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1910-05-13
$1,000 Reward.
women.

The above sum will be paid for
the arrest and conviction Of each
person who maliciously caused
the wreck of the Illinois Central
train No. 2 Engine No. II, near
mile post 724. about five miles
north of Jackson, Miss, 12:45
a. M. April 18th. 1910.
This offer is made upon the
finding of the Board Of Inquiry,
charged with ascertaining the
cause of the wreck, that it was
due to criminal act
ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD,
Co.,
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
CASINO COMPANY OPENS
The Island an Attractive Resort
Moving Pictures and Other Features
A Large Crowd Present, Etc.

The Casino Island Co. opened the
summer season on Scott's Island here
Wednesday night to a crowd Of fully
one thousand people.
The management was handicapped
to some extent by the breaking Of an
electric machine of the company. which
furnished the lights and which pre-
vented the moving pictures showing up
as they should have done. The people
appreciated the handicap under which
the company was placed. All this VIII
be rectified in few days.
Workmen will commence at once to
lay the dancing pavilion and 1t VIII be
completed in a few days.
The island will be dotted with com
Portable benches and chairs and it will
be a delightful place for parents to
take children hot summer nights,
The Spanish Troubadours are higher
class artists than are generally seen IN
vaudeville outside Of cities. Their
voices are fine and blend well. The
management brought this quartet here
at heavy expenses. Donnelly, the
comedian. was also good.
The music is being rendered by
Messrs. Charles Saunders, violin;
Harold Genther, piano, and Chas. Has
sell, drum and traps.
Two shows were given, at both Of
which were large audiences. After
this the crowd enjoyed hitting the
coon, tests of strength, ringing the
bell, partaking of refreshments.
Tonight there will be an entire
change of program, new songs, new
Jokes and new pictures.
1t is hoped and expected the lights
will be better.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
RECEPTION IN HONOR OF
MISS HERND0N

Mrs. Chas. Herndon was the hostess
at a beautiful reception at her home
on Hanover street Wednesday evening
from eight to ten in honor of her grand
daughter. Miss Corinne Young Herndon,
of New York. Mrs. Herndon was as
sisted in receiving by Mrs. W. P.
Young, of New York; Miss Lucy Hern-
don and Mrs. A. X. Phillips, of Wash
ington. Mrs. Gen. d. d. Wheeler pre-
sided at the punch bowl, while delight
full refreshments were served the
guests by Misses Fannie Tucker Car
michael, Agnes Chewing. Lucy Knox,
Nellie Carmichael, Elsie and Anna
Keim.
The reception rooms were lighted
with candles and presented a beautiful
scene during the entire evening, being
crowded with guests from shortly after
eight until ten O'Clock.
Miss Herndon. in whose honor the re-
ception was given, is a charming young
lady and will be the guest Of Mrs.
Herndon for q month or two.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09

Mr.. and Mrs. A. F. Dickson, who
have been spending some days here,
left Friday for Upperville, from which
place Mr.. Dickson will resume his trips
on the road for the h-Coghill Shoe
Co.
Mrs. w. H. Fitzhugh and daughter,
Miss j. X. Fitzhugh, and Miss Jaletta
Fitzhugh left Friday for the Warm
Springs, where they win spend several
months.
The Miss Anna Owens who was
married in Rockville, Md, last week
was the daughter of Mr.. VIM. Owens,
the carpenter, on Cedar Lane.
Miss Vivian Conway has returned
home after an absence OF several
months visiting friends in Pennsylvania
and other Northern points.
Mr.. r. II. English, of Stafford.
brought here Friday some fine Irish
potatoes. most of them weighing Is
ounces each.
Mrs. Emmett Seay and Miss Julia
Pritchett, of Sunlight, Spotsylvania
county, were in the city Wednesday
shopping.
Capt. S. A. Keene has gone to the
Eastern Shore of Maryland to spend
two months with relatives.
Miss Eva Tyler, of Clifton Springs.
N. Y, is here visiting her parents, MIR.
and Mrs. F. X. Tyler.
Clerk E. r. Coghill, of Caroline, was
welcome visitor to our office Wednes-
day.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Washington. OF
Milford, were in the city Friday.
Mr.. M. C. Pates is sick at his home,
"Sunnyside. near LeavelPs.
Miss Alice X. Gordon has returned
from a visit to Atlantic City.
Mr.. Halsey Dickinson, Of Summit,
was in the city Thursday.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
TO CONDEMN LAND

A petit jury which had been summon
ed by u. S. court at Alexandria We'd
nesday was excused until Sept. 20,when
the matter of the condemnation OF
about 1900 acres near Occoquan, Va. q,
upon which it is proposed to locate q
workhouse and farm for the Dis
trict of Columbia, will come up for
consideration.
Among the jurors who will hear the
case and act as appraisers of the lane
and the timber thereon are Geo. W.
Hunter, VIM. Hunter, ]. N. Carter,
Occoquan; Clearance r. Howard ant
Lindsay Roach. of Fredericksburg; X
F. Whitetone, Culpeper; c. +. Hicks
and C. B. Conway, Caroline; Edward
Waller. Garrisonville.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
CARTER PEARSON
Married in New York.

Mr.. Ellerbe w. Carter. of this city,
and Miss Nancy Pearson, of Barbours-
vile, Orange county, and of New York
CITY. were married Thursday evening
at st. Thomas Episcopal church in
New York. Miss Sallie Carter, sister
of the groom, was maid Of honor, and a
former classmate of the groom was
best man.
Mr.. and Mrs. Carter will sail for a
bridal trip to England on July 9th, to
be absent several weeks. Upon their
return they will locate in Louisville,
KY, where the groom will practice his
profession.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. ID. Carter, parents
of the groom, Misses Sallie and Lucille
Carter, sisters, and Mr.. Douglas Car
ter. brother. all of this city, were
present at the wedding.
The bride, with her mother, spent
several months in this city year or
more ago and made many friends dur
ing her stay here. The groom is
prominent and popular young attorney.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
TWYMAN-BAkeR

Miss Sallie Whitlock Baker. of Char
lottesviIle, and F. w. Twyman, presi-
dent of the City Council Of that city,
were married in Christ Episcopal church
there Wednesday night by Rev. II. b.
Lee.
Mrs. Henry Cabell Maddux, Of Old
Point. was matron of honor, and Miss
Mamie T. Twyman was maid Of honor.
The best man was George Z. Walker.
The bride has many friends in this
city, having frequently visited here.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
Mr.. CHAS. K0EPPEN DEAD

Mr.. Chas. Kceppen died Thursday
afternoon at Mary Washington Hospi-
tai, after a long fitness of Bright's dis
ease, aged az years. -.
He was highly esteemed citi-
zen, industrious and progressive. Mr..
Kooppen came to this city some years
ago from Michigan and since then has
been resident here.
He is survived by his wife. who was
Miss Virgie B. Tyler, daughter of
Mr.. MI. Tyler, and two children.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
WESIMORELAhD FARM SOLD

Mr.. Derrick, of Westmoreland county,
has sold his farm on the Potomac river
to Mr.. Cason, of Ohio. This is an at
tractive property, containing $50 acres
The price paid was Sl2, 10000. Mr.
Cason will begin extensive improve,
ments at once. The Allison Land
Agency Of Fredericksburg made the
colo
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
STUCK NAIL IN HIS FOOT

Mr.. Harvey Snellings, steward OF
steamer Lancaster. stuck nail IN his
foot last week and was getting along
all right until Wednesday, when it be-
came worse. Thursday Mr.. Snellings
telegraphed from Baltimore to DIR. Scott
that he would come here for treatment
at the Mary Washington Hospital. he
arrived on the l2:45 train, and after an
examination the doctor decided that an
operation was not necessary. Mr.: Smell
ings was taken to the Exchange Hotel,
where he will remain until he RECEIVERS.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
TRUSL0W- CALLAHAN

At the parsonage of the M. E. church,
South, at Stafford C. II. Monday, July
4th. 1910, Miss Nelsie Callahan, daugh-
ter of Mr.. and Mrs. Jackson Callahan,
and Mr.. Ernest Truslow, son of Mr..
and Mrs. J. c. Truslow, were united in
marriage, Rev. w. r. Hardesty officiat-
ing. The young couple will reside at
Rose Hill, near Aqua Creek.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
ATTENDANCE At SUMMER INSTITUTE

The number of normal school teachers
enrolled at noon Thursday was 300. 1t
is expected that by July 10th the num-
Der in attendance will exceed the total
of last year. 81
On Friday evening the faculty will
give a reception to the students of the
school on the lawn of Fredericksburg
College
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
ORDERS REDUCED FREIGHT RATES

The interstate commerce commission
has ordered the N. & w. K. X. TO
make material reductions in freight
rates from Cincinnati to Winston-Salem
and Durham, N. c., and also from
Roanoke and Lynchburg, Va, to the
same points. The order goes into Ell
feet Oct. l.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
JAILED FOR INSULTING WOMEN

John Embrey, of Fauquier county,
was fined $50 and sentenced to serve
three months in jail Wednesday in the
Alexandria police court. According to
the evidence he was trespassing on prl-
vate property and was making offensive
remarks to women.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-09
DEATH OF A CHILD

In sad but loving remembrance o.
our dear little daughter, Annie lie,
Kennedy, who died June %, 1910, aget
three weeks and two days.
Darling baby. she has left us,
Left us she has forevermore,
But we hope to meet our loved one
On that bright and happy shore.
We had little darling one,
She was our JOY and pride,
We loved her, ah, perhaps too well,
For soon she slept ard died.
Papa.