davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
PALMER
COLLEGE NOTES

Saturday, February II, proved in
deed to be a gala day for Palmer,
for the girls match team of the Pen
sacola High School came to DeFuni-
ak for the return game with the col
lege basketball team. Several Pal
mer automobiles met the train and
after giving the visiting team rous-
ing yells, the home girls took them
for a long ride. The crowd returned
to the college at 1, where a delicious
luncheon was served. Other guests
at the luncheon besides the two match
teams were Dean and Mrs. Kemper,
Miss Todd and Miss Martin, the
Pensacola and Palmer coaches, and
Elizabeth Ray, of Pensacola. ;
The game was called for $3.50. and
was a most exciting one. In spite
of the fact that the high school girls
put up a fine game the collegetteam
proved too much for them and sac
ceeded in gaining a victory of % 10
8. A large and enthusiastic crowd
witnessed the game, and kept the DR.
full of lively yells and cheers. =.
When the girls left for Pensacola
a crowd gathered at the train where
the enthusiasm proved to be still as
great as during the game. Now that
this day proved such a success, every
one is eager for the games to come
which have been scheduled between
Palmer and other schools and col
leges.
The regular meetings of the Athen-
ian and the Wallace Bruce Literary
Societies were held on Friday even
ing, February 10, at Palmer college
Creditable programs were presented
by both societies, after which the
election of officers was held. The fol
lowing officers were elected:
In tht Athenian Society: Margaret
McCaskill, president; Flora Afford
vice president; Josephine Martin, re
cording secretary; Nellie McPhail
corresponding secretary; Henri!
Burke, treasurer; William Ray, critic
Raymond Wickersham and Ben Fer.
don. censors.
In the Wallace Bruce Society: VII
lie Douglass, president; Carl Hare
vice president; Dannie Williams, sec
rotary; Florrie Graves, treasurer
Margaret Ray, critic; Neil Curry
sergeant at arms.
Mayo Ferdon spent the week-en'
at his home in Crestview.
Bessie Rice spent Saturday, Sunda!
and Monday In Crestyiew.
James Russ returned to Freepor
for the weekend.
Chester Lindsey spent the week
end with his parents IN Bombay.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
VALENTINE PARTY
AT 7. w, G. A.

Al Il W. ~ A.
One Of the bright Valentine par
ties of the week was that enjoyed by
the girls who make their home at the
Y. w. c. A, and a number of their
friends, when on Friday evening they
entertained at the rooms of the as
sociatioH on East Belmont street.
The house was very beautifully
decorated for the occasion, numbers
of red hearts having been used most
effectively, carried from the four cor
ners of the room to the central char
deliere, and used most artistically
elsewhere, the table having been es-
peially lovely in the original and
charming manner of decoration.
Laid in white, it was centered with
doll dressed to represent the girl
of the period, a pathway having been
formed with tiny hearts, which led
from the centre of the table to one
end, where a miniature mail box had
been placed, the daintily dressed girl
being apparently on her way to mail
a valentine, which was addressed S.
Weetheart, Lovers Lane, Paradise.
After the delicious course of re-
freshments which we're served, a
number Of games appropriate to the
season were enjoyed.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
MEETING wOMAN'S
MISSIONARY UNION.

Woman's Missionary Union, Circle
No. 3, viii have the program meet
ing conducted by Mrs ". w. Whit
field at the First Baptist church
Monday afternoon at $3.50 o'clock.
The following program VIII be
given: Subject, Building for the
Kingdom"
Hymn, II Love Thy Kingdom"
Prayer, Mrs. Frederick Jones.
Bible study.
Training school, Mrs. q. Sam
pey.
Overfoor, Mrs. ]. T. Hurst.
Enlargement, Mrs. John Pace.
Church building, Mrs. DIR. Address.
Solo, Mrs. Terrell Covington.
w. NJ. W. Obligations, Mrs. Terrell
Covington.
Appeals, Mrs. L. e. Durham.
Throw Out the Life Line, Mrs. ].
A. Ansley.
Lasting Foundations, Miss Willie
| Bean.
A Million Dollars for Homeless
! Churches, Mrs W. w. Whitfield.
Closing prayer.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
Skating Ball at Keyser Auditorium Closes Week. Festivities

Representing a scene of ice and
snow, where hundreds of skaters
made merry, the ball which was given
last evening at the Keyser auditor
ium was one of the most striking
and beautiful which has ever been
given by the married women and
girls who each season entertain with
one of the most beautiful balls which
feature the carnival.
Miss Jane Durham, the debutante
daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. J. c..
Durham, was chosen as queen of the
ball, choosing for her king Captain l.
H. Aiken, a graceful compliment to
one who is most popular with both
the married and younger circles of
society.
Seldom has a setting SO artistic
and unusual been achieved as that
which was given the ball, the audi
forum having been transformed into
a veritable snow scene, the entire
wall space covered to simulate the
blue of a winter sky. Against the
deep blue could be seen great fakes
of snow, masses of snow, looking as
if new-fallen, trees white with the
nowy flakes, and others seeming bur
dened with their icy covering, made
f! a striking background for the throne,
which represented a house of snow.
on one side a quaint snow man
standing sentinel. and on the other
side a snow covered pine on guard.
Brilliant red lights ON either sides
and great strings Of crimson LIANT
ems glowing against the snowy back,
ground created an effect most bril-
liant and beautiful.
The most striking feature of the
ball, perhaps, was the choice of the
king, twelve of the young girls in
their bright skating costumes draw
ing an immense red sled, in which
was seated the queen, Miss Jane
Durham, the long line of girls draw
ing the gay sled to the front of the
auditorium, where the young queen
chose her king.
Varied and beautiful were the cos
tunes worn by the dancers, the snow
balls and snow confetti. with which
they pelted their guests, adding tc
the realistic effect achieved.
The chaperones Of the evening
we're Mrs. Henry Bel1fnger, Mrs. 1
H. Aiken, Mrs. ]. E. Turtle, Mrs
W. A. Blount, Mrs. e. o. Salt
marsh, Mrs. Mallory Kennedy, Mrs
J. C. Durham, Mrs. W. z. Hyer
Mrs. J. S. McGaughey, Mrs. J. N
Muldon, Mrs. ]. F. Taylor
Anon gthose taking part WERE
Misses Fannie Aiken, Marion Able
Stella Avery, Annie Baars, Mrs. ]
E. Baars, Mrs. T. W. Brent, Miss
Frances Brent, Mollie Brent, Fran
ces Beard, Mollie Blount. Carrie
B1ount, Mrs. F. NJ. Blount, Mrs. "
A. Biount Jr., Miss Adelaide Bell
Miss Elizabeth Moreno, Miss Mir
lam Blount, Mrs. Bindley, Mis-
Clara Bell, Mrs. R. M. Cary. Mis-
Marion Coil, Mrs. ]. G. Durham, Mrs
Adrian Dunwody, Mrs. John Denham
Mrs. William Fisher, Jr-, Miss Aim'
; Finch. Miss Marguerite Finch, Mrs
Alma Fisher, Miss May Curtis. Mrs
j E. W. Coil, Mrs. Clark. Miss Erwin
Fearn of Mobile, Miss Efizabetl
Fisher, Miss Ra1lie Fisher, Miss As
. bel Gonzalez, Miss Kathleen Cor
zalez, Miss Ada Green, Miss Yer
Green, Miss Fannie Grant, Mis-
] Martha Guthrie, Mrs. T. ]. Hanlor
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
MISS WOOD RETURNED
FROM BIRMINGHAM

Miss Willie Wood, who has been
spending some time in Birmingham,
has returned home to enjoy the car
nival festivities. Miss Wood was the
guest of friends in Mobile for several
weeks, where a number of charming
courtesies we're paid her, then going
to Birmingham, where she was the
guest of her sister, Mrs. T. v. Hoyt,
and where her visit was made most
delightful by relatives and friends.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
AUTOMOBILE PARADE TO BE
BRIGHT CARNIVAL FEATURE

A feature Of the carnival in which
there is great deal Of interest is
the automobile parade which takes
place Of Carnival Monday. A num-
Der of cars have been entered this
year and the parade will start
promptly at 2 o'clock from the San
Carlos corner. Many of the cars
which have been entered will be very
handsomely decorated, and gay car
nival colors and streamers used on
she others will make this feature one
of the brightest of the carnival.
Among those whose names have al
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18

ready been sent in to the chairman,
Mr.. s. T. Adam, being those Of
Messrs. E. N. Holmes, E. I. Fissel.
T. H. Stokes, Leo B. Mayer, W. c..
DiRenderfer, H. E. Root, Mayor
Hinrichs, H. G. DeSilva, W. G. Por-
ter, Felo Turner, J. 7. Wright, W.
R. Bicker, B. e. Clutter, NJ. A.
Touart, Jr., T. G. Watson, R. H.
Turner, D. R. Saunders, J. G. Green,
A. e. Turner, II. F. Maneeley, j.
P. Stokes, H. W. Gibbs, Mrs. J..
B. Mcneil, Miss Lounie Landrum,
Miss Irna Graham.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
HOSTESS FOR THE OSCEOLA
BALL MONDAY.

One Of the brightest events Of the
week will be the dance given on Mon
day evening at the Osceola club for
the members, their families and
friends and household guests, the
patronesses of the evening being
Mrs. w. A. Blount, Mrs. E. r.
Malcue, Mrs. R. H. Turner, Mrs.
C. W. Lamar, Mrs. R. NJ. Cary, Mrs.
J. @. Durham, Mrs. E. c. Maxwell,
Mrs. E. o. Saltmarsh.
The Osceola will also keep open
house on Monday and Tuesday, &C
cording to it's annual custom.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
PARTY FOR
EARLE BOONE.

Earle Boone was a very young host
Of Friday, entertaining twenty of his
little friends with a theater party at
the Isis, those enjoying the after
noon party being, Virginia Pace
Gussie Durham, Katherine Jennings
Mary Carter, Olivia Boone, Jean Han
cock, Bessie Johnson, Frances Smith
Whitaker Ansley, Dixie Beggs
Charles Beggs, jeff Dusenbury, Rob
ert Petritz, Helen Brown, Dudley
Greenhut.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
TO SPEND
CARNIVAL HERE.

Miss Louisa Williamson, of Ashe-
vile, N. c., has arrived to be the
guest of Mr.. and Mrs. E. W. Speed,
and Mrs. M. e. Speed. Miss VIII
hanson will make a very charming
addition to the number of visiting
girls in the city for the carnival
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
GUESTS OF
MRS. HARDY.

Miss Hulda Hattemer, of Mont
gomery, is the guest Of Mrs. B. F.
Hardy and Miss Maud Hardy, for
the carnival. Miss Hattemer will
enjoy the many pleasures which make
this season so delightful in Pensa-
cola
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
WOMAN's MISSIONARY

4
The Woman's Missionary Society of
the First Baptist Church will meet
on Monday afternoon at three o'clock,
the NORTHWEST Circle being in
charge of the meeting. Meetings will
also be held on Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday at the same place and
time, with interesting leaders in
charge.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
MRS. EMMA MORGAN AT
THE SAN CARLOS.

Friends of Mrs. Emma Morgan Of
Highland Park, Ill. will be delighted
to meet her again, and renew the
pleasant acquaintance of a number
of years, Mrs. Morgan having spent
many winters in Pensacola, and at
her beautiful home across the bay.
Mrs. Morgan is at the San Carlos
hotel.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
GUESTS OF
MIR. AND MRS. HOLTZCLAW.

Judge Frank Smathers, of Allan
tic City, N. j., has arri red to enjoy
the carnival with his niece and neph-
ew, Mr. and Mrs. H. G.. HoItzclaw,
who are also entertaining Mrs. Holtz-
claws Parents, Mr.. and Mrs. B. F.
Smathers, and Miss Adorah Smath-
ers, of Waynesville, N. C.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
EAST CIRCLE TO ENTERTAIN
WITH WASHINGTON PARTY.

On the evening Of Thursday, Feb
ruary 22nd, the East Circle of the
First Methodist Church will enter
tain at the church from 8 till 10
o'clock with a George Washington
tea. to which all friends Of the
church are cordially invited.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
GUEST OF
MRS. MOBILES

Miss Gladys Skies, Of Fitzgerald,
Ca, has arrived in the city to be the
guest of Mrs W. D. Mobiles for the
carni val. Miss Skies is a very charm
ing and lovely girl, and many plans
are made for her pleasure while here.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
RETURNED TO
-m~~

After enjoying a pleasant visit IN
New Orleans for several weeks, and
later having been the guest of Mrs,
F. G. Bradley, 7o6 East Jackson
street, Miss Catherine Newton has
returned to her home in Evansville,
Indiana.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
MRS. DTCHMAN To BE
HOSTESS OF MONDAY.

Mrs. Grattan G. Dichman will be a
hostess of Monday afternoon, enter
tanning a number of friends at bridge,
at the Country club.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
ANNOUNCE BIRTH
OF SON

Captain and Mrs. Philip Sheridan
Golderman, of Fort Barrancas, an
nounce the birth of a son, Philip
Sheridan, Jr. on Friday, February
18th.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
TO BE GUEST
FOR CARNIVAL.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lewis have
as their guests Mr.. and Mrs. A. NJ.
Lewis and children, of Mariana, who
have arrived for the carnival.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
MEETING OF THE
NnMAnd

The Nomads will meet on Monday
afternoon at four O'Clock with Miss
PRttie Holden as hostess.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
La Mode
ANNOUNCES

Some Fresh New Arrivals in Women's Spring
Suits Goats, Dresses and Hats.
These are late purchases and they embody the
latest ideas from the Fashion centers.
"BautifulP' exclaimed host of ladies, when
they beheld the wonderful garments in our store
And the prices low that you can afford
any one that pleases you.
1t will be we'll worth your while to come and see
the new things.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
Don't Scratch Yourself
On Market Street

or any other street. It looks bad. II
you have the itch, don't let everybody
know II by scratching in public. Go
home and apply
TETTERINE
Il cures itch, tetter, ringworm, eczema,
erysipelas and cost all skin diseases.
It's CURED some people who have suf-
fered az much as 20 years. If your drug
gist doesn't have II. wire for some. It's
so cents a boz The Shuptrine Co, Sa-
vannah. Ga Adv
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-18
April Weddings

Require the prompt placing Of orders for engraved IN
vftations. Our samples represent the very latest
shapes and forms that have been accepted By refined
and fashionable society. We LEAD In originating
artistic effects with fine material Our prices the
lowest. Send for samples which will besuppied free
of charge. ]. P. STEVENS ENGARvING CO.. We'd
ding Stationery Engravers Atlanta, Ga.
The Benson signal., 1917-12-29

grand concerted effort by all the people OF the "a
Pedro Valley surrounding country induce the government
to begin work upon this much needed improvement.
The Benson signal., 1917-12-29

This primarily question of moneymang but to bring
fertile soil into cultivation and increase the supply
of eed-p products constantly growing
less in proportion to
population.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-22
RED GROSS WORKERS
 SPEAK AT HUMPHREY
Governor BrOugll, Judge S0rrelIs and Doctor Norris Will Make Talks
 at Border City December 26.

Governor Chas. H. Brough will be the principal speaker at the Red Cross meeting to be held in Humpn- rey, Wednesday night, December 26 Judge w. B. Sorrells and Rev. J. L. Norris of this city will also make addresses at this rally, which will be held in the interest of the American Red Cross ociety.
 Arthur Hickey is the chairman for the work in that city and as the meet ing has been extensively advertised it is expected that large numDer of people will be present on this occasion. This is the first time in the history of Humphrey that gov ernor of the state, during his term of office, has visited that city, and it is expected that Dr. Brough will re- ceive rousing welcome
 The meeting wll be held at the school house. Troop No. 1, Boy Scouts of America, will act as guard of honor for Governor Brough and an impressive patriotic program has been prepared.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-22
PLANNED $l,0oO,000
 COUNTERFEIT ISSUE
Secret Service Unearths Monster Bad Money Plant in New
 York,

New York, Dec 21.-What is said to have been the largest counterfeiting plant ever unearthed in this city was raided tonight by United States se- cret service agents, who arrested two men and seized more than $15O,O00 in spurious new $1O notes of the federal reserve bank issue. Under Chief Wm. Flynn, the secret service has been on the trail of the alleged counterfeiters for eight months. The plant has been working night and day, Chief Flynn said. The counterfeiters planned, ac- cording to the federal agents, to float $100,000,000 of the spurious notes through confederates operating in va rious parts of the United States, to whom the notes were to be sold at S5 each. None of the product of the plant had been put in circulation.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-22
SCOTT REPORTS GEN. PERSHING HAS
 CONFIDENCE OF ALL
Says British and French Commanders Believe in U.
 s. Generals Ability.

Washington, Dec. 21.-Direct as. surances of the confidence of both British and French commanders in General Pershing's ability and their satisfaction with the breadths and soundness of his preparations to make American arms effective on the vest with the return from Europe of Mai Gen. Hugh L. Scott, former chief of staff, who was in conference today with Secretary Baker and other War Department officials.
 The men who are actually leading the allied armies, from the command CTS in chief and members of the war ministries, down to the corps and di- vision commanders, have been unhes- itating in expressing their approval fthe chief of the American expedi tionary forces and his methods.
 General Scott visited virtually every part of the battle front and went care fully through all the training pro- cesses of both the French and British armies.
 U. s. Troops Equal Any.
 He believes General Pershing has laid the foundations for American army training upon what is best in French and British methods and ex- perience. There is no doubt in his mind that American troops will be equal to any on the front when they come to grips with the German army. They are taking their training enthu- siastically.
 "There is no pessimism as to the outcome of the war in the fighting lones," General Scott found. The ar mics of the allies are cool and conf. dent. The confidence of victory among the fighting men, he found, became greater the closer the observers got to the front. There were no doubts in the trenches. Such pessimism as there may be among the British ap- pears to be confined to the uninformed in London. It is not reflected in the army.
 Geenral Scott now personally has inspected three fronts-the Russian, French and British. It appears prob able that he is to command a division of the American army, although no di- rect statement of the place designed for him by Secretary Baker has been made.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-22
WATSON'S CHAPEL HAS
 BIG RED CROSS RALLY
Gregory, Stowell, Sorrels and Ker. win Speak at Rural School in
 Interest of Campaign.

An enthusiastic meeting in the in. terest of the Christmas membership campaign of the American Red Cross Society was held last night at Wat sons. Chapel. at which time "A new members were enrolled in this or. ganization.
 Judge w. B. Sorrells acted az chairman at the meeting, introduc- ing Rev. HI. A. Stowell, chairman of the local chapter of Red Cross, who explained the purpose of the Red Cross Society and the work it is now doing.
 T. Haynes Gregory, chairman of the membership campaign now being conducted, was the next speaker and he outlined the purposes of the cam paisn and told why the Red Cross Society is working to secure 10000. 900 members by Christmas eve, stat ing that Jefferson county is expected to furnish 10000 of these members.
 Judge D. J. Kerwin was then in. troduced and made a stirring address on the work now done by the mem- bers of this society on the battle fields of France. He told of the many wounded men who are receiv ing relief at the hands of these work CTS
 The meeting was held at the close Of the annual Christmas exercises oa this school. each number on the en joyable program receiving much ap. plausa
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-22
SCHOOL CHILDREN MAKE RED CROSS
 SALE A SUCCESS

With the close of the schools for the holidays most of the children who have assisted in the Red Cross seal sale brought their canvass to a close. H. A. Stowell, chairman of the Pine Bluff chapter, American Red Cross, yesterday reported that the receipts of the sale-while not yet complete-in- dicated tha tthe sale of the previous year in Jefferson county had been more than trebled.
 According to MT. Stowell, the big gest drive in the history of the Red Cross Christmas seal movement is be- ing made this year. Four hundred and forty-four million of the little Christmas stickers have been printed and distributed throughout the United States.
 Agents in every state and territory of tn eUnion, from Alaska to the canal zone and, from Porto Rico and Ha- waii, and even in the far-off Philip pines, have made demands for the stamps. The country's entry into the war and the consequent revelation of the prevalence of tuberculosis and the danger in which the disease has placed VNI O1HIy 10o duOCO AuCCHClVC CO CllS campaign. The National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis
 working with the Red Cross, has urged each buyer to treble the pur- chase of the year before. While the sale in Jefferson county has not reached the sum which the state as sociation had allotted for the county
 the trebling of last years record is
 particularly gratifying, said MT. Stow ell. This record is due to the work of the school children, that of the booth
 sale committee, who sent mail order
 appeals to 300 residents in the county
 outside of Pine Bluff. The apprecia- tion fthe Red Cross and of the anti tuberculosis committee of the Asso-
 ciated Charities, which organization jointly handled the sale in Jefferson county, goes out to these workers | Eand as we'll to the citizens at large who purchased the seals. Those who
 have not yet purchased the seals arc
 urged to do so in the days remaining
 before Christmas, remembering tha,
 every penny seal is bomb against
 tuberculosis.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-22

FOOD TRAFFIC WITH
 ENEMY IS DISCLOSED
New York Raid Brings Extensive Business With Germany
 to Light.

New Tor D,kec. 21.-Important doc uments, said to reveal an extensive food traffic between United States and Germany, were seized by federal agents at Brooklyn tonight, when they raided the apartment of Gustav A. Meyers, purchasing agent for cer- tain German firms, and arrested him as an alien enemy. According to the government agents, some of the seized papers showed that Meyers had ship ped to Germany foodstuffs valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that he had been in communication with Germany as recently as a week ago. Bank books showing deposits of $12,000 to his credit also are said to have been found.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-22

trol most of the preferred stock and can he counted on to vote," the mem oranda read. 'He and Armour con fnol the common stock"
 Prince was said to own 2O,500 of the Junction railways stock; F. s. Nose #ley & Co.,, Boston, had bought 12.500 shares, of which Armour was to take one-half, the balance going to Prince Land the remainder of the companys Estock was to be bought by Moseley and divided equally between Prince and Armour.
 1 The object of the new corporation was said to be "to get contracts from packers and give them together $4,- 4o00OO of eight per cent stock of the new corporation.
 Mir. Heney introduced a letter from <. W. Croll. confidential secretary to ). Ogden Armour, to F.. H. Prince. The letter enclosed clippings from Newspapers of October 10, 1910. and tsaid the reporters had asked him of rumors that the packers were trying
 o'obtain control of the Chicago June jion railways and the Union Stock yards Company
 Of course, we denied all knowledge i Of the matter" the letter said.