davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02
Retired Minister Left
500, 900 Estate

New Haven, Conn. Franklin C,~llrIl
attorney for tl'- late Rev Henry ~
johnson reti'e'i Negro minister an,
real e-tste dealer. IN searclnng anon.
the clergymsn'- efert- rrcrntiy. fyun,
m tie hOls- and chunks II ii- ,lila,aIat
III hou-e nOts- and deeds valued at lo,.
$50.
The Rev. dr. Johnson VA mentioned
for Minister o. HIATT 10 the admini-trn.
tion Of President Cleveland lIe left a..
ministry and vent int The real e-tat.
i'u-ine-- IN Nhich be- ~a- -ucc,--ful. b..
-i'ies tie SECURITIES found. d., left aioul
siDD.pyO IN cash.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02
CONGRESSMAN COOPER
WRITES TO HIS PEOPLE
liouse Of Representatives 4. =.
Washington. ID. q.
February L., 1917.

Editor Mcdowell Times,
keystone, w. Wa.
My influence mas always been exert.-si
for peace; but do not believe i'm Pesc.
st Any Price. ! am convinced from
daily press and other reports that we can
not much longer remain out OF the Euro
pean struggle, unless We are willing u
sacrifice principles the American peopIe
have contended for ance the orgsnizx
ton OF our government We have al
ways believed in 'free,iom Of tine Seas,
and our good American blood ha. been
given up time and time again IN the de-
tense of those principles.
Every honorable effort has been mads
To keep this country out Of war. and
every effort honorable with American
ideas OF right and Justice will continue to
l'e made u keep out Of the terrible cor
iiict now going on in Europe. But We
cannot accept the ideas of one OF the
bellIgerents that IL has . right To pre-
scribe the placrs u which We shall lie
permitted 70 sail our ships, and n We
sail our ships other than in the manner
dictated u Nc by this belligerent. our
ships will lie sunk without notice 10y q
new instrument Of de-truction-tile sub
marine.
Tins nation must not he allowed 70 he
come only nation Of moneymakers
Death and misery on the battlefields Of
Europe have brought prosperity through
put this land. and many Of our rights
v'"loted by the wsrring nations Of Eu-
rope have ieen forgotten by the desire o.
make dollars ont Of tile misery Of others.
The time has arrived when xe mn.t
either sccrpt ''Pesce st Any Price"
with temporary chance u earn gold. or
insist upOn the protection ~ our right
in the high sess and elsewhere securrd
for Nc by the blood Of our forefsthers
shed upon many bsttiefield- and ON thu
>es-.
am interested in hearing from the
people at home ON this burning inter
national question. and -hould like to
Ut IN detail your Views on the present
situation, anil how our national honor
can ~ upheld witlOut war in ule pre-
ent stste Of internstionsl affairs
Thanking yOu IN advance for your
views. ! arm
Very truly your-.
EDW. CODT'FR.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02
Bill is Introduced in House Empow ering Him to
Furnish Guns and Cunners to Merchant
men and to Employ Such Other In
strumentalities as May be Needed
BOND ISSUE PROPOSED
FOR WAX INSURANCE TO
ENCOURCE SAILINCS.

>ong- pects,d action. whilr rectlv.sl
With expressions of support. THREAT
ens To iorcr an Extra S,.s=lon. lie
publlcanr and some Drmurrat- whn
hesitst- "a give HIM what lac n-k :
saying they would lr willing to givr
hum authority to arm ships or o. ars
on defiant proIs,-al hut ARE rrlnc
tsnt "a 'Sign Blank CHECK. "
News of sinking ol Inronia rrr,.i,,~l
Jnst ss lac MAS entering doors of Can
itOl to deliver nsl,lr,r--
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02
concerned in the affairs are not % much
70 blame - the administrative officials
OF the Department. who ordered vessels
into Perilous positions or place them in
command OF ofhceu unsccassomed TO
such responsibility.
DEPLORES CONGRESSIONAL.
ABDICATIO\

such responsibility.
DEPLORES CONGRESSIONAL
ABDICATION.
Vehement protect against . practice
which hss grown 70 alarming proper
tions during the present Democrs<ic al.
ministrstion, Of delexasing the powers o
Oongress to Cabinet officers and chiefs o
bureaus 10 registered by Representative
u. N. Macarthur of Oregon. While not
having in mind any particular govern.
ment official Mr.. Macarthur insisted thai
the whole machinery OF the Federal
Government 10 becomine top-heavy with
bureaucracy. It 10 20 be supposed that
members Of Oongress are sufficiently well
Informed on public matters 70 discharge
their duties inselligenuy, and it WAS not
Contemplated by the Constitution that
officials of the Executive Department.
should be clothed with Legislative powers.
"Oongress." declares Mr.. Macarthur.
has come 70 be . joke in the minds oi
many people, because we are ems-culat-
ing Ourselves and placing 10 much pow
er in the hands OF bureaucrats.
BROKEN PLEDGES EXPOSED.
Pointing out in detail the exrrsvagance
OF the Democratic administration, a.
compared with economical expenditure
under Republican control. Represent
alive Martin b Madden. of Illinois, de-
livered IN address during the recent reve-
nue. debate which every voter should So
cure and read. Among other things, he
said: "You have squandered $l6s, 600,
OO0 To no purpose in the Mexican border
tiasco, $25, ,OO,0 in the Vera Cruz in
cident, $35.OOO,nD in Alaska, $II.uo,-
900 in armor- plate plant, $aO.U0.OU in
. nitrate plant, $J0.OOo.OOo in . ship
purchase scheme. 81. 600 in q scheme
for Hood control, which means nothing
but the reclamation of privately owned
lands You spent last year $4O,UO,OO
ON the river and harbor bill, much of
which went into dry creeks, where you
were compelled 70 dig srtesian wells to
furnish the water. You have increased
the number OF men on the pay roll at an
annual cost Of 5O,O0O,OoO."
AN OLIVER TWIST ADMINS
TRATION.
Ii was Oliver Twist whose plate was
always held MP with the cry Of ''More.
lt - the Democratic administration which
10 always going 10 Congress with . like
demand.
Under the Ruise Of preparedness, the
Secretary OF the Navy is asking Congres-
for more power TO enable him to take
over and 20 operate private enterprises il
and when his single Judgment shall de-
termine that an exigency requires it.
ULder the guise OF putting into oper-
alton the new revenue laws, the Serre-
tary OF the Treasury has asked Congress
for tour million dollars 70 be expended
in salaries for . new army of tax-eaters
and office-bolders to collect the money
which thrift and enterprise must pay.
More money, more power, more op-
2ortunity to interfere with private enter
prise. This is the aim OF the admins
tration. IL 10 Oliver Twist multiplied. Ii
10 like the daughters OF the horse-Ieech.
whose cry continually was Give, Give
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02

tnessnrss "a i,ssntsd . grave situation. The
house s-nt IL bill on this sunjsct o. the
senae Tor its concurrence and the senate
struck our everything about it except the
enscnng elaus-. substituting il own bill
aud passing it without any del.y.
The labor injunction bill which paced
tfhe senate wAs called up during the after
noon by Delegate Jones. bus it failed 20
srt sufficient vote and 10 also proba bly,
dead for oil times. The honse concurrr,i
IN the senstes amendments to the bill
relating to animals running At large and
ps-sssi It's bill relating a. the indexiny of
de~is. which had be~n surended in the.
senate.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02
CUT SCHOOLS.

The sum in the appropriation bill Of
the house for the W. Va. Collegiste In
stitute vss $50 les than that Of the
senate. The upper branch Of the legis
lsture provided 5000 for buiIdins for
Bluefeld Colorpd Institute: the Demo
cratic House w',uld Mt allow IL nOtsith
standing the fact that three and four
girls sleep in q r',om. There is not suf-
hcieDt rOOrn ~ hold ciss-~s and the over
crowd 4 condition hampers the work
and - bad for hoth the health and NOR
sls Of the institution.
TO>ITEONS HELD BY NEGROES
WIPED OFT.
The sslsry of several other positions
held by Negroes were not allowed By the
Democratic Hous~, among them were,
assistant clerk Suprrme Court. held at
present by Pfh wSers; assistant state
librarian, held at 1present by Arthur
Jackson; field agent Colored Orphans
Home. held at present by II. n. RsiIey
Reduced salary OF director Of extension
work among colored schools, held by
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02
ONE OUT or SEVEN.

Although NOR than .op bills were i'm.
trodnced in the West Virginia legislatur.
dnring the ss~sion which came "a = clo-s
last night, not more than l0 of then
were enacted into Law. decided ma.
J"rity OF those which pass<sd ARE purely
local. while many OF the measures which
iied with the session had to do with the
general welfare of the entire state.
Attention conferred on tile prohibition
OH which Was passed without q gres,
deal OF discussion, while none the le~-
important Was the gosd roads measure
which is looked upon very generally q.
one OF the most important laws enacted
IN recent yesrs.
The ultimate disposition Of the Virgins
debt question occupied . considerable
portion of the lexisIsture's time. through
the joint committse appointed To look
after the States interest. This commit
t'-e has for weeks busy assisting council
f'r Vest Virginia in preparing further
defense which must 10 presented i'm tnr
United States Supreme Court not later
than March Is.
(Continued ON Page ~
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02

Mrs. and Mrs. Charles tlppins. Of
Northfork, were pleasant callers on q
lev personsl friends in Keystone Sunday.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02
HEARD At
NATIONAL
CAPITOL

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2S.-Reprrsent
ative James W. Husted of New York
charges that the Democrats excepted the
profits of agriculture from the operation
~ the new revenue bill hecsuse Of their
admitted inability 10 s-certsin the profits
and ssses~ the tar. ~ want 10 ak
inquired Mr. Husted of the Democrstic
leader, whether Jon consider IL more
difficult 10 keep track Of pro6t on the
farm than Of profits IN Q large manufsct-
uring industry" ut may he the ven
tIensn is right" ~ss the rvply. In 9th
er words vhstever taxable income !.
plainly in sight is made to hesr an ex-
era burden sufficient 10 make MP for the
lack Of tax on incomes which are difficult
n reach. and which the Democrats do
not care 20 take the trouble Of uncover
ing.
THE PERIIsS OF PEACE.
As proof Of the inefficiency Of the pres
ent administration Of the Navy Depart
ment Republicans Of the HOUSE have
called attention the naval dissssers which
have overtsken No in the pest year. Nine
ships of the Navy during that time have
met with accidents resultins in the total
los Of four Of them, including two large
cru,sers, and tbs serious dissblemens OF
the oshsrs- Individual ofhcsn Who we're
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-03-02

Mcdowell County Offsrs Coed
Opportsnit'ss for Negroes. Exesll-
snt Schools. high wssss.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
Sport Stripes

Fashion predicts a large use
of the Separate Skirt. This
means that Sport Stripes will
be very big sellers.
Big line of Sport Stripes in
all the new stripes and colors
at 29c per yard. You will find
this a beautiful lot of new
ideas.
We have the new Paizley
Patterns for skirts and coats.
Cross Checks are good for
skirts. These are new and
very pretty.
New Beach cloths with coin
spots at 29c per yard.
Piping Rock, a new striped
skirting, comes in Black
Stripes and Plain White.
The 36-inch Black Stripe
Oxford at SOC is a new cloth.
New lot of 32-inch Silver
bloom in Stripes and Plain.
This is a cloth made of half
mohair and for skirts it is one
of the best, as it sheds dust
better than any other cloth on
the market. 1t sells for 75c
per yard.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
TALK OF THE TOWN

| Jackson's native asparagus, fresh every
day. Vermont Fruit Store.
Auction sale OF large house lots on
Currier street, Barre, next Wednesday
afternoon at 4 o'eloek.-adv.
Thomas Carroll, jr., of North Main
street left last night on business trip
to Boston in the interests of Carroll
Bros.
Charles Arnholm, who is the proprie
tor of the Spencer house garage in st.
Albans, passed the week end with rela-
tives on Webster avenue.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy French. who were
married in Montpelier Memorial day,
have returned from stay OF few days
in camp on Lake Champlain.
DR.. w K Macksy, who has been re-
ceiving treatment in the state sanato-
rum at Pittsford for the past year, re-
turned to the city yesterday.
Mrs. Elizabeth Mackenzie, who has
been spending several months with her
son in Boston, arrived in the city yes
terdsy to pass the summer with friends.
Among the guests arriving at Hotel
Barre through the week end were the
following people; Mr.. and Mrs. c. n.
Leonard and Mr.. and Mrs. C. A. Wood
of White River Junction, John J. French |
of Perth Amboy, n. j., Glenn A. wilkins
of Morrisvile, L. F. Geffert of Winthrop, |
Mass. Miss Darling of Morrisville, II. A. |
Shaw of Fort Ethan Allen, c. L. Hin
man of Burlington, Mr.. and Mrs. John
Morgan of Boston, Elsie j. Tuck of Jop-
lin, Mo-, and j. ii. Cooper of Springfield. !
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
TALK OF THE TOWN

Mr.. and Mrs. Louis Mazzolini of Ran
dolph are visiting at the home OF II. Poll
OF North Main street. They were accom-
panied here by their son, Louis Mazzo-
lini, whose marriage to Miss Nina Bot
tinelli is to be celebrated this week.
Twenty young friends and playmates
called at the home of Freeman +. Lesper-
ance, 1856 Elm street, Saturday afternoon
to remind him of his 10th birthday. Pa
triotic songs and variety of games
suificed to keep the youngsters busy
most of the time. The gathering was
in the nature of flag party and to the
songs rendered by childish voices was
added patriotic music from a victrola.
Ice cream and cake were served and a
big birthday cake graced the occasion.
Little gifts brought by the guests were
presented in a graceful manner by Miss
Daphne Haddigan.
James Furey, who was arrested in the
Miles block on an intoxication charge
early this morning acknowledged a sub
sequent offense when arraigned before
Magistrate H. w. Scott in city court
this forenoon. Furey disclosed on a
Mortified furnisher of intoxicating liq
uor and said he gave a man named
Spreadbury of this town 80 cents with
which to replenish his stock. Questioned
further, the respondent declared that |
Spreadbury didn't "show up" The |
Judge sentenced him to serve 80 days in |
the county Jail in addition TO paying
SIS fine and costs. Andrew Burke of
r. l., an umbrella member,
acknowledged a first offense and chose
The alternative Jail sentence.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
County Farmers Meet at
MONTPELIER.

In accordance with the bylaws of the
| association, the first annual meeting OF
the Washington County Farm Bureau as
ISOLATION will take place in Montpelier
city hall building, Thursday, June Z, at
10 o'clock a. m.
The forenoon session will be devoted
to the election of officers for the next
year, and to the reports of the chairmen
of the various committees. The county
agent will also render brief report
The afternoon session will be addressed
by Dean J. l.. Hills on Pertinent Cues
tions Concerning Dairying." Other i'm
portant questions will come before the
meeting, among which will be the con-
sideration of a change in the location of
the headquarters of the county agent.
Farmers and Others who are not mem
bers of the association, as well as those
who are, are especially invited to attend.
We realize that the recent calls of pa
triotism have occasioned large number
OF meetings which you have felt it your
duty to attend and it may seem that we
ought not to put in this time away from
our farm work. However, the Washing
ton County Farm bureau has become.
during the past year, a powerful organ
ization, standing for Improvement and
profit. and the good which it has done
cannot be measured entirely in dollars
and cents, so il seems that we can well
afford to take the opportunity of the an
nual meeting TO show our appreciation of
its past work and give it good send off
for another year.
(Signedl Executive Committee.
Silk flags for autos Zoe at Abbott's.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
TALK OF THE TOWN

Mr.. and Mrs. Howard M. Miles are the
parents of daughter, born Thursday
May 81.
DR.. and Mrs. George Young of Skow-
hogan, Me-, are passing several days at
Mrs. Young's former home on Orange
street and with friends in Burlington.
Earl NJ. Lewis of Nelson street, who is
taking vacation from his duties as a
city letter carrier, left Saturday night
for Brooklyn, N. Y, where, this evening,
his marriage to Miss Mary Drew is to
take place.
Roy Warden, who attended the Shrin
ers' gathering at the capital Friday even
ing, called on friends in Barre Saturday
before returning to West Barnet, where
he is engaged in the grocery business.
Mr.. Warden formerly attended Goddsrd
seminary.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
Thin Wash Goods

The sale of Thin Wash
Goods, considering the wealth
er, has been very large. Prices
are very tempting.
One of our best values is
our new line of Burton Broth
ers' Reception Voiles, 40
inches wide, at 29c per yard.
The very best value at this
price to be had this season.
In our Basement are two
lots of Thin Printed Wash
Goods in very pretty designs
at 12Kc and 15c, that are
worth nearly double that
price. Better look them over.
Burton Brothers French
Voiles in new patterns at 35c.
Burton Brothers Satin
Stripe Wolfe, one of the incest
things in our whole stock.
Yard wide, at Use per yard.
Silk jacquard, SO inches
wide, in Russell, at soc per
yard.
Silk Pongee in figured pat
terms at 75c per yard, for
dresses and skirts.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
TALK OF THE TOWN

Jackson's native asparagus, fresh every
day. Vermont Fruit Store.
A son, Stanton Allen, was born June 2
to Mr.. and Mrs. Stanley f. Marsh
James Long of Franklin street is pass
ing few days in Springfield, Mass, on
business.
Raymond Tierney, who has been pass
ing vacation with his parents, Mr.. and
Mrs. John r. Tierney of South Main
street, returned last night to Hartford,
Conn, where he is employed in an in
surance office.
Miss Ethel Mcneil who has been visit
ing friends in Barre and Montpelier for
several days, left Saturday for Burling-
ton, there to attend the graduating ex-
ercises of her class in the training school
for nurses at the Mary Fletcher hospital.
]. d. Winslow of Whitefeld, n. H.,
who has been passing some time in the
home of Mr.. and Mrs. Charles II. North
rop of Merchant street, went to Ran
dolph this morning for visit. He was
accompanied by Mrs. Northrop, who will
return this evening.
At the regular meeting of the Altrur-
ians, held at the home of Mrs. c. w.
Friday afternoon, the following
officers were elected for the ensuing
year: President, Mrs. Myrtle Dodge;
vice president, Mrs. Alma Eisenwinter;
treasurer. Mrs. Lucy Sowden; secretary,
Mrs. Lula Richardson. After the bust |
less meeting, refreshments of sand |
viches, ice cream and cake were served
~ the hostess. The club voted to send |
wo years copies of The Independent to
he soldier boys at Fort Ethan Allen.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
CHURCH DEDICATED.
Large Audience Attended Exercises at
East Ryegate.

East Ryegate, June A United
Presbyterian mission church to be known
as the Rev. j. A. McKirahan Memorial
church was dedicated here last evening
in the presence of large audience. The
mission was established here by the late
Rev. j. A. Mckirahan, for many years
pastor of the United Presbyterian
church at Ryegate and the church has
now been erected at cost of nearly
$4,000 Rev. Lloyd Homer Simpson, Mr..
McKirahan's successor in Ryegate, had
general charge of the exercises, the SER
mon of dedication being given by Rev.
DIR. r. A. Hutchinson of Philadelphia.
This evening Rev. f. A. Collins will
speak on "The Nature of the Church;
on Tuesday evening Rev. A. Z. Brown
lee of West Barnet speaks on "The
Business of the Church; on Wednesday
evening Rev. G. A. Lay, field worker
of the denomination, speaks on "The
Church Member" The special services
of the week close on Thursday night
with fellowship meeting, led by the
Ryegate pastor, who has the mission
church here in his charge.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
TALK OF THE TOWN

Mr.. and Mrs. Nathaniel Bond of South
Main street returned this morning from
visit with relatives in Plainfeld.
Members of the Altrurian club having
1914 or 1915 copies of The Independent
please send them to the secretary this
! week.
Fred S. O'ConneIl is moving his house
hold goods from Fl Brook street into
the tenement owned by II. B. Partridge
at IL Wellington street.
Robert Jones, who has been represent
ing the Jones Bros. Co. in Kansas and
southern states for several months, is
passing several days at home.
Fitch r. Wiley, who is employed as an
express messenger, with route from
st. Adams to Boston, passed the week
end at his home on Park street
Mr.. and Mrs. William Miers and Mr..
and Mrs. Fred Beckman of Keith avenue
left this morning for Middlesex, where
they are passing several days in the
family of Donald Munroe.
The Netop class of the Hedding Meth
odist church will hold their monthly So
cial at the Barre Golf club Tuesday
afternoon. 1t is hoped that every mem
Der will attend. Leave on the 2:45 car
or as soon after as possible.
Announcement was made to-day of the |
award of prizes offered by Marquis de |
Lafayette chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution, for the best es. |
says to be written by seniors in the high
schools of Barre, Montpelier and Water |
bury concerning the distinguished /
Frenchman from whom the chapter takes
its name, the essays to be marked on
apparent knowledge of history, true pa
triotism and its application to to-day's
needs. Miss Rachel Wheelock of Mont.
pelier high school was awarded the first
prize of So, Victor Ossola OF Spaulding
high school of Barre, the second prize of
So, and Miss Grace Bixby, also of Spauld-
ing high school, the third prize of 81.
The judges of the contest were Mrs. w.
L. WATSON of Waterbury, G. Herbert
Pape of Barre ard Mrs. William J. Tin
Hall of Montpelier. The papers in the
contest were presented to the judges on
or before April %, last.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
Ladies' Wash Waists

This is big Shirt Waist Every lady will need
good assortment for the vacation We have had
very busy thus far Waists both in the Silks and
Cotton Voiles
We have received models values 81 90
$3.50.
line of Wolfe Waists styles
qualities than able
Silks
styles that different and See special Coord Striped India Silk
Waist 81 90 Also n the All Whites
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
Ladies' Wash Skirts and Waists

Have prepared for the days by getting
wardrobe stocked with the many articles of clothing you will
want? You will need liberal assortment of Separate Waists
and Wash Skirts.
inspection
able show complete line
the BET aues al
We the Cooed Skirt style
each. These well made good quality Skirt values.
line of Cood House Skirts quality blue
white polka goods good style Skirt
line of Skirts
quality able the
In the better Skirts $500 $500
best line These Skirts
styles the popular cloths the
These better Skirts the cloths
These mostly the Wootex and Bedmann which
a style, fit and value.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04

silk flags for autos Zoe at Abbott's.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-06-04
Monday Special
A nice, clean Broken Rice, per pound 80. SC
Five pounds to customer.

National Pure White Rolled Oats, large
25c packages, each ........ zoe
Kelloggs Toasted Corn Flakes, per pkg. 10c
Three packages Post Toasties ....... 25c
Saxon Breakfast Food, per package -, 15c
Shredded Wheat per package ........ 12c
Kellogg's Flaked Bran per pkg. ....: 15c
Plenty of A and AA Oatmeal.
Flour is cheaper; best Bread Flour, deliv-
cred, per barrel Observation-Disclosures $500
Best Pastry Flour, delivered, per barrel 14.5O
The F. D. Laid Company