davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
Old Timers Drives Flivver Now.

"The old world sure does progress
was the way in which an old prospector
summed up his emotions after visit
to an automobile accessory store a few
DAYS ago, during which time he looked
over the outdoor equipment depart
ment of the concern. !,
While watching the salesman unfold
a modern tent that rolls up into a
package a little larger than blanket
the hunter after precious metals told
Of the difficulty with which he had
packed the old time tents on his burros
He recounted, the dire necessity Of
carrying cooking Enthusiastically con-
fined to coffee pot, frying pan and =
couple OF tin dishes and he looked
with usefulness upon the nested ar
rangement Of aluminium pots and pans
that the store had on display and
which occupy far less space than the
old pot and pan.
The prospector recounted tales OF
dust storms In the desert and billiards
in the mountains when the pack
animal and man nearly suffocated or
tdied of exposure; when a fire was q
thing not to be thought of on account
of wet fuel or no fuel at all. And when
the salesman showed him modern
folding camping stove, fool-proof and
available at minutes notice, he
NODDED his head and wondered how far
the world had gone.
| With his flivver, the modern substi.
tute for his burro, parked in front Of
the establishment, the prospector care
! fully investigated the modern substi-
tuafes for the old cumbersome neces-
stiles of the camper.
He pointed out that the prospector
of to-day, uneduipped with auto camp
| ing and a small car, was an exception
rather than the rule.-Farm Life.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06

hyena. This dealer WAS away and the
telegram lay Unopened until the next
day. In the meantime, the stevedores
summoned sufficient courage to begin
work and soon found and capt,ired the
hvena. 1t was in the hold and was IN
splendid condition. How it came into
its hiding place could never be ex-
planned
Another unexplained mystery was
the loss Of python. The dealer had
occasion to send nine pythons across
the continent. They are usually sent
by threes in sack, the sacks being
put in large box and the lid nailed
down. This time, however, they were
sent loose in box.
The dealer himself saw nine put m
but only eight were there at the end
of the Journey. The box was perfect.
ly tight, and the python could not, i
was figured, have got out. IT was
never known what happened, whether
one swallowed another-and pythons
are not known to do this or whether
the box had been tempered with. Any
how. the snake was gone Washing
ton Star.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
WILD ANIMALS OFTEN
CAUSE PANIC ON SHIP
Break Loose During Voyages and
Disappear.

u Wild animals shipped across the sea
sometimes get loose on the voyage. An
English dealer who came over from
India to England with $4,000 worth
of animals aboard sailing ship had
such an experience.
An Indian badger was loose for two
weeks and a specimen Of the sacred
monkey OF northern India was out OF
its cage for nearly the whole voyage
Where the badger concealed itself dur
ing the day nobody knew but the meat
and boiled rice that weer put out for It
at night always disappeared before
morning
The monkey lived UP in the rigging
comfortably enough Notwithstanding
five feet Of chain hanging to its neck
Food was put out for it every night
and by day it satisfied its hunger by
catching and eating the potatoes that
the sailors amused themselves by
throwing up to it, A more dangerous
experience was one in which a hyena
broke loose on board a ship going to
london from the Persian gulf. The
captain ordered the shooting of the
animal, but when it came to executing
the order the hyena could not be found
Naturally. everybody on board was
more or less nervous, especially at
night. 1t was decided to keep the
hvena well fed, and to this end food
III plenty was left in dark corners OF
the vessel.
When the ship arrived in dock the
1 tl.uf "a mi O
was at large upon her, hesitated about
beginningf to unload In this emer'
cency telegram was sent to another
dealer in wild beasts, asking him "a
send additional men to capture thf
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
USES EX-CONTICTS
ONLY AS WAITERS
Restaurant Owner Claims Experiment
Is Success.


"The bad boys are good, remarked
the manager Of popular New YORK
restaurant complacently, his gaze fol
lowing the brisk movements Of wait
err II started ii because ! thought
those fellows ought TO be given a
chance Afterward, found had done
a good thing for myself in giving them
trial for most of them have proved
conscientious and more reasonable
than some Of the waters we had be-
fore"
He was speaking to patron about
his new rule OF employment.
There are many New York restau-
rants designed to attract attention and
patronage by being peculiar or un-
usual in one respect, the popularity OF
which was kept secret to all except per-
sonal friends Of the manager and few
lnthers who CHANGED to discover it.
The friend smiled at the enthusiasm
displayed bv the manager
.sThat fellow certainly seems to be as
nice and polite a burglar as ever
cracked box he conceded.
The manager frowned sl~stly.
s.Not burglar he declared, seri-
ously. 'sHe was well--bad company,
1 guess, and had examples. Foolish,
temptation. Knows better now
The manager was mumbling apollo
getically. Took his punishment. nod
behavior and all that. Good waiter
now. Dependable
For the strange rule of employment
here was to give preference to appii-
cants able TO show that they had
served y term in some penal institu-
ton. Almost all the walters and some
of the other employees are ex-convicts.
Among the walters there are only
two or three that display any OF the
distinguishing features and manner
| isms Of the former convict as he Is
known to the stage, the screen, IN fiction
or--for that matter--in reality To
be sure some OF them display hesitancy
even furtiyeness, in gathering up coins
left on the tables by departing guests
The prevailing characteristic, however,
is genial desire TO give satisfactory ser.
vice, and there is a notable absence OF
the superciliousness which some pro-
fessional walters habitually display.
There are weak face among these
regenerated convict tray carriers, but
not one of them that suggests the
habitsal criminal. Some. on the
street, might be taken for bank clerks
or confidential agents. Perhaps they
wore. once. At least one of the walters,
tall and distinguished, would seem less
out of place as a member Of the bar, OF
-. =. = ,,,a.., an sto houch than a.
prisoner in the dock. Yet all seen
cheerful in their present employment
and eager TO justify in every way the
trust imposed in them. Pittsburgh
Dispatch.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
Start of a Social Feud.

A woman was entertaining some
friends at a small afternoon tea party.
Her irresponsible little daughter be-
haved faultlesslly until the party was
nearly over.
One particular guest had not ceased
to arouse the child's curiosity.
Finally, she walked twice very slow
Nv round the guests chair
"Wen. dear, what is itf' the guest
asked curiously.
"Mummie said you were two-faeed,
replied the child, $50 | was just trying
to find your other face. = Rehobotf
Sunday Herald.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
Had to Walk Back.

Young man went on his vacation
and long overstayed his time.
On his return to the city TREND
who knew he was none too hush q
money, said to him;
"Why did you remain 50 long away
Jim 7"
my friends kept me there" Jim an
swered.
"Your friends? Why, didn't know
YOU had any friends by the seaside"
II haven't. My friends are all N
town and they refused to send me any
mony. Rehoboth Sunday Herald
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
THREE MEN ACCUSED.
OF Holding Up Automobile Party and
Extorting Money.

Saco, Me-, Nov. ITO give time fol
their accusers to get here John X
Rocker, state highway policeman, Mil
ton Chapman and Charles Pettis, al
Of Portland, were this morning held b,
Judge Franklin r. Chesley in the polio,
court under 50 900 bonds for hearing
Monday morning. The defendants
pleaded not guilty to charges of ex
torting money from an automobile
party composed Of John Newton ant
six Others Of Manchester, n. H., who il
is alleged, they held up on the highway
near here October ri.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
Hnhhv,s Idea

Hub How about your new dress, !
thought sau meant t. wear u to-uirli.
Wifc-Ycs. bit e wasn't ready Iis
aressmaksr y putting the fuishias
touch o. g.
Hub-Oh. / thought 7 vas the onr a.
get TIE finishing t0uch.--Bostcn Tran
lrlIIt-
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
Are You the Man Who
- Never Reads Advertisements Z,

may have received his informa-
ton through others who OBJ
tanned their knowledge from adj
vertising. But it is a fact that
no man can escape the effects Of
advertising even if he does say
he never reads advertisements
Not >one of us ever reasoned
out entirely from his own mind
that the earth is round. If we
had not read it or heard 1t we
would never have known it.
In these days of good, truthful.
helpful advertising to say
never read advertisements" is
merely your way of saying, Il
don't read all advertisements"
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
AUTO AND TROLLEY CRASH.
Five People Hurt, One of Them Seri-
ously.

Somerville, Mass, Nov. 4.-Five oc-
cupants of an automobile were injured.
one seriously, when their machine and
a~trolley car collided to-day. The su-
tomobile, in attempting to pass one
street car crashed into another. Wiz
bur II. Buck, driver of the machine,
was crushed by the engine, which was
thrown into the front seat The 9TH
er passengers were cut,
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06

Some men, who are neither bind
nor illiterate, claim sincerely
that they never read advertise
ments."
Yet, if you could investigate,
In each case you would find that
the man who never reads adj
vertisements" used an adver-
tised tooth paste or shaving
cream or soap. If he owns an au-
tomobile it will be an advertised
car. If you ask his opinion OF any
automobile he win reply in words
that might have been lifted bod
ily from an advertisement OF
that automobile.
Advertising has formed ms
opinions to a great degree. He
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
Climbing.

aYou folks are being taken up by
society. aren't your"
ssyyell, we don't believe in Dragging,
but we know three ladies who smoke
cigarettes. Boston Transcript.
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06
Memory Test.

"Say, have you forgotten that you
owe me twenty bucks'"
mo. not yet. Give me time. Lord
Jeffry (Amherst).
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06

Ads.--fsolf glider wanted. Siesdf
joh--Anyons WANTED e. paint lilies 2
-Boston transcript
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-11-06

Published by The Barre Daily Times IN cooperation Win
I The American Association Of Advertising Agencies
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
WESTVHLE

The Methodist Sunday school had a
Children's Day exercise at the church
Sunday night. All the children carried
out their parts well, and the program
was enjoyed by both the children and
grown-ups.
Mr.. e. A. Williams, mother and fam
lily, of Bombay, spent a few hours in
town Monday afternoon.
Mrs. M. E. McLennan, of Montgom-
cry, is visiting relatives here for a
few DAYS.
Mrs. H. H. Quinn returned to Pensa-
cola Monday night, after spending a
week with her husband, who has a re-
sponsible position with the bridge
company here.
Miss Maggie Jackson returned to her
home at Flomaton, Ala. Monday
night, after spending a few days in
town with friends.
Judge Jones, Of Chipley, spoke here
Saturday afternoon in the interest of
his candidacy to a large and apprecia
tive audience.
Mr.. Henry Brown spent a few days
first of the week in Crestview with
his sister, Mrs. vanlandingham. She
accompanied him home Thursday af-
ternoon.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
CENTURY

Mr.. and Mrs. F. C. Heclzer enter
tanned at an informal dance Thursday
complimentary to their charming
guests, Misses Bell and Parker, OF
Grove Hill. Ala
Hugh Jones has returnd from Mon
roeviIle, where he graduated from high
school
Joe Ivy Tuberville is home for the
summer from University, Ala
Miss Mary Ann Bradley, from Wo-
mans college, Montgomery Ala. and
Mr.. Jonn Robert Bradley. from Au-
burn, Ala.
The many friends of Mrs. H. L. Clio
yer are glad to see her out after sew
eral months Of sickness.
Mr.. and Mrs Ed Moylan were called
to the Century infirmary. where their
little daughter, Bertha, was operated
on for appendicitis. Wednesday morn
ing.
Mrs. J. A. Mcdonald is visiting
friends in Pensacola.
Mrs. Clyde Webb, Of Quitman, Miss.
is visiting her parents, Mr.. and Mrs
J. L. Horny.
Mrs. A. P. Edwards and little son, OF
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
WEST FLORIDA NEWS

( Mobile, Ala, are visiting Mrs. Ed
wards parents. Mr.. and Mrs. L. C
Cochran
Mrs. Annie Weatherby. of Foote
Miss, is visiting her sister, Mrs. II. P
Sullivan.
Miss Mollie Smith has returned from
Pensacola where she has been Wis
iting her brother, Mr.. W. F. Abbott
Mrs. E. F. Clay and children are Wis
ting Mrs Clay's mother in Laurel
Miss.
Miss Edna MCGEE IS visiting friends
in Mobile
Howard McDavid, Of Oak Grove,
Miss, is visiting his parents, Mr.. and
Mrs. W. A McDavid
Mrs. Frank Kelley entertained for
her Sunday school class Friday after
noon. The guests We're Misses Eliza
beth Clay, Edna Angle mad Allie May
Sapp. The class Of boys enjoyed
games and ice cream.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
CANDIDATES IN JOINT
DEBATE AT GRACEVILLE
lsneeial 10 The journals

GRACEVILLE, Fla, May 27.--About
one hundred people assembled at the
high school auditorium Thursday
night, the occasion being a joint de-
bate between Hon. J. H. Smithwiclx
and Mr.. Ben Hancock. Both GENTLE
men are running for Congress from
this district. Being a political meet
ing charges and countercharges as US
ual took place and many amusing re-
marks were INDUCED in by both can
didates.
Gracevilie is pretty well divided up
over the candidate and very good
race Is in prospect here.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
CARRIERS

Mrs. w H. Graham's father, Mr..
Lawson, of Liberty county, IS visiting
them.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. n. Hartgrove called
on Mr.. and Mrs. Phillips at Wright,
Sunday afternoon.
p. L. Hands sawmill was running
this week.
E. A. Mooney went to Valparaiso,
Saturday and Kew Valparaiso, Mon
day, to tune some pianos.
Dewey Graham spent Sunday with
Wilmer Hall.
Buddy Graham and sister. Alma.
called on the Misses Ora and Minnie
Brown, Sunday.
Mrs. w. H. Graham and the chill
dren called on Mrs. E. r. Mckee sun
day afternoon.
Wilmer Hall and Misses Aleda and
Merna Perkins spent Saturday even
ting with Mr.. and Mrs. Marion Tucker
Franklin Early visited his brother
Lloyd Early. Sunday.
Supervisor ". f. Hill, Of Pensacola
and a Mr.. Smith went from Camp
Pinchot to the East Bay forest this
week. Mr. E. R. Mckee taking them
over.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR CONGRESSMAN

wish to announce TO the voters OF the
Third Congressional District that am
a candidate for reelection to the office
Of Congressman from the Third Con-
gressional District of Florida, subject to
the will Of the Democratic electors in the
primary to be held on June 5, 1922.
J. H SBTITHWICK. 49,.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
TO TIE E pE Z e g TIC XoJERs

1 am a candidate for the Legislature
in Group One as one OF your represen-
tatives, and win profoundly appreciate
the support Of all my Democratic breth-
rem on June 9Th.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
A. D. CAMPBELL.

I hereby announce my candidacy Tor
Railroad Commissioner in Group No. 2,
subject to the action Of the democratic
primary, June 6. Having done much bus
mess in the shipping line for the past
number of years, feel that 1 am quail
fled to serve in the position. I earnestly
request the votes OF the democratic elec-
fors r. u. EATON.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

hereby announce as candidate for
representative to the Florida legisla-
ture, Group No. /, subsection TO the
decision Of the Democratic Primary on
June 6. I earnestly solicit the support
Of all Democrats.
All. cLoPToN.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
DISTRICT NO. 3.

I hereby announce my candidacy foul
the office Of County Commissioner from
District subject TO the action Of the
Democratic party This 81 the first time
I have run for office and the support u
my friends win be appreciated. I am a
Pensacola man, having been horn and
raised here, and pledge myself 20 the
Couny.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
FOR THE LEGISLATURE
cROiIp NO

1FACOF nv =
hereby announces my candidacy Tor
nomination as representative to the
State Legislature from Escambia County
in Group No. u, saDject to the decision
Of the Democratic Primary. June 8. I
viii appreciate the support Of all DEM
~ C. L. CAN'T
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
- y. HERRINeToN.

] hereby announce as 3, candidate FOR
County Commissioner Of District No. g.
and assure my friends that II elected 7
win work for the best interests OF the
county. The votes Of the electors OF the
district are earnestly solicited.
w. G. BARRnvEAU.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
GUS A soDERLND.

hereby announce my candidacy Tor
the position Of county commissioner
from District 2, and will appreciate the
support OF my friends.
FRANK 7. RTFRA.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
THOMAS J. PETERSON.
DISTRICT No a

I hereby announce myself a candidate
for County Commissioner from District
ocratic Primary on June s. There are
many OF my friends whom I win not
have the opportunity Of seeing ana
take this method Of asking their support
and vote and assure them Of my appre-
citation.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

We viii write your ads for
you. Phone 1900 for informa-
ton.
If you tell your wants in the
classified column you are sure
of getting what you want.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

] hereby announce myself a candidats
for the Legislature from Group ! and So
licit the support Of all Democrats In the
Primary OF June 6th.
w. "a. SHELBY.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

hereby announce my candidacy az
County Commissioner in District No. g.
OF Escambia county, subject to the action
OF the Democratic primary on June s.
II elected I viii serve the best interests
OF the county to the best Of my ability.
u. NJ. RuDD.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
FOR COUNTY COMMITS
SI0NER
DISTRICT NO. /

] hereby announces my candidacy Tor
reelection for county commissions
from District One. subject TO the action
OF the white Democratic Primary Of JuEe
T. T. WENTWORTH. sr.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
nIsTRIcT 10 2.

] hereby announce myself a candidate
for County Commissioner from District
No. 2, comprising Precincts "a. is, 81
and 80. lying west OF Palafox street and
south Of Garden. and solicit the support
OF all white Democratic voters IN the
GUS A. sopERLNp.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
FOR RAILROAD COMMITS
SIONER

I hereby annouHce my candidacy for
Railroad Commissioner. / was appoint
ed by the Governor last November to fill
the uneSpired term of Senator Bitch and
now wish to succeed myself for a full
term. My past record of honest achieve
ment is before you and / ask the support
Of all voters.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

take this method OF announcing to the
voters Of this. the First Judicial Circuit,
that 1 am candidate for Circuit Judge
Of this Circuit, subject to the action Of
the Democratic voters in the June Pri-
mary. I have practiced law for ten
years and held a JUDICIAL position for
six Your vote and SUPPORT is earnestly
solicited and viii be sincerely apprecia-
z. N. MAGAHA.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

I am a candidate for the position for
member Of the Legislature from Escam-
bia County, for Group 2, and solicit the
support Of all voters IN the Democratic
Primary on June 9Th, 1922
JASPER A. LEWIS.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
GROUP NO. ?.

I hereby announce myself a candidate
for representative from Escambia county
to the Florida legislature. subject to the
action Of the Democratic primary and
will appreciate the support Of all demo-
Gratis. FRANK X. CARROLL.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
DISTRICT NO. 8.

hereby announces my candidacy FOR
County Commissioner IN District No. 3
subject TO the Democratic Primary on
June 5. II elected I VIII safeguard your
interests in aif matters without i6tcta
ton, fear OF any political aspiratiose. ana
viii at all times represent them 70 the
J. w. oRARY. ST..
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

To the Democratic voters-I shall with
the consent and approval Of the Dem
ocratic voters. be very glad to represent
Escambia county in the State Senate
for another term.
JOHN p. STOKES.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

am candidate for reelection 70 the
office Of County Commissioner from
District No. 4, Escambia County. Florida
! in the coming primary. and solicit the
votes Of my fellow white democrats.
j. r. II. GATES
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
FOR CIRCUIT JUDGE

hereby announce myself az candi-
date FOR reelection as Judge OF the Cir
cult Court Of the First Judicial Circuit
Of Florida, subject TO the action Of the
white democratic primary in June.
A. g. CAMPBELL.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28
FOR COUNTY JUDGE

] hereby announce my candidacy for
the office Of County Judge Of Escambia
County Florida, subject 70 the action Of
the Democratic Primary June sth, 1922
II elected I promise TO discharge every
duty faithfully, honestly and conscien-
tiously Your vote and support viii be
appreciated. +. b. CARTER JR.
I wish to announce 70 the voters Of
Escambia county that I am a candidate
for the office Of County Judge Of Escam-
bia county. Florida, subject to the action
Of the Democratic Primary, June S, 1922.
II elected I VIII faithfully and conscien-
tiously perform the duties OF the office.
The support Of all democrats IS solicited.
JOEL FRATER.
I hereby announce myself a candidate
for County Judge. subject TO the action
Of the democratic primary, and win ap-
preciate the support OF all democrats Of
JAS. NJ JOHNSON.
I hereby announce myself a candidate
for nomination to the office Of County
Judge OF Escambia county, Florida, sub
5ect to the Democratic Primary to be
held on the stn day Of June. 1922.
.. WEBSTER BERRY.
respectfully solicit the vote OF the
white Democrats OF Escambia County
sincerely appreciate their support in the
primary OF June s. 1922.
ROBERT p. STOUT.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

I hereby announce myself q candidate
for reelection for the office % County
Commissioner from District No. S. sub
feet to the action OF the Democratic
Primary TO be held June s.
L. s. GILMORE.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-05-28

4 respectfully announce my candidacy
fer Member OF the Board OF Public m
struction, from District No. 8. 81 Pecan
bia County. Florida: subject to the WI
Of the people, 70 be expressed by the
voters Of said District in the Derooeratir
Prlma ~ Election Of June 6fh 1922 Yo.ui
supIost - solicited and VIII De appro.
ctatec.
JAS Fl. JONES,
Century. Pa