davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
Won Kuehlman Is Picked
To Succeed Zimmerman

Berlin, Saturday, July 2S.-(Via
London, July 30.-Official announce
ment of the appointment of the new
men to Prussian ministerial positions
is not expected to be made before
Chancellor Michnelis returns from Off
cial visits to Vienna and Munich. the
latter part of next week.
Herr Michaelis has been in active
communication with leading party
members of the Prussian lower house
and the selection Of men who are to
assist him in carrying out electoral re-
forms has been agreed upon, appoint
ment merely awaiting the emperor's
approval. The chancellor is accom-
panied on his initial official trip to the
allied courts by DR.. William Won
Sunni under secretary for foreign af
fairs.
1t is now taken definitely for grant
ed that Baron Won Kuehlmann will
succeed DR.. Zimmerman, secretary for
foreign affairs. Baron Won Kuehlmann
arrived from Constantinople and called
on the chancellor before he left. The
newcomer to the foreign offices is "A
years Of age and entered the diplomacy
service in London. He was in Wash.
ington at the outbreak of the war and
in 1915 he transferred to The Hague
legation.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
MRS. HOLSCLAW DIES
SUDDENLY AT ALBA

Abba, July '30.-Residents of Abba
and community were shocked Satur-
day afternoon to hear of the death of
Mrs. Nellie Holsclaw. In the forenoon
Saturday, Mrs Holsclaw was at her
place in the alteration department of
Stras burgers store. She complained
of not feeling as well as usual and did
not attempt to go back to the store
Immediately after dinner. However,
about two o'clock she went to the gro
Gerry to give an order on hen way back
to work. She complained to the clerk
that her head hurt her terribly and he
gave her chair. She soon became so
i'll that she was sent home in an auto
mobile By the time she reached home
which was only few blocks from
the square, she had become uncon-
scious, and in very short time was
dead.
Mrs. Holsclaw was left a widow with
two small children, Jack and Pauline,
who are now almost grown. She has
been in the alteration department of
Strasburger's store for many years.
For the past year she has been In
failing health and had resigned and
expected after this month to take a
rest to try to regain her health.
Her funeral will be held Tuesday
forenoon.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
TWO DIE WHEN
TRAIN HITS CAR
THIRD MEMBER OF AUTOMOBILE
PARTY is SERIOUSLY HURT
AT WALFORD.

Cedar Rapids, July SOB. F. Hart
35 years old, superintendent OF tn.
Hoax Elevator company OF Minneapo
lis and c. H, Showers, 40 years old
also of Minneapolis, were instantly
killed and Gene Williams Of NORWAY
Iowa, was seriously and perhaps fatal
ly hurt at 5 o'clock yesterday evening
when the automobile in which they
were riding was struck by a fast
freight train on the Milwaukee rail-
road at Walford, near here.
Although a motorcyclist warned tht
auto party of iml ending danger no
heed was given him and the party en-
deavored to cross the track when the
train was only few feet away.
The train struck the auto directly IN
the center and it chung to the COW.
catcher for distance of 200 feet until
the train was stopped.
Hart was dead when picked up and
Showers died few minutes later. VIII
liams was brought to a hospital in this
city ad his chances of recovery ara
slight.
Hart was looking after the oonstruc'
ton work on an elevator at Norway.
The bodies Of the dead men were tab
en- to Belle PLANE.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
RICHLAND.

Mrs. Jessie Smith has gone to Val
ley Junction, Wis, to visit her son,
Frank, and wife.
Miss Georgia Kent went to Good
land, Kansas, today to spend few
weeks with her brother Jesse and
family.
DR.. and Mrs. Eugene Carmichael de-
parted Monday afternoon for their
home in Cedar Rapids.
Mr.. and Mrs. F. Bottorff Of Martins
burg have been visiting the Lane
Worley family for several days.
Mr.. and Mrs. j. D. Bruno entertain
ed Mr.. and Mrs. Robert Clark Sunday
of Sigourney.
Mr.. and Mrs. Atkinson of Indiana
who visited relatives here and in
Brighton, have returned home.
Rev. James Wilson and wife attend
ed the golden wedding anniversary
Wednesday of Mr.. and Mrs. ]. P
Campbell parents of Mrs. Wilson at
Lbertyville.
Donald Harlan, who was quite sick
in Burlington. where he had employ
ment, has arrived home.
George Shaffer of Stratford was
recent visitor in town with friends.
Miss Lillian Virgins has returned
from a visit with relatives in Center
Vile
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
NJ. E. CHURCH
LOSES VETERAN
DR.. T. 3. HUGHES, FATHER OF
TWO BISHOPS Is DEAD; MAY
BE BURIED IN IOWA.

Bloomfield. July 30.-Mrs. w. B.
Taylor Of this city has received word
of the death Of her father, the Rev.
DR.. Thomas Bayless Hughes, which
occurred at his home in Pasadena,
Calf. Sunday.
The Rev. Dr. Hughes was 50 years
of age. For sixty years he was a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal
church and is the father of two
Methodist bishops, Edwin Holt Hughes
of Boston and Mathew Simpson
Hughes of Portland. Oregon.
While definite plans have not yet
been made 1t is very probable that
DR.. Hughes body will be brought to
Bloomfield for burial. He was well
known here as he was in all south
eastern Iowa where he lived and
preached for years.
He entered the ministry as mem
Der of the West Virginia conference IN
1857, remaining in 1t until 1884 when
he removed to the Iowa conference to
which he belonged until he retired III
1907.
Dr. Hughes widow also survives
him. They were said to be the only
couple who had lived to see two sons
raised to the episcopacy of the Metho-
dist church.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
WOMEN URGED
TO SAVE FRUITS
SECRETARY HOUSTON ISSUES AP.
PEAL TO PREVENT RUIN OF
FOODSTUFFS.

Washington, D. c., July 30.-Reports
from twenty-four states showing enor-
nous surplusage of perishable fruits
and vegetables threatened with loss
prompted the issuance Of statement
by Secretary Houston today. urging
the women Of the country to respond
Immediately to President Wilson's ap'
peal to save these products.
The states particularly affected are:
Iowa, Arizona, Colorado. Connecticut,
Idaho, Indiana. Kentucky, MARYLAND,
Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New York, North caro-
lima, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Yer
mont, Virginia. Washington. West V1r'
ginia and Wisconsin. =.
'In order to avoid this waste" said
the statement, there must be immedi-
ate, organized. intelligent energy ex-
pended in canning, preserving, p1ckl-
ing, drying and storing these products
for local consumption"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31

British labor party, demands OF the
German people that it force it's gov
eminent to accept peace dictated by
foe who is animated by lust of con-
quest. Such force, however, the Ger
man nation must leave to the entente
armies and it will continue to oppose
it as has been done before. If Chair
man Wardle is of the opinion that he
is not noticing among the German ma
jority socialists spirit OF repentance
we would reply that the German work
ing man would only experience repen-
lance if he left his country in the lurch
in the face of ten fold foe. The work
ing men have not done so and do not
propose to do So
THE BELGIAN ISSUE.
The Vossische Zeitung says: 'The
fact that Germany desired to arrive
at an understanding with England re-
garding Belgian neutrality before the
outbreak of the war and that England
made such an understanding impossi'
BILE would seem to be unknown to
Chancellor Bonar Law and Asquith
who was war premier and that time
and seems to have forgotten this cir
cumstance.
1.-THE English government now dis
putese the power and authority of the
German reichstag and it's ability to
give the nations politics official di
rection Only one answer is possible
in the face of such an attempt: The
representatives OF the German people
must demonstrate that they are in
possession of this disputed authority
and are able to exercise 1t. If the
German people succeed in convincing
continental Europe of this fact then
the chief English war aim will have
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
LENlNE QUITS
SLAV CAPITAL
AGiTATOR CANNOT
BE FOUND BY GOVERNMENT
AUTHORITIES.

Petrograd, July 30.-Nikotai Lenine,
peace agitator and alleged German spy,
has disappeared from his usual haunts
in Petrograd and his whereabouts is
not known to the government authori-
ties. The stories published in the Uni
ted States that Lenine, had been seized
by the police at Ozark, Finland, on
July "A and that later he had escaped
during battle between government
agents and anarchists at Tornea, Fin.
land, are said to be untrue.
A vague story was current in Petro'
grad Saturday that the suspected Teu-
ton agent had fled from the capital to
ronstadt, that he had been Struggled
through Finland to Stockholm and al
ready had reached Germany. No Off
cial confirmation of this report could
be obtained Another rumor current
here yesterday was that Lenine was
operating In Stockholm.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
ONLY ONE AMERICA
NOW, SAYS CAPERTON

Buenos Aires, July 2s.-The recep-
ton at the Naval club in honor of Ad-
miral Caperton Of the American squad
ron was marked by an address by
Francisco Alvarez, minister of marine
and reply by Admiral Caperton. The
minister drank to the health of Presi-
dent Wilson, champion Of right and
liberty" and also toasted Ambassador
Frederic J. Stimson and the American
marine.
Admiral Caperton in reply said there
are not two Americans but only one.
The nations Of America. he said, must
be shown to the world as members of
a single family ready in time of dan
ger to uphold right. liberty and JUS
tice.
In conclusion he expressed thanks
for all the courtesies shown the men
of the fleet and toasted President Iri-
goyen Of Argentinua-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
Michaelis Says Enemy
Seeks To Crush Germany

Berlin, July 3O.-Dr. George Michael
is, the German imperial chancellor, on
Saturday summoned a large NUMBER
of newspaper men, to whom he de-
clared:
"The speech of David Lloyd George,
the British premier, Queens hall, Lon
don, and the recent debate in the Brit
ish house of commons again have prov.
ed with indisputable clearness that
Great Britain does not desire peace by
agreement and understanding, but only
q conclusion of the war, which means
the enslavement of Germany to the ar
bitrary violence of our enemies.
"BEYOND THE RHINE"
proof Of this may be seen in the
fact that Sir Edward Carson (member
Of the British war cabineD recently
declared in Dublin that negotiations
with Germany could begin only after
the retirement of German troops be-
yond the Rhine.
"ln response to question put by
Commoner Joseph King, A Ronar Law,
the spokesman of the British govern
ment in the house of commons, modi-
fed this declaration by fixing the stand
point Of the British government as be-
ing that if Germany wanted peace she
first of all must declare herself willing
to evacuate the occupied territories.
ACCUSES FRANCE.
I'VE possess clear proofs that the
enemy gives assent to a declaration go
ing even further than that impudently
made by Sir Edward Carson. You all
know that detailed information regard
ing the French plans of conquest. ap-
proved by Great Britain and Russia,
has been circulated for weeks past in
the neutral press and that it has not
been denied up to the present
1T would be of the greatest impor-
lance for the enlightenment of the
whole world regarding the true reason
for the continuation of the saDguinary
massacre of nations for it to be known
that written proofs Of our enemies
greed for conquest have since fallen
into our hands l refer to reports OF
the secret debate on June in the
French chamber Of deputies.
1.-The Russian government protested
against the French aims Of conquest
and declared that new Russia no long
er would be willing to take part in the
struggle
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
Czernin Talks Chilly
OF Peace By Agreement

Vienna. July Reiterating that
Austria-Hungary was ready to accept
an honorable peace, but that the dual
monarchy, in conjunction with it's al
lies, would fight to the last extremity
II the entente powers declined to enter
negotiations on the basis Of peace by
understanding, as recently outlined by
the German imperial chancellor and
the reichstag, Count Ottokar Czernin
Won Chudenitz, the Austro- Hungarian
foreign minister, in an interview Sun.
day discussed peace possibilities.
The Austrian statesman took occa.
sion to reply to the speech made by
David Lloyd George in London July q
when the British premier characteriz.
ed the address delivered in the reich,
stag by Dr. Michaelis. the German
chancellor as sham.
The count said Mr. Lloyd George
was mistaken when he represented the
reichstag peace resolution to be "a
piece of bluff"
I'VE shall never accept peace
which is not honorable to U.S. said
Count Czernin.
IF the entente does not wish to en-
ter negotiations on the basis which we
have clearly indicated we shall con
tinue the war to the last extremity.
II don't care whether this is an ad
mission of weakness or of strength
To me it seems only sign of common
sense and morality
II am convinced the entente vii
never succeed in crushing us. ant
since we have no intention Of crushinf
the enemy the war will end sooner o.
later. in a peace by understanding.
Further sacrifices and suffering i'm
posed on all humanity are useless. |
Is necessary in the interests of human
ity to reach a peace by understandin,
as soon as possible"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
RUSSIA TO GRANT
POLAND REFORMS

London, July 30.-The editor of the
Polish Review, published in London,
has received from A. R. Lednitsky,
chairman of the committee appointed
by the Russian provisional government
to settle affairs in Poland, telegram
saying that the government has grant
ed amensty to Polish prisoners Of war
who are Russian subjects and who
fought against Russia in the Polish le-
gions, and that they will not be treat.
ed as rebels.
All Polish civilians prisoners, includ
ing Prussian and Austrian subjects,
will be treated as subjects of foreign
states who are not at war with Rus
STA and they will recover PERSONAL and
property rights. The telegram also
gives details of various privileges
granted Polish war prisoners.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
ASK EXEMPTION FOR
GOOD FARM HANDS,

Kankakee, ILL.,, July 30.-The Kanka-
kee County Soil and Crop association,
comprised of over 600 farmers in this
section, will take immediate active
measures to secure the exemption OF
all good farm hands" from the draft.
Representatives Of the association Will
appear before the district exemption
board with affidavits of the men and
their employers and will attempt to
have the board pass over all the men
who can properly be classed as good
farm-hands," in this territory.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
Socialists Newspaper
In Berlin Is Defiant

Berlin. Saturday, July 2S.-(Via Lon
don, July 0)-Commenting on the ad-
dresses made in the house of commons,
July rs by former Premier Asquith
and A. Bonar Law, chancellor of the
exchequer, in which they dealt with
the peace resolution adopted by the
German reichstag. Vorwaerts says:
Between the unqualified and sin
cere love of peace of James MacDon-
aid, socialist and labor member of the
house of commons, and the uncondi-
tional war will of the conservative Bo-
mar Law, lies the somewhat qualified
war will OF the former liberal premier,
Asquith. The latter. 1t would seem, is
ready for peace provided Germany re-
stores the independence Of Belgium.
He also probably would be ready to
discuss the question Of Belgian indem-
nifty. With a government, however,
which is animated by the spirit N
Bonar Law and Sir Edward Carson,
the only peace possible would be one
Of abject surrender.
REPLY TO MARBLE.
George j. Wardle, chairman of the
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
PICTURES OF KING
AND SAMMIES PLEASE

London. July 30.-The censorship al.
lowed newspapers to print the pictures
of King Georges visit to the American
camp and they availed themselves
largely of the permission. The favorite
subjects are those showing the king
talking to an enlisted man, questioning
him about his rifle and kit: the king
and queen walking through lines Of
saluting soldiers and the march past
the saluting base where the stars and
stripes were flying.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
ALBA.

!
The Hooking coal miners had a pic
mic and Gold Goose miners had pic
mic in Gardeners grove near Hooking
Saturday afternoon. Neither mine
worked Saturday on account OF the
picnic.
Mrs. A. c. Pabst received word Sat
urday Of the death of her sister MIS-.
Mary Gault who lived in Missouri.
She did not learn the cause OF her
death. Mrs. Gault was in her usual
health when her relatives had last
heard from her.
Mr.. and Mrs. Will Richmond are
spending couple of weeks visiting IN
Des Moines and Colfa1.
Mrs. Ed M. Noble and niece Miss
Mabel Ammon, are visiting with
Harry Noble and family at Colfax.
Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Glentzer and
family of Hiteman took an auto trip 70
Des Moines last week.
Miss Della Hoyne of Albert Lea
, Mimi, is a guest of Mrs. Stanle!
Hoyne.
Eugene Loeb. Jr. is visiting tn De.
Moines with the Sol Loeb family.
Mrs. Bertha Loeb, Mr.. and Mrs. Eu
gene Loeb and Miss Cora Loeb have
gone to Chicago in their auto for al
outing.
Mrs. Lloyd Hankins Is visiting hel
parents at Mystic.
Mr.. and Mrs. Laidlow have returned
to their home in Charlton. Their lit
tie son was very sick while here bu
has sufficiently improved that M
could be taken home.
Mrs. Laura Gilkey and daughters
Evaline and Corine, and Mrs. Jennie
Duncan all Of Columbus Junction az
rived in Abba Saturday for a visi
with other relatives.
Miss Elsie Tedford and brothe
Brice Of Minneola, Kansas, will be II
attendance at the wedding Of Gene
We've Raymond on Wednesday even
ling.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
BERLIN RESTAURANTS
ANGER FOOD BOSS

Berlin, July 29-(Via london. July
3o.)-Hillers and Dressel's restaur-
ants, two fashionable Inter Den Lin
den establishments, have been closed
by the police and the proprietors sent
to Jail on the charge of violating the
food ordinances.
The restaurant owners are accused
Of paying In excess Of the maximum
prices in purchasing supplies and OF
serving favored patrons who were
without food cards.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
ARMY BALLOON BURNS
OCCUPANTS ARE SAFE

Terre Haute, Ind, July 30.-A Uni
ted States army ballon carrying eight
officers and men from st. Louis, land
ed on farm five miles south of this
city early today Reports from the
farm said the men with the balloon
Lstated they were compelled to land be-
cause of, rents in the bag. The bag
Mas setffire and destroyed after land
inn. tTle remainder Of the equipment
wal Weed in a farm wagon and start
ed f6f us city.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
GENERALS TO ATTEND
MOSCOW CONFERENCE

Petrograd, July 30.-The Bourse Ca
zette estimates that there will be 500
delegatese at the Moscow conference.
On account of their attitude toward
Russia, neither the Finland, Ukraine
nor maximalist parties has been IN
vited to participate.
Generals Brussiloff and Korniloff.
representing the troops at the front.
probably will attend the secret sitting
of the conference.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
WAR LORDS PEACE
TALK BAIT TO u. S.
CONTINUED From Page ~

reasons the Chronicle would not say
she necessarily had the right, but 1T
would be an exceedingly small affair
not comparable for an instant to Ger
many's seizure of two large provinces
in 1871. 1t must be remembered too
that after losing some millions in kill
ed and wounded in war forced upon
her and wherein she has borne the
brunt of battle for liberty throughout
Europe, France has the right to make
exceptional claims for her future secur
ity such as Germany had not in 1871,
and no other state except Belgium
would have today.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
IRISH VOLUNTEERS
MUST GIVE UP ARMS

Dublin, July 30.-Lieutenant General
Bryan Thomas Mahon, commander in
chief of the British forces in Ireland
has issued an order under the defense
of the realm act forbidding the wear
ing of uniforms of a military character
except by state forces and the carry
ing of weapons, except for lawful en-
ployment or pastime. The order will
Immediately affect volunteer bodies
formed in recent years.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
KIDNAPPING CASES
TO COURT IN FALL

. Springfield, Mo, July 30.-The cases
of seven persons charged with kidnap-
ping conspiracies and brought here
from st. Louis to Stockton, Mo-, have
been set for trial on the second Mon
day in September in the Webster Coun-
ty court, at Marshfield, Mo. The pri-
soners were brought herer for hear
ing on their request for a change OF
venue. which was granted.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
SWELTERS
ON RECORD HOT DAY

Chicago, July 3o.-Yesterday was
Chicago's warmest day Of the year
with the thermometer reading SO de-
grees. six degrees below the record for
1915 and seven below the mark set in
1901. Chicago's warmest day. In spite
of the humidity few prostrations and
no fatalities have been reported to the
pOlice.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
NORWEGIANS WANT
FOOD BAN REMOVED

Washington, D. c., July 30. - The
Norwegian mission to the United
States headed by Fridtjof hansen cali
ed on Acting Secretary Polk Of the
State Department today and arranged
for discussions with officials on a
working agreement for the importa-
ton into Norway of food stuffs needed
by that country. DR.. hansen will be
presented to President Wilson later.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
Obituary
Paul Frederick BosloeN

Paul Frederick Bosker, aged eight
months died this morning at 8 o'clock
at the family residence. Alt South
Sheridan avenue. He is survived by
his parents and several small brothers
and sisters.
The funeral will be held at 1880
o'clock this evening from the residence
with Rev. w. D. Merrynan ofnciating.
Interment will be made early tomor-
row morning IN the Money cemetery
near Eldon.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31

cathedral The cardinal mas
Spirits
Of dwindled down TO q
out of popu
the municipal
ernme is bowels OF the earth
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
James n. Baker.

James H. Baker. aged II years died
at 6 o'clock Saturday evening at the
home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Ldda
Baker, AT Wabash avenue. He is sur
vived only by his sisterin-law at whose
home he resided.
The funeral was held at 10 O'Clock
this morning from the Sullivan chapel.
Rev. w. G.. Hengen conducted the ser
vice and interment was made IN the
Ottumwa cemetery.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
Mrs, Mary Ann orooms.

Mrs. Mary Ann Grooms aged II, died
this morning at the home Of her son,
Harvey, near Christiansburg at $40
o'clock. She is survived by Ave sons,
J. H., and David Of Chillicothe, Ben.
1amin of Charles City, Palmer and
Harvey of Ottumwa and one daughter,
Mrs. Emma Cundiff Of Ottunva-
The funeral will be held "Wednesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Chris
tiansburg church with burial in Chris.
tiansburg cemetery.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31

-oeorge ]. WardIe, chairman of the