davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
CLIMBS DIFFICULT PEAK

(Continued Tomorrow.)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02

September and March The National City Bank of New York City, at the offices in Atlanta Maco Au
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
Local Man Recalls
Record Mileage From
Here to e. Monmouth

People have been talking about
the difficulty of travelling this win
ter and many people have found it
very difficult to get around as they
desire. But one man dalls to mind
a trip he was forced to make three
years ago when the trolley and
steam railroads We're in a much more
serious condition than they are at
the present time.
This gentleman had to reach East
Monmouth at time when the cleo
tric roads were completely tied up
He had to go to Waterville by train
q distance of 20 miles. then take the
train for Monmouth, 20 miles away
A snowshoe trip of two and a half
miles brought him to East Monmouth
and he hustled back to get another
train to Watervillo arrived just
three minutes too late. That en-
tailed a snowshoe trip to Leeds
Junction. four miles down along the
shore of Cocknewagon pond. 70
catch a train for Lewiston for ride
Of 10 miles. Then the 20 mile train
ride to Brunswick and 33 miles back
up to this city with practically ev-
cry train late. making his day nearly
AZ hours long. In all he travelled
a distance of III miles on rail and
nine miles on snowshoes to cover q
trip from this city to East Mon
n, o,lfb
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
MONMOUTH


The following story from the VA
kima (Washingtom Daily Republic
gives the sad particulars Of the death
OF Miss Marguerite MarSton, daugh-
ter of the late DR.. T.. +. Marston Of
Monmouth and Mrs. Lila a. Mars
ton.
Just as Mrs Lila A. Marston was
about TO answer Il letter received
Tuesday from her daughter, Mar
Guerite, stating she would he home in
April, Mrs. Marston on Wednesday
night was told that her daughter,
age 20, had been killed in n fall from
an S0-foot cliff at Castle Hot Springs,
a health resort near Phoenix. Ariz.
Miss Marston. who had been in va
kima for several months in 1921. was
on 4 sight seeing trip across the
country after going to school in the
east. She bod been working at the
Castle Hot Springs hotel and disap-
peared Sunday. A searching party
found her body at the foot of z cliff
q short distance from the hotel and
reported that she had evidently ac
cidently lost her footing and fallen
on the rocks below.
Mrs. Marston who had been living
in Yakima with her sister. Mrs. John
w. Folsom and serving as secretary
of the First Methodist church for two
years, left at once for Castle Hot
Springs to take charge Of her daugh
ters body. After getting the news
of her daughters death. Mrs. MarSton
received word that her son, Daniel.
who is attending Wesleyan college at
Middletown, Conn. was seriously i'll.
Miss Marston studied for some time
at school Of expression in Boston
and was considered unusually prom
Using and attractive student. Miss
Marston will be buried at the old
family home in Milne. 1t is reported
that Mrs. Marston, who will accom-
pany the remains of her daughter to
their last resting place, will return
to Yakima in about month.
Rev. w. 3. Young, pastor Of the
Methodist church late yesterday re-
ceived a wire from the hotel man
agement at Castle Hot Springs say
ing that Miss Marston's body had
been found after 4 search Of two
days. This was the first intimation
that she had suffered an accident.
In recent letter to her mother, the
young girl wrote joyously of her
wonderful experience at the Hot
Springs. stating that she would ask
nothing better than to spend her life
wandering about the hills. She also
cautioned her mother not to be Wor-
red about her. as she had n wolf
hound which followed her everywhere
over the hills.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
Blind Student
Wins High HOnOrs

Chicago. Feb. IA blind student
has surpassed all previous achieve
mcnts in the way of winning honors at
the Northwestern University Law
school.
George IT. Weinmcn Of Chicago
sishtless since early babyhood, has
won the Rufus II. Sage scholarship
for 1929. the only scholarship at
the disposal of the law school faculty:
has captured the Charles A. Koepke
prize for the same college year, a prize
awarded annually to the student who
mas demonstrated to the satisfaction
OF the faculty his promise of future
usefulness and finally has been placed
on the Honor Rolf of the law school
Tor excellence in scholarship.
AT no prior time in the history Of
the Law school have these honors been
bestowed upon the same individual in
one year." Dean John H. Wigmore If
the school announces.
Welnman is now in his Junior ycar
ana attributes his success to his
mother' He says: Like Abraham
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
OAKLAND

The Ladies of st. Theresa met
Tuesday evening at the home of Mrs.
James Shirley on Church street. The
time was pleasantly passed and the
guests We're Mrs. Geo. Rosebush. Miss
Mary O'Neill, Mrs. John O'Reilly.
Mrs. Susan Penney, Mrs. Melvin
Beane besides the hostess, Mrs.
Shirley. The next meeting will be
held with Mrs. Frank Romeo on
Tuesday evening, Feb. 10.
Mrs. Ernest Spear is quite i'll at her
home on Heath street with an attack
of the grip.
The class from the Sunday school
of the Methodist church with Archie
Towle teacher, will hold a box social
this Friday evening in the church
vestry.
Mrs. Percy Larkin is quite i'll at
her home on Summer street with an
attack OF the grip.
Mrs. Charles Bartlett will enter
tain the w. Is. S. club at dinner
party at $50 o'clock this Friday eve
ming at her home on Alpine street.
The Jolly Eight club held an all
day meeting "Wednesday at the home
of Mrs. Fred Whitney on Goodwin
street a delicious dinner was
served at noon and n very pleasant
day was enjoyed by the guests who
were, Mrs. John Collins, Mrs. Frank
Page, Mrs. Charles Bartlett. Mrs. Will
Cowan and Mrs. Il. w. Longley. The
next meeting will be held at the home
of Mrs. Frank Page on Thursday,
Feb. IS.
Mrs. VIM. Foss will entertain the
Fidelity class of the United Baptist
church this Friday afternoon at her
home on Water street.
The Silent Six club met on Thurs
day afternoon at the home of Mrs.
Thomas Walker. The time was pleas
antly passed with various kinds of
fancy work and the guests besides
the hostess were: Mrs. Alden Moore.
Mrs. John King. Mrs. Flora Kelley
and Mrs. John O'Reil!y.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
Grip Prevalent But
Not as Serious as in
Other Maine Cities

That the grip or severe colds are
not as prevalent in this city as in
other places in the State was the be-
lief of DR.. George A. Coombs, health
officer for Augusta. DR.. Coombs
stated that from reports reaching
him, this city. Gardiner. and Rich
mond were in much better shape than
Waterville, Lewiston, Bath and other
places on the coast where it had been
necessary to close the schools in some
instances.
The majority Of cases in this city
were not as serious as the epidemic Of
grip or influenza Of several years ago.
and an illness Of four or five days has
been the usual result. When asked
II there had been an epidemic Of
hic-coughs, the doctor replied that
he had treated several cases but did
not think that there was any cpl
demic Of that nature. He declared
this malady was brought on by
stomach trouble and resulted from
these severe colds or an attack Of
the grip.
At the superintendent Of schools
pmce, it was stated that about 40
were absent from the high school on
account Of colds or grip and that the
percentage in the grade schools was
much lower. Only two teachers in
the city were absent from their dut-
les. one having been i'll for IL weeks
Of diphtheria and the other being
called from her duties by illness in
her family.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
OAK Grove

The junior essay which was read in
chapel on "Wednesday was given by
Kenneth Means Of Beach Bluff, Mass.
His subject was THE North American
Indian" Means entered Oak Grove
two years ago.
All attention is centcrcd upon the
| nid-ycar exams which are being held
this week.
The slight epidemic Of grippe colds
seems to have subsidized with practi-
| cally all of the students back in
classes. There have been no serious
cases at all.
Mrs. Charles Gillespie Of Meddy-
bemps, who is passing the winter in
Augusta while her husband is attend
ing the Legislature, was recent guest
of the school.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

been quite i'll, is able to be up and
around the house.
Miss Nelma Knowles is teaching
tho Bracket school during Mrs.
Ayers illness.
c. A. knowles is confined to his
house by illness.
c. w. Knowles is setting up his
mill at Sidney.
Mrs. Ellis White and Mrs. Abbic
Ballard and little daughter. Dorothy.
werc dinner guests of Mrs. c. w.
X nov les. Thursday.
Mr.. Erskinc. letter carrier for route
4, who has been i'll the past month,
returned to his route Thursday.
The regular meeting Of the Clara
Barton Tent, Daughters Of Veterans,
will be held this evening at q. y. K.
hall. Every officer and member is re-
quested to he present. Refreshments
will be served at tie close of the
meeting.
Miss Ellen Cunningham IS confined
| to her home by illness.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

short. my mother performs the luz
tions of oversight for me-"
Weinman is % years old ana ~
taught the system of raised type TO-
ing in the Chicago public schools
Some day." Weinman said. ~
be dreaming of sitting on the benea y
the Supreme court of the United s!a..I,
but right now shall be satisneo
pass the Illinois bar examination
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
NORTH AUGUSTA

The North Augusta Grange will
hold a regular meeting Feb. 6.
Mr.. and Mrs. Merle Grover went to
Eangor Tuesday to attend the
Grange Lecturers conference.
Mrs. Leigh Ayers. who was oper-
ted upon for appendicitis at the Au-
gusta general hospital, is doing nice
Ily.
Charles Philbrick, Of the firm Pink
ham and Philbrick. who has been
quite i'll. is able to be out.
Mrs. Harriet knowles, who has
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
U. o. G. C. Installation

The installation of officers of Nor
rill Commandery. No. 326. of this city
Hallowell Commandery, No. 317. OF
Hallowell and Gardiner Command
cry, No. 951. OF Gardiner, United
Order of Golden Cross is to be held
this evening at X. of p. hall, Hal
lowell. All members of Morrill,
Commandery are urged to be pres
ent.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

Lincoln 1 most sincerely believe that
Whatever l am. or ever hope to be, 1
owe to my darling mother
she reads all my work-law books,
law lessons and technical legal state
ments-for me and l brief the cases
Just as other students do. l have de-
veloped fairly good memory and as
rule. am able to get the substance of
legal article after one reading. In
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
VassaIboro School Notes

During the illness of Miss LEILA
Gould, teacher of grades three and
four at North Nassalboro. these
grades are being taught by Mrs.
Grace Thompson.
The teachers of North Nassalboro
recently visited the Augusta schools.
and the teachers of East Nassalboro
visited the schools of Auburn.
The new school building at East
Vassalboro is fast nearing compile
ton. Dedicatory exercises will be
held sometime in February At a
joint meeting of the selectmen and
the school committee of NassalborO
held recently. it was voted to name
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

Unusual interest is being shown in
the meeting of the Mothers Club OF
the Harrington and Williams schools
of this city which is to be held at 3
o'clock this afternoon at the Far
rington schools. Mrs. Myles At
horton, Instructor of music in the
public schools of this city is to be
the speaker. All mothers are invit-
cd to attend.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

The members of the Capital City
Quartette have received an invitation
from Lafayette Lodge. f. and A. NJ,
OF Readfield to sing at their meet
ing Saturday night of this week. The
quartette has accepted this honor
and will sing both for the degree
work and for the program after
ward. The members of this quar-
aette are George c. Clarke. Manley
Haskell. David Campbell and Irwin
Packard
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
Monmouth Granue Meets

Monmouth Grange met in regular
session Wednesday evening at Grange
hall with Worthy Master w. J. Leav-
lit in the chair. Following the bust
ness short program was presented
by the worthy lecturer, Mrs. Ger
trude Wetstein: recitation by Isabel
Berry; piano solo, Miss Pauline Pet
tinsill; recitation, Miss Bcrnice Bur
CESS; humorous clippings, Mrs.
Louise Pettingill; reading.
The next meeting, Feb. Z. will be a
day meeting. The Litchfeld Grange
will visit the Monmouth Grange and
furnish the program in the afternoon.
Rev. Percy S. Ridlon went to Will
ton Thursday to attend the preach
ers.
Mrs. Harold Smith passed a few
days IN Auburn this week, the guest
Of her sister.
Mrs. F. L. Cheney entertained the
Good Times club at her home on
Tuesday afternoon with three tables
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
VASSALBORO
Gard of Thanks

We wish to express to our friends
and neighborS our appreciation and
gratitude for their kindness and SYM
pathy, also for the beautiful flowers.
during the illness and death of our
dear mother.
MI and Mrs. CHAS. l.. PERKINS
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

at auction. Mrs. Elizabeth Woodbury.
acted as supply. Light refreshments
We're served.
Mrs. Gertrude Wetstein, lecturer of
Monmouth Grange attended the Lee
turers Convention in Auburn We'd
neSdaE.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

Through error it was reported in
Thursdays Journal that the funeral
Of Mrs. Hannah Brown would be
held Saturday. The funeral is to be
held at 2 o'clock this afternoon from
316 Water street.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
LOCAL NOTICE

We have all the seasonable fish for
Today: Haddock, cod. hake, smelts.
mackerel, scallops, 1nnan haddies.
oysters and clans. Order early.
Webber & Hewett, Tel. 1:6.
1eb2d1t 4-4.-----
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

this now school the Henry Rice
Buttortield school.
All the schools of Nassalboro, oX-
cept the one at Getchcll corner. will
close Feb. 9th. At Gctchcll corner
it Will close Feb. 10th.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02
AtJGUSTALOCALS

Herbert and Archie Quinn Of New
York City are visiting their moth
err, Mrs. r. G. Quinn at her home on
Patterson street.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

Herbert II. Marston, a prominent
business man of North Arson is the
guest of friends in this city for a
few DAYS.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-02

Miss Ellen Cunningham is confined
to her home by illness.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-12
HINCKLEY

Mr.. and Mrs. L. r. Clark and
daughter, Leatha, Of Lynn, Mass,
were calling on friends In town, Sat-
urday.
Merl Bessey. who 10 working for
w. D. Sargent Of Skowhegan, Ia
boarding at the home Of his parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. N. z. Bessey here for
the week, while engaged on Job IN
Mr.. ana Mrs. G. 3. Alexander OF
Portland were guests In town Sun
day.
Communion service will be held a,
the Federation next Sunday In con-
nection with the afternoon service.
Miss Leona Bessey was the week
end guest Of her sister, Mrs. Gladys
Palmer.
Mrs. e. c. Joy 10 the guest Of her
sister, Mrs. w. B. Blanchard. for a
few days at Auburn.
Miss Beulah Beal, who was the
guest Of her uncle, E. 3. Hicks. was
taken suddenly i'll Monday night, and
was operated on for appendicitis al
Somerset hospital Tuesday at one
o'clock. The operation was success
full.
Arthur Covell and Robert Bigelow
of Dover Fnxcroft, motnred to this
place Sunday, Mr. Covell being the
guest of his parents, Mr.. and Mrs
f. A. Covell, while Mr.. .Bigelow Wis
tied at his uncle's, James Bigelsw.
Mrs. Ruth Head and daughter
Irene, have come to pass the sum-
mer at the home of Mrs. Heald's
mother. Mrs. Arminda Smith, while
Mr.. Head has employment on the
State road at Norridgewock.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-12

They all agree there is no soap like it
for washing machines!
Experiment after experiment made
by laundry experts, by chemists and by
practical washerwomen have resulted
in an endorsement from these washing
machine men that is enthusiastic and
unanimous.
APEX says: "Our conviction is that the
best partner Apex could find is Rinso."
COFFIELD says: "Tried out over period
equivalent to seven years weekly use, Rinse
did not corrode or injure the machine in any
way. 1t can be used with absolute safety"
The GAINADAY people say: ''Rinso suds
stand up permanently. They penetrate the
water so that every garment is saturated with
Rinse solution"
" LAUN.DRY.ETTE writes: "We found
no little soapy particles floating around in
the water in our tests with Rinse as we did
with some of the other soaps. Twelve min
utes was the average operating period with
Rinse and not single article had to be
hand rubbed"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-12
MADISON

The subject of the sermon at the
Methodist Episcopal church next
sunday morning will be, christian
rfogressiveness." and the theme of
the evening sermon will be, "a Cos
pei Message fer You" The first
quarterly conference of the year will
be conducted by district superinten-
dent D. B. Holt on the evening of
July goth. Beginning with next
Sunday the Sunday school session
will be held at 10 A. NJ, as it ia
thought that the minds of the stu
dents will be more receptive at this
time than in the heat of the day.
Main street was given a coating of
oil from Hunnewell's corner to the
Canal bridge Wednesday forenoon. as
a part of the dust laying campaign.
under the direction of the Madison
Board of Trade.
Dan Creation Of Natick, Mass, is
visiting with relatives and friends in
Madison this week.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-12
k0vHEGAN LOCAL NEWS
Somerset County Headquarters Phones, farmers u. ;s

Iers sehoolhouse, Levi W. Steward Of
Chsrisstown, Mass, to y. NJ susi Of
pltts9ield, land In Pittsheld on road
from Burnham village to Dixon cor.
ner known az Tlsherman's lot.
Ripley-Samuel Skillings of Ripley
to HarryL. Skillings Of Ripley, land
In Ripley being part Of lots 81 and IS
on the south side Of Old County road
containing 20 acres.
Rockwood-Coburn Heirs Inc. Of
Skowhegan to Frank Barter ct al Of
lockwood, land at lockwood in the
eastern prtion Of the township being
lot Ill.
Skowhegan - Joseph Boiler Of
Skowhegan to Albert Boiler of
Skowhegan, land in Skowhegan on
the west side of Middle road to Wa
terville; Ralph w. Leighton of Show
hogan to Arthur b. Plummer of
Skowhegan to Arthur B. Plummer of
Skowhegan. land in Skowhegan being
lot AZ and a second parcel of land
with buildings being lot Sc: George
H. Markham of Skowhegan to Frank
Parize and Jennie T. Wolfe of Show
hogan, land in Skowhegan with build
ings on north side of East Front
street and also one -third interest in
right of aqueduct and water; William
Goulette of Skowhegan to John d.
Symons of Skowhegan, land in Show
hogan on the north side of French
street; John M. Corner and Mellen
J. Allen of Skowhegan to Joanna
Palmer Of Skowhegan, land in Show
hogan on the south side of the Ken
nebec river on Mount Pleasant ave-
nue.; Ethel Walton Abbott on Win
nett, Mont, to John O'Rilley of Skow-
hogan, land in Skowhegan on the
south side Of the Kennebec river on
Mount Pleasant avenue; Orriville w.
Kimball of Skowhegan to Guy E.
Kimball of Skowhegan. land with
buildings being one-half Of all real
estate being several parcels Of lond.
Smithfield- Julia X. Charles of
Smithfleld to Alice M. Wyman Of
Smithfield, land with buildings in
Smithfield on road from Smithfield
to Mercer.
Prof. Charles Marshall. the noted
tenor of Chicago, Ill visited yester-
day with Mr.. and Mrs. Fred L. Pooler
and their daughter and husband, Mr..
and Mrs. Fred X. Day at their sum-
mer home at Lake Wesserrunsett.
He is visiting his aunt, Mrs. J. E.
Hoxie of North Fairfield. He is soon
TO return to Chicago where he will
learn the new operas to be given the
coming year. He will give 100 per-
formances this coming year. includ-
ing grand opera and concert work.
Mrs. Horace Manson of South Ber-
wick is in town visiting with Mrs.
Hattie McAllisoer.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-12
kennebee Valley Hospital Notes

Mrs. Marie Inkersol of Madison
underwent a surgical operation Fri
day last. She Is convalescing rapid
~.
Patrick Morris of Linden Circle,
Somerville, Mass. was brought to
the hospital last Thursday, where ne
underwent surgical treatment. Mr..
Morris was passing vacation with
his brother. Ray Morris Of North
Arson.
Robert Steward, the five-year-old
son of Mr.. and Mrs. Percy Steward
of Bingham, underwent surgical
operation Saturday morning. lie
has now been discharged.
Clyde Blackwell of Skowhegan
was brought to this institution Sat
urday morning suffering from in
iuries received while unloading cleo
trio light poles at Norridgewock VI
cinity He is resting quite comfort
ably at present.
James Seamans of Madison, who
underwent a surgical operation sew
eral days ago, was discharged Mon
day.
Lezim Labbey Of Kineo is receiv-
ing medical attention at the hospital.
Mr.. Labbey was cooking at the Am
erican Realty Company camps in
that place.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-12

sermon talks. Hn h,.s recently return.
cd from q trip to Palestine and ri.
helps TO bring the lessons itne 10 his
hearers more wildly. It ce.. ainly n
q great privilege TO have this fns
teacher for July and August.
Harold o. Cook Of Massachusetts
after passing a few days with his fam,
lily at the Austin cottage returned IN
his home Sunday night.
Elmer Haskell and wife are receiv.
ing congratulations on the birth of
little son born July Ord.
A meeting of the VIC. T. U. and W
F. NJ. S. will be held with Mary W
Jones Tuesday at 2 r. NJ. The mission
lesson on Africa viii be given by Mrs
Rufus Jones. A report of yearly meet.
ing missions will be given by Mrs. Ida
c. Jones.
On Wednesday at 100 at the library
at South China the school COMMITTEES
and Supervisor Hamlen will meet 10
talk owes school problems with Mr..
Packard of the State educational de-
partment.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-12
CHINA

SOUTH-Bryan Bruce and wife of
Augusta have returned from a weeks
trip to West Forks and were calling
on his parents Monday evening.
II. Whitehouse and wife and Fred
Plaisted and family were calling on
relatives in Weeks Mills Sunday after
noon.
Ralph Edison and wife of Springfield
Mass. are at their farm on the east
side of the lake. Their goods came by
truck he last of the week.
Professor Rufus NJ. Jones gave fine
discourse at the Friends chapel Sun
day forenoon. The large Bible class
met ar the library at the close of the
morning service and was in charge of
Rufus ~. Jones. He will take the
Life of Christ" for the topic of the