davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
WEST DUMMERsToN.

Mrs Hattie Marsh went Wednesday to
Woodstock to visit her sister
Flag day was not generally observed
here only a few dwellings displaying the
national colors.
Mr.. ard Mrs. NJ, L. Howard of Jamaica
visited at w. D. Aiken's and w. H.
Butterfields this week.
Mr.. and Mrs. c. S. wilkins and family
are in Grafton, where Mr.. wilkins has a
contract for cutting timber. Miss Mabel
Mckenzie accompanied them.
Have you seen her? Topsy Turvy In
THE courtship of the deacon" will keep
you laughing for two hours. 'Golly
where dat skal-e-wag of a gal eber is.
Eber thing just done gone Topsy Turvy
shuah's yo bon" Says Ned. See II you
agree with him. Miss Spriggs has trou-
bles too. After two weeks OF marriage
she decided marriage is a failure. Have
you? Come to see Saturday, June %
in Grange hall, West Dummerston.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
Rev. A. E. Wilson In,taIIed.

The installation Of Rev. Arthur Edward
Wilson as pastor OF the First parish OF
the Unitarian church Wednesday even
ing was largely attended by the people of
the town and the surrounding towns The
program was as follows: Organ voluntary;
invocation and scripture reading by Rev.
NJ S. Buckingham OF Bernardston; SER
mon by Rev. Lewis G. Wilson OF Boston /;
prayer of installation by Rev 2. Q. s..
Osgood OF Brattleboro; a response by the
choir; charge to the pastor by Rev. ]. E.
Sunderland OF Hartford right hand OF
fellowship by Rev. s. r. Maxwell OF
Greenfield; solo, Shadows OF the evening
hour" by Benjamin F. Field; address to
the people by Rev. D. NJ. Wilson OF Ken
nebunk, Me-; welcome to the town by
Rev. William W. Coe Of Northfield; ben
ediction by the pastor. Rev. Mr.. Sunder-
land and Rev. D. NJ. Wilson, both former
pastors Of the church, spoke with much
| feeling.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
HINSDALE N. H.
The Commencement ExereIses.

The Hnsdale high school commence
ment exercises began Sunday afternoon
In the town hall, when Rev. A. NJ. Brad
ley of the Universalist church preached
the baccalaureate sermon. The stage
was made very pretty with ferns and
mountain laurel, the latter being un-
usually pink this year. There was
scripture reading and prayer by Rev. n
L. Porter of the Methodist church. sing
ing by the school, also by a seXtet from
the school composed of Misses Young
Mildred Cramer Alice NORM Hortense
Mead, Doris Merritt and Mamie Mann.
Miss Alice Jeffords and Lois Mead acted
as pianists Rev. Mr. Bradley took for
his subject "Bife's Opportunities, with
a foundation text from l Cor 16: 9, For a
great door and effectual Is opened unto
me, and there are many adversaries."
The sermon was very practical and help
full, not only to the students, to whom 1t
especially applied, but to every man,
woman and child present The class
motto, To-day we launch. where shall
we anchor?' also gave a suggestion for
useful lessons. one is sometimes tempt
ed to ask, what is there new to be said
to a graduating CLASP" but Rev Mr..
Bradley was able to give to his hearers
fresh material for thought.
On Monday evening the Junior speak
ing took place. There are nine in the
class, and all acquitted themselves cred
ltdDlN. Inef program WAS as IOllOWS.
Music, selected, Miss Hazel Roberts:
THE starting Of little Ike" Ruth Qulg-
ley; selection, from Cape Cod folks"
Doris Merritt; From a far country" Hor-
tense Mead; song. selected, Miss Grace
Roberts; selection from "Rebecca Of
Sunnybrook farm" Alice Jerords; Not
guilty" Sidney Stearns; Mrs Smart
Learns how to skate" Blanche Boucher;
song selected, James Snow; Legend Of
the organ builder" Mamie Mann; THE
rescue OF I,ygla," Walter Smith; selec-
ton, from The eagle badge" Earl
Fisher music, selected, Miss Hazel Rob-
erts.
The graduation and class day exercises
took place Wednesday evening In the
decorations OF the stage, white blossoms
replaced the pink OF the previous even
ings, while above and at the sides a
frieze was formed Of mountain laurel.
| The entire school was seated on the
| platform While there were only two
| graduates with music by the orchestra,
singing by the school and seXtet, a solo
! by Miss Human and the work of the
! graduates, Miss Clara Ella Campbell and
Miss Doris Elene Cantlin. very pleas
ant evenings entertainment was rounded
! out Miss Campbell told the story Of
| the trip to Washington in detail and in
a charming way, and also gave the
class will. Miss Cantlin was the class
| historian. and also gave the advice 70 the
! under classes Principal Bartlett with
| a brief speech. presented the diplomas
and the cheering by classes created much
amusement
Last evening the juniors gave a recep-
! ion to the graduates after which dancing
was enjoyed a few hours.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
MARLBORO.

Miss Louise Thomas is in Wilhamsville
this week
Miss Amy Hume OF New Britain, Conn,
is guest OF Mrs. Wallace johnson.
Miss Edith Hadock OF Peru, Mass, is
with her sister, Mrs. Greene Worden-
Mrs. Fl. C. Bellows and her sister Mrs
Asa Winchester, are spending the week
in Brattleboro.
Mr.. and Mrs Wayland worden and
children of New York city are spending
few days in town.
Miss Helen Bellows OF New York city
is spending a few days with Horatio
Bellows and other friends,
Mrs Wallace johnson entertained the
ladies' aid society Wednesday, June s,
large number being present.
Mr.. and Mrs. II. Whiting Shaw and
family and Mr.. and Mrs. W. A Prouty
and child, AN OF Brattleboro, were at the
parsonage over Sunday
| Miss Hazel Whitney came home Mon
| day for her summer vacation. She is q
member of the graduating class of the
Montezuma high school.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17

Fire late in the night of June de-
stroyed the main building OF the Chase
toy plant in Rutland, owned by the Rut-
land Fire Clay company, causing a loss
OF about $4,000. Thirty-five men were
thrown out OF work The fire is supposed
TO have been started by tramps. The
building was three stories high, 100 feet
long and 40 feet wide. The company
made fire proof wall plaster and Innings
for stoves and boilers.
Fred Tromble OF Shoreham probably
was drowned in Lake Champlain June
9. He and a friend rowed across the
lake in the afternoon and after remain
ing on the New York side some time
Tromble started back about dark. Mex
morning his hat was found in the boat
which was adrift, and the oars were
found a mile apart. 1t is thought thai
he was caught in a storm. He was 6
prosperous farmer and had a wife and
son.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
SOUTH VERNON.

Mrs Hattie Hunt is with her father
w. A. Newton, this week
Miss Esther and Miss Annah McT1er-
nan, are guests OF Mrs. d. Fairfield.
Mrs. C. C. Houghton OF Worcester Is
visiting her brother, w. A. Newton, who
is very Ill.
Rev. II. r. Buffum OF Berlin, N. H.,
is moving his family to the Church tene-
ment to spend the summer.
Rev. A. r. Phelps has been in Syracuse
N. Y, this week attending a convention
Mrs. Phelps has been visiting her daugh-
ter in Westfield, Mass.
w. e. Fairman is at home from his
school in Lock Haven, Penn, for the
summer vacation. He will go to Lewis
town, PENN in September.
Rev. A. e. Phelps will speak to the
children Sunday morning and concert
will be given in the evening by the chill
dren of the Sunday school.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
NORTHFIELO, MASS.
Mortified Seminary commencement.

Northfield Seminary commencement
Mortified seminary. the school found
ed in East Mortified, Mass. by the late
d. L. Moody, at its 27th annual COM
mencement Tuesday gave diplomas to 81
young women. Rev F. B. Meyer OF Lon
don, who took a prominent part in the
recent convention at Washington Of the
Worlds Sunday School association, OF
which he is president. delivered the grad
uation address. Commenting briefly on
the status OF the higher education OF
women in England he went on TO draw
his text from the description OF the city
OF the New Jerusalem, which Is four
square. He urged a life OF height and
depth and breadth; and as that city COM
mitted itself as bride, so he by virtue
of his office, welded this class to hu-
mainly
Preparations for the summer confer
ences. which open on the Faith with the
gathering of students from the Eastern
colleges and preparatory schools, began
Immediately on the DEPARTURE of the
seminary girls for their homes. The
school buildings will as usual be occupied
throughout the summer by the delegates
to the various conferences.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17

until June q. There will be no preaching
in the Baptist church next Sunday. but
Children's day will be observed at 10.45
and an Offering will be taken for the
missionary work of the American Bap-
fist Publication society. The other SER
vices will be held as usual.
Capt William Robertson celebrated his
SSth birthday anniversary Wednesday.
His daughter, Mrs. II. L. Bailey, gave a
family party for him at Riverview camp
There were present from out Of town MIR
and Mrs. George Robertson, Mr.. and Mrs
E. c. Robertson, Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Rob
ertson, Mr.. and Mrs. Orrin Robertson and
daughter, Marion, all of Hinsdale, N. H..
and Mr.. and Mrs. George Babbitt Mr. and
Mrs Carroll Black of Bellows Falls.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
CHESTERFIELD, N. II.
Warren Il. Butler a Candidate for sherI

WaTTeH y. 5uIIeT OaHuIu"1e IVI S''eT''''
Warren II. Butler Of this town is a
candidate for the nomination for sheriff
of Cheshire county on the Republican
ticket In a letter to the Keene Sentinel
he says: IF nominated and elected l
intend to devote all Of my time to the
office and to appoint and organize a corpse
of deputies throughout the county where
such officers are needed. As is generally
known have served as a deputy sheriff
for over twenty years, having been APP
pointed by Horace A. Perry in 1883, and
with the exception Of six years. when
was a member of the board Of county
commissioners, continued to hold said
office until April l, 1909"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
AsHUELoT, N. H.

Mrs. Annie Callahan has returned from
a weeks visit in Canada.
M. j. Welch, F. c. Fairbanks and F. G..
Hicks have had electric lights installed
In their houses.
The hotel, which was sold a short time
ago, changed hands Thursday. Mrs.
Kingsley will visit with friends several
weeks before leaving town.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17


Miss Elizabeth Bellevrle and friend
are visiting in town.
Mrs. Parks, who has been i'll with
rheumatism, is out again.
II. p, English is back in NJ r. Micott's
meat market after being ill.,
Miss Minnie Forbush OF Ludlow, VT,
is at Mrs, w. o. ]. Martins.
Mr.. and Mrs. s. W. Bailey OF Vernon
visited at A. A. Bailey's Monday.
Mrs. Waite OF Worcester Is staying
with her brother, C. c. Holton,
A large delegation from this town at
tended the circus at Keene Tuesday.
Abbott Jones and Mr. and Mrs. F. H.
Jones visited their brother, c, A. Jones in
Keene Tuesday.
Prentiss Taylor came home from Tufts
college Saturday to remain through the
summer vacation.
Miss S. e. Judd Of South Hadley Falls
Mass, is making a few weeks visit with
Mr.. and Mrs. Newton Stearns.
Miss Blanche U. Bronson of New YorI
is spending 40 two weeks vacation with
her mother, Mrs, Jennie Bronson.
DIT. W. e. Fay went last week to Vine
land NJ j., where Mrs. Fay had beer
visiting. Both returned home Thursday
| evening.
William Taylor went Tuesday to Wilton
where he has a position as overseer IL
the weaving department OF the Amidol
wooden mill.
| Mrs. Jennie Bronson and daughter
| Miss Blanche Bronson, visited the for
mer's aunt, Mrs. j. d. Estabrook, Il
| Keene Tuesday.
A party OF 10 from the Universalis
church attended the convention OF tn
| Windham and Bennington association 1
Brattleboro Tuesday.
Prof. F. L. Robinson and family OF S
Louis came Friday to spend the summt
vacation with Mrs. Robinson's parent
Mr.. and Mrs. NJ. S. Leach.
Miss Flora and Miss Aldina Norm a.
tended the commencement exercises q
st. Anselm's college in Manchester La:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
WEST CHESTERFIELD, N. H.
silver Wedding Anniversary.

More than 100 people gathered in Cit-
zens' hall Monday evening to help Mr..
and Mrs. Orrin d. Farr celebrate the
25th anniversary of their marriage The
celebration was planned by Mr.. and Mrs.
Hazen l.. Farr and Miss Josephine Farr
as a surprise to their parents. Mr. and
Mrs. Farr, Miss Josephine Farr and Mrs.
FAIRS mother, Mrs. Eliza Amidon, were
invited to spend the evening at the home
of their son and shortly after o'clock
they were informed that there was to
be an entertainment in the hall and that
all were going. When they entered the
hall, where many of their friends had
gathered, they were greeted by hearty
outburst of applause. The evening was
spent pleasantly in dancing. music being
furnished by Harry Wales and Alison
Dugan of Brattleboro. Refreshments OF
ice cream and cake were served. During
the evening a paper was circulated and
about S34 was subscribed for the guests
of honor
Orrin Duane Farr was born in Chester
field, Feb 16, 1854, the oldest son of Mr..
and Mrs. Asa F.. Farr. He Is a carpenter
by trade. He has always lived in Chester
field with the exception of year and
a half, when he worked in Seneca Falls.
N. Y. On June 10, 1885, he married Miss
Elizabeth Lucy McClenning, oldest
daughter Of Mr. and Mrs. John McClen-
ling, who was born in Chesterfield Oct.
16, 1868. Three children were born to
them, Hazen L. Farr of West Chester
field Duane f. Farr of BrattlebOro and
Miss Josephine Farr, who lives at home.
They also have two grandchildren,
Roland Farr of this village and Rena
Muriel Farr of BrattlebOro.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17
Death Of Charles NORM.

Charles NORM, Is, died Friday night
after a brief illness with pneumonia
following a severe cold which became
apparent the previous Tuesday. a feel
ing OF sadness and Of deep sympathy for
the family pervaded the community when
II became known that Mr.. NORM was
dead. MIR. NORM was a native Of Cana
da, but he had been a resident in Hins-
dale more than 30 years. For a long
term OF years he was employed in the
wooden mills but for the past few years
his health being impaired he had been
employed at outdoor work. He was an
industrious and esteemed citizen, living
quietly for home and family, yet inter
ested In his town and its best interests,
He leaves a wife and five children, Miss
Flora. Eugene, Charles. Don and Miss
Aldina, all OF whom lived with their
parents, Mr.. NORM appreciated the ad-
vantage a good education affords to any
person and insisted that his children
should have every opportunity possible
along that line. The funeral was held in
st. Joseph's church Tuesday morning.
Rev. Father Cahill officiating. The burial
was in st. Joseph's cemetery.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17

There were no services in the church
Sunday.
The ladies society met Thursday, June
3, with Mrs. r. p. Farr, and Thursday,
June 16, with Mrs. Winnie II. Streeter.
Farmers have been losing chickens by
disease recently. One man reports the
loss of between 40 and so from roupe and
pneumonia.
Harry VIM had a curiosity recently
in chicken, which. when Matched, had
four well developed legs. Unfortunately
1t lived only a short time.
The schools in No l building, both
primary and grammar departments,
closed very successful term Friday
afternoon. The teachers were Miss Hill
in the primary grade and Mr.. Kelley In
the grammar department
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17

H.. A. BINGHAM. Springfield, VT, Agent
for Comptometer adding machines; 80 days
free trial
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17

E. s. PUTNAM, AuetIoneer,
Box rs, Mortified, Mass. Vermont and
Massachusetts, license. Large experience.
Satisfaction guaranteed.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-06-17

DIR. HENRY TUCKER.
Residence, Grove street, telephone 2SS. OF.
fee, Leonard block. Hours $50 to ) and
TO g. Telephone 1913.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-05-18
13-YEAR-OLD
BOY IS A HERO
DASHED INTO BURNING HOME
AND RESCUED BABY AFTER
PARENTS HAD GIVEN UP ALL
HOPE.
BY Associated Press.

Detroit, May 17.-Dudley Lappin, 13
years old, made a hero of himself here
yesterday by rescuing his t"o-year-old
baby. brother from their, burning home
after the children's mother and a
neighbor had been driven back by
the flames and given the child up for
lost.
The little boy had the presence of
mind to throw his coat over his head
With this protection he groped his
way through the smoke and fire to the
baby's bed, presently staggering out
with the little one safe in his arms
The bed clothing had protected the
infant from being burned and the boy
rescuer escaped with painful though
not serious burns.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-05-18
BY Associated Press.

Asheville, N. c., May 17.-Rev. W.
II. Lambuth, of Tennessee, Rev. E.
ID. Mouzon, of Texas, and Rev. r. G..
Waterhouse, of Virginia, were elect
ed bishops on the fourth ballot at the
general conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, according
to the announcement made shortly
after the opening of the conference
today.
The fifth ballot showed no elec-
tion, but on the sixth ballot Rev. j.
II. Mccoy, of Birmingham, Ala, was
elected as the seventh bishop filling
the college of bishops to the full
quota.
The fact that the result of the
fourth ballot was expected to show
the election of one or more bishops
accounted for the unusually large
attendance at the morning session
Of the conference, despite the inclem-
ent weather. e. Hembree Hass pre-
sided, while the usual devotional ex-
ercises were led by the Rev. J. M.
Moore, of ST. Louis. The Rev. T. II.
Lewis, of the Methodist Protestant
church, was introduced to the con-
ference.
Following the announcement of the
fourth ballot the delegates proceed
ed to the election of the seventh and
last bishop.
The committee on episcopacy re-
ported the passage of Bishop Henry
Clay Morrison's character and recon-
mended that he be continued on the
effective list, but be given light
work. The committee found that the
complaints against administration
were sustained, but recommended
itinerancy because Bishop Morrison
promised to correct the matters com
planned of in his official administra.
tion.
Judge o. C. O'Rear, of Kentucky,
defended Bishop Morrison on the
floor and pleaded that the bishop be
given full work.
COMPLAINTS SUSTAINED.
After much discussion the confer
ence voted to accept the report of
the committee on episcopacy which
sustained the complaints against
Bishop Morrison and recommended
that the college of bishops give him
light work.
When the election of bishops had
been completed, the conference re-
elected Rev. Crosse Alexander book
editor and editor of the quarterly
review. Then the committee on
episcopacy recommended that the
bishops codify the constitution of the
church. The conference did not act
on this Recommendation. but agreed
TO hold afternoon sessions.
The conference voted to leave the
West Florida territory within the
bounds of the Alabama conference
San Antonio and Atlanta have asked
for the next conference.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-05-18
BY Associated Press.

New York, May 17.-In complaint
filed in the federal court today by
the receiver for the defunct cotton
firm of Steel, Miller & Co., of Co
rinth, Miss, details of the recent So
called cotton bills of lading frauds
were made known. The receiver now
directs proceedings against Stephen
NJ. Weld & Co, of New York, and
the New York Dock Co, to whom he
alleges preferential payments have
been made.
He alleges that prior to filing of
the petition in bankruptcy, Steel
Miller e Co. procured by fraudulent
bills of lading vast sums of money
from firms in Europe and between a
million and a million and a half in
New York.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-05-18
PENSACOLA THE COMING CITY
OF THE GULF COAST SECTION
REFUSE TOLABOR
UNTIL COMET PASSES

been knocking off, from work in in
creasing numbers and powers of per
suasion exercised by their employers
are of no avail. In several of the
churches day and night religious ser-
vices are being held because of the
appearance of the comet The ne
groes flock to these services in large
numbers, and at each they are
solemnly warned to get right with
God" Many of the negroes look up
on the comet in the light of an astral
John the Baptist.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-05-18
Body of King Edward Removed
With Ceremony to Westminster

The buildings along the route were
heavily draped with mourning. The
German and other embassies in Carl
ton House terrace were covered with
funeral pals Of black and purple, re-
lieved occasionally by green wreaths
and bouquets Of white lilies.
The first intlmaJion that the crowd,
which had been. waiting for hours, had
Of the approach Of the funeral cortege
was the booming of the first of sixty
eight minute guns which were fred as
St James park, followed by the toll
ing OF big Ben" the great clock in
the lower in the house OF commons,
which heretofore has been heard only
as it strIick the hours. and the roll Of
the muffled drums
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-05-18
GOPHER GANG"
IS IN TROUBLE
FEuD IN TOUGH NEW YORK
WEST SIDE ORGANIZATION
CAUSES FATAL WOUNDING OF
MAN LONG WANTED.
BY Associated Press,

New York, May 1.-THE gopher
gang" West Side organization, sue
ceeded in getting" George Gallagher,
known otherwise as "Newburgh
George" today, the police believe.
Gallagher, known as a member of the
gang. was taken in dying condition
to the New York hospital with two
bullet wounds in his stomach.
Although he was conscious, he re.
fused to say who shot him but the po-
lice declare their belief that the shoot
ing was an outcome of one OF the
numerous feuds in gang circles which
frequently develop deadly assaults and
murders. There is known to have
been internal trouble in the gopher
gang" recently.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-05-18
LIE PASSED IN
The INQUIRY
CLIMAX REACHED IN BALLINGER
HEARING WHEN ASSISTANT AT.
ToRNEY GENERAL ACCUSES
BRANDEIS OF TELLING uN-
TRUTH.

Washington, May 17.-Today was
filed with. interesting episodes and
reached an exciting climax in the Bal
lfnger-Pinchot INVESTIGATION late this
afternoon, when Assistant Attorney
General LawIer, who prepared the
Lawler draft. recently made famous,
rose wrathfulIy from the witness seat
and accused Attorney Brandeis Of
uttering a deliberate untruth. Later
he apologized to the committee and
withdrew the remarks.
Brandeis had asked if the witness
had not discussed with the private
secretary to Ballinger, Don NJ. Carr,
how to evade Brandeis's request for
papers bearing on the preparation of
Taft's letter to Ballinger.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-05-18
BaIinger'S Ex=StenOgrapher
is Called to Witness Stand

Kerby said he was friendly to Mr..
Garfield. He met Mr. Garfield at the
home of Clifford Pinchot between the
10th and 18th of February about 10: 80
at night and had told him about the
preparation of the Lawler memoran-
dunn. He said Mr.. Brandeis also was
present.
Kerby also mentioned the matter to
Hugh A. Brown, formerly private sec
retary to Mr. Garfield and now private
secretary to Director Dana Durand. of
the census Brown afterward tele.
phoRed Kerby that he BROWN was
likely to be called as witness and he
thought it would be fairer for Kerby
To take the stand and testify directly
Kprby said he told about the matter
lin the strictest confidence