davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
FREDERICK DOUGLASS
(18I7-1S95)

A look through EBONY VIM
DOWS at Frederick Douglass re-
veals mountainous man, solitary
and sublime. In the night Of
our Egyptian bondage Douglass,
our Moses, Lifted a flaming light
to lead us to the Promised Land.
His mission was to show the
American people their impera-
tive duty to outlaw slavery. To
this patriot all Americans as well
as Afro-Americans are indebted
for our national integrity.
Douglass began life the hard
est way--in poverty, ignorance
and chains in Talbot County,
Md, on the Eastern shore, the
seed bed Of great black Ameri-
cans. No soul believed in him
but he believed in himself and
was fully persuaded that the
Creator who penciled the rose
with beauty, created him for
something higher than chattel
slave. With this faith. behold,
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
MRS. PETTYJOHN
LAID TO REST

Mrs. Jane Pettyjohn, daugh-
ter of Mr.. and Mrs. John Davis
of Holborn ST., Roxbury, passed
away in Springfield, Mass, on
October %. Funeral services
were held in Boston on Oct. 81
at / PM. at the Funeral Home of
Norris Davis and were conducted
by Father Donald o. Wilson of
Springfield. Interment was in
the family lot in Mount Hope
Cemetery. She leaves to mourn
a devoted husband and daugh-
ter, father, mother, two sisters,
three brothers, other relatives
in Boston, Springfield, New Bed
ford, Northampton, Hartford,
New York, and a host of friends.
CARD OF THANKS
The family wishes to thank the
many friends for expressions of
kindness and sympathy during
their recent bereavement.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
MISSIONARY MEET
LARGELY ATTENDED

GREENWICH, ct. - The New
England Conference, Womens
Missionary Society of the A.ME.
Church, held its Autumn quart
erly meeting October % at the
Bethel A.M.E. Church here.
The worship service was con-
Quoted by Mrs. Ethel Ames, New
pors, r. l., Mrs. Isabelle L. Hill,
New Haven, Ct, and Mrs. Willie
E. Robinson, Providence, R. 7.
The Rev. Vernon E. Carter de-
liveIed a sermon on 1.-THE Mis-
sionary In Action" and Com
munion was served.
Mrs. Gladys R. Holmes of Bos-
ton, newly-elected president Of
the New England Conference
Branch, presented the Year Book
to the Conference Branch and
announced that the GoldenAn-
niversary celebration will be
held in April, 1850 at Old Charles
Street AM E. Church, Boston.
Mrs Rectina M. General,
Stamford, CT, and Mrs. Ethel
lAmes, Newport, r. T., vice-pres-
idents, assisted in presiding at
the afternoon session.
Mrs. K. Bailey Nichols, Sup
ervisor Of the First Episcopal
District, conducted a workshop
on "Ow Home and Foreign Mis-
sionary Program, presenting a
variety of pictures, and Mrs.
Roneyn Portlock, president of
the New York Conference
Branch, a workshop on "stren-
gthening Our Youth Depart
ment.
The meeting was largely at
tended by delegates from the
local societies throughout the
district and visitors. The Rev
Grand C. P. Cole, Presiding Elder
of the Boston District, and The
Reverend S. P. Perry, Presiding
Elder of the Springfield Dis
trict, and several other Clergy
men, were present. Mrs. w.
Sampson Carter Brooks and
Mrs Lucy a. Brown, honorary
presidents of the Conference
Branch, were in attendance.
Friday evening the young
people presented a program. Sat
urday the Young> Peoples De
partment held its assembly. The
following officers were elected:
Raymond Ingram, president,
Miss Joan Campbell, first vice
president; Miss Lulu Harris, sec
ond vice president; Miss Marg-
arer Steadwell, secretary; Edwin
Redfern, treasurer, and Miss
Mable Winsley, chaplain The
supervisors of the Y. P. D. are
Mrs. Airline Carter, Boston Dis
trict, and Mrs. G. T. Sims,
Springfield District.
approximately rs young peo-
pie from the New York Confer
ence Branch visited the New
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
CHIMES BLESSED
AT ST. CYPRIAN'S

ChrlsIan leaP' was the tenor
Oh the sermon by the Rev. D. Le-
roy Ferguson at the morning serv-
ice Of st. Cyprian's EPISCOPAL
Church. The discussion of the sub.
Ject was strikingly appropriate,
for during the service an up-to
date set of bell-chimes, played
from the console of the church
pipe organ, and purchase d
through the united efforts of a
committee of women, was blessed
in the presence of a capacity CON
gregation. Organist Elwyn Bar
row demonstrated their tonal
beauty during introduction of the
hymns and later during the
solemnity of the Communion
Service. The bells were formally
presented by Mrs. Mae Clark,
chairman of the committee and
her co-wodkers, Mesdames Mer-
tina Been, Margaret Brewster.
Alice Hodges Lillian Phillips.
Bernice Branker Branker. Ger
trude Holder, Ethel Scott, Mabel
Pitters, Miss Martha Davio. The
rector of the Church also cooper
ated with the committee. Alfred
Costa and Albert PaSteur, War
dens Of the church, accepted on
behalf of the vestry and congre-
cation. This part of the exercises
which developed into Thanksgiv-
ing proportions concluded with
the Hymn Nov Thank We All
Our Cod The Men and Boys
Choir sang ''The King OF Love My
Shepherd IS by Bairstow.
Rev. Ferguson opened his dis
cussion with a portion of the
Sixth Chapter of st. Paul's Epis-
tie To The Ephesians: my Breth-
rem be strong in the Lord and in
the power of His might" He said
the Gospel Of Christ as exem-
plified in His crucifxion and His
Resurrection inspires, zeal and
becomes a bulwark in the face of
trouble, opposition, misunder-
standing, and persecution. Con-
tinuing, he declared 'The race is
not always to be swift, nor vic
tory to the strong, but to those
who endure to the end. He spoke
of national zeal and its relation
ship to Civil Rights. He lauded
the zeal of the Jews whose love
of God and perseverance main
tanned them in their ups and
downs through the ages. The
thoughts expressed on zeal in
the pursuit of an education great
ly impressed the Alumnus of St.
Augustine College who was pre-
sent for Corporate Communion.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
COMMUNITY CHURCH
John Hancock Hall

The newly installed Rabbi of
Temple Israel, DR.. Abraham j.
Klausner, will occupy the pulpit
of The Community Church of
Boston at John Hancock Hall
on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 1920 AM.
He will take as his subject,
Common Roots and Common
Goals. DR.. Klausner, installed
just last week as the Spiritual
Leader of Bostons largest liberal
Teriple, takes the place of Rabbi
Joshua 10th Lehman. The ser
vice viii be conducted by the
ministre, Rev. Donald G. 10th
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
That Perfect Vista
BY St. Clair Kirton

On the passing of Mrs Bessie Trotter Craft sister
he editor of The Guardian).
Where is thy sting. where, grave, thy victory?p
What but means are all thy latent powers
Wherein man enters his expectancy
fuller life unmarried by fleeing hours!
Thou art no cruel monster; at the call
Thine icy portal wildly unfolds
That perfect vista which is after all
The eternal promise and all that which it holds
Where Faith and Hope ABIDE there is no fear
We know those whom we love are in God S carei
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
GLOUCESTER MEMORIAL
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Rev. James L. Smith, Minister
SAL Mass. Avenue


Last Sunday the church had a
surprise visitor in the person of
Rev. DR.. lander A. Dockery,
pastor of the Green St. Presby-
terrain Church of Statesville,
N. c. The speaker for next Sun
day evenings Pew Rally will be
Rev. Samuel Bullock of Pleasant
Hill Baptist Church. The annual
fall bazoor will begin Wednes-
day, Nov. Is. The public is in
vited. Sunday morning, Nov. 10.
Installation of officers Of officers
of Lies Aimes' Club.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

England Y, P. D.
After the close Of the Y. P. D.
meeting the group motored 70
Stamford where they were en-
tertained at the Neighborhood
House, a social center owned BY
the Bethel A.M.E. Church.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

rop. Arthur Lang will be at the
organ and Natalie Haley, col-
tralto, will sing. The Community
Church is Ion4sectarian and the
public is invited.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
PLEASANT HILL
BAPTIST CHURCH
Rev. S. II. Bullock, pastor

NUF' D. n DUIIUChj pasIVL
The senior ushersare having
their fourth annual sermon at
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
November 10, at 3:15 o'clock.
Reverend George Galloway, St.
Paul guest speaker. COLLATION. will
be served. Mrs. Nellie Thompson,
chairman Of the program com
mittee. Lester Hicks is president
and Marie Godlock is organizer.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

may be an agitator, and some
have called me one, but / still
believe that more progress is ac-
complished by boosts than by
knocks. / have a colleague who
tells me that knocks will make
a performer strive harder to do
better next time, have had
personal success with the other
method, and / believe that the
trend of present day pedagogy
is all that way. When l went to
school, the teacher was the last
word in everything. Now, the
student has the freedom of dis
cussing the subject, with the re-
suit that a much clearer under
standing Of the problem is OBJ
tained and the teacher, too, can
learn much from discussions
which were tabu, years ago. /
have always tried to develop the
personality and talent. Of my
pupils, and I have frequently
said that l take a lesson every
time give one. The old system
tends to eeaa' :. mechanical per-
formers, who are simply pocket
editions of their teachers, few
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

AFRICAN RUM salute of the
rarT k4ANYrYjn HTsaarl,,,;ll
BELGIUM NOfNIG ~ y ~
station, . OTC in Leopoville, Cen
trail Africa, sounded clearly
from our radio Hallicrafter as
we scanned the airlanes recently
for world events. Beamed to the
U. S. A., the announcer spoke
English as did those of PCJ,
THE NETHERLANDS, at Hilver-
sum. Both colonial nations were
deeply concerned With peace.
And DRFENSE. Another Armis-
tice?
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

we need never cease to
contend for migration on
all levels and official respon-
SibiIity."
DIR. MARY M. BETHUNE.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12


/ Dazzle constitute real democ-
racy2Who's fooling who?
I BIG MISTAKE some of our
1 American editors are making at
this time is the deliberate pro-
lection OF Georgia and other
Dixie JIM CROW PATTERNS
/ into fancy fafes. f features for world cir
/ culation to be read, and quoted
/ BY BIC, oTC, PJC, and other
world powers and ADOPTED as
the obest arrangement for coll
ored people. Some of our own
editors unwittingly are aiding IN
this plan.
CoLoRED PEOPLES of the
rest of the world are naturally
gaugIng their measure Of DEM
ocracy by the strides made by the
colored citizens of America. A
hashy car and jim crow road 10
NOT a good gauge, Long-Coat
i'm crow profiteering is not a
good gauge. The only true gauge
IS equal and complete citizen
ship in all the 4S states. Monroe
Trotter said that many years
ago.
NO MIRACLE has yet hap
pened in the South, as some
editors seem to think from their
recent story captions, Mr.. Tai
madge and Mr.. Rankin see to
that. The Dixiecrats who walked
out on the United States Presi-
dent are still in power. Gains
have been made not because OF
them but in spite of them. And
we have not yet been able to
pass the Presidents CIVIL
RIGHTS PROGRAM
~ ~ -
SO While a few Of us on
~state-Side" were making jubi-
lation over some; deceiving
chocolate covered jim crow,
topped off with thick creamy
hypocrisy, the gentlemen from
England, Holland, and Belgium
were looking desperately for some
accepted reforms for dusky ma
tives in their own lands. Perhaps
they've got it now. They've read
our magazines about the Happy
Dixie Plan"
THE SOLDIERS Of two world
wars know better than we do
about the harm we have done by
allowing Dixie Patterns to be
advertised abroad as being the
chest pattern of relations with
colored people. Nothing could
be more discouraging than a
post war extension" Of Dixie
Jim crow to all parts of the world.
Yet, that is what we are head
ing into at this time.
- - -
TINE is SHORT for the stu
Ipehdous projects the Foreign
Powers are undertaking TO trair
millions of natives for war de.
! Tense. Each broadcast stresse
this fact and urges more haste
It seems that we always wal
for a "crisis" before we think 0
such reforms. Moreover, it seem
that some of US are "stalling a
home" in granting Civil Right
| to strengthen our own natio
where every citizen must b
utilized without bias.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
INMEMORLAM

1913 - 1949
MABEL JANE EASTMAN
Journeyed on Nov. IL, 1913
The midnight stars are shining
On lone and silent grave
Where sleeps our darling sister
Whom we loved but could not
save.
Jesus called her, she was ready
Fci that home so bright and
fair.
Up amongst the happy angels
She is waiting for us there.
Sadly missed by
Miss Mary A. Osborne, Mrs. Geor-
getta Buckley, Mrs. Fannie E.
Reeves, Mrs. Florence E. Buck
ley, Mrs. Viola Mason, isterS;
Raymond T. Osborne, nephew,
Mrs. Thelma McNair, niece.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12
O'Banyoun's
Observations

Last call to get tickets for the
super performance of the Peo-
pies Spirito Chorus, and the re-
hearsals portend- a stellar per-
formance, varied by solos. male
chorus, and other features. Di-
rector Broadfeld is scheduled to
sing, and his vibrant clear tenor
will surely be outstanding. The
way the men sing the Jolly
Roger chorus is gem in itself.
Don't miss it. Recital Hall,
Thursday, Nov. II. See you
there.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

Lovers Of classical music, vocal,
piano, organ and ensemble, had
better reserve Sunday, Nov. 20,
$3.50 P. M, Union Methodist
Church, for just such a concert.
When l tell you it is to be given
under the auspices of the Greater
Boston Guild of Organists and
Directors, and conducted by
Elwyn Barrow, need 1 say more?
Elwyn is a master, and he as
sembles about him persons who
are capable Of doing a tops Job
at performing. Will give all the
particulars, next week. Save the
date.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

THE DUTCH newscasters were
making quite a splurge over the
on-the-way surrender of the 800
year rule over the rich Old World
Geography spice Islands" which
Columbus sought and which were
called the East Indies to distin-
guish them from the Western.
They include Sumatra, Borneo,
New Guinea, Batavia, and 70 mil
lion people.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

THE GEORGIA STORY, feat
ured by some State-Side maya
zines, seemed to tie-in with the
suggested colonial reforms fol
colored peoples abroad, although
we think the Georgia program il
based on Talmadge JIM GROW
and is thus vastly over-rated TO-
any democratic state. When die
iim-crow schools, bathing pools
booze selling and similar Dixie
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

THE NATIVE Prime Minister,
Dr.. Mohammed Hatta most of
the natives are Mohammedans)
spoke, via record, as did other
Yousld table representatives of
the new UNITED STATES OF
NDoNESIA, set up on Nov, 2,
1949. Hearing this event was
historic, Yet, DR.. Hatta was con
sentative. The natives, it seems,
are waiting to see just how sin
cere the new gestures really are.
Time will tell.
BELGIUM, TOO, from her
radio news. is also bent on work
ing out some sort of colonial re-
forms. These reforms speak of
huge new modern industrial
plants and living facilities which
will effect millions of natives,
good or bad. New industries,
transportation, airports, com
merce, defense, will call foe tre-
mendously changed living con-
ditions, stressing education and
social reforms.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1949-11-12

FROM ENGLAND, the BIC
newscasters were just about tell
ing the same story to their far
flung Commonwealth. Something
must be done quickly, they say
70 strengthen internal and for
eign affairs. They promise ire
mendous African territory re.
forms for increased food produc,
tiyity and defense stockpiles
airports, and granting million
Of natives increased responsi
pilitieS. Now!
Evening star., 1949-03-06
Nze YARMOUTH

the sharpest, brightest, clearest picture you
have ever enjoyed from an easy chair. It II
clear in daylight, or with the room lights
turned on-and it's locked in place
automatically.
The YARMOUTH sound system includes both
AM and FIN radio with a powerful
12-inch Alnico v speaker suspended in
rubber for perfect insulation 1t is a
remarkable instrument bringing you the
full range of radio entertainment.
The cobinet is of ribbon striped mahogany
its sheer simplicity of design harmonizing
with modern or traditional furnishings.
Evening star., 1949-03-06

parts of North Dakota, will bring
temperatures sharply lower than
mild readings of the past few
days as far south as Missouri by
tonight, the Weather Bureau said.
Near zero was predicted Tor
South Dakota and Minnesota to-
night. Considerable cloudiness and
scattered light snow accompanied
the new chill.
In the cold fronts path and over
most of the Nation. yesterday was
fair and mild. There was light rain
in parts of Southern New England
and light snow in Northen New
England.
Meanwhile, Acting Army Secre-
tary Gordon Gray estimated the
cost of the military establishments
operations in the snowbound West
ern States this winter at $10,000.-
900. The estimate was made in a
report to Secretary of Defense For
restal.
Mr.. Gray's report also said that
equipment in the West is being
moved to strategic locations in
preparation for floods.
Evening star., 1949-03-06

final vote later when the com.
mittee completes consideration o1
bill to revise the act.
The stricken provision would
have put workers in some large
farms under the national mini
mum wage, but would have left
them exempt from the 40-hour
week.
This provision was asked by
AFL and CIO witnesses. 1t was
not included in the administra-
tion's recommendations.
The bill also would raise the
Evening star., 1949-03-06
Rockets 10 Be Tested
By Navy Plane Tender
By the Associofed Press

Rocket research of the upper
atmosphere is moving to sea, the
Navy reported yesterday.
A seaplane tender. the North
Sound, already is on the way to-
ward South America, equipped
with three rockets.
The Navy hopes that these can
be sent at least as high as SINH
lar missiles launched at the White
Sands IN. Mex proving ground
78 miles.
Objective of the tests with the
Aerobee rockets, a different type
than the higher-range W.. will
be to obtain data on cosmic rays
and magnetism in the upper at
mosphere.
The information gained. the
Navy said. will aid in solving
long-range radio transmission
problems.
The first rocket will be fired of
Evening star., 1949-03-06
Hundreds in Midwest
Driven From Homes
As Flood Threat Rises
BY the Assoeioted Press

The ice-dammed central reaches
Of the Missouri River spilled over
with water from newly-melted
SHOWS yesterday. but new cold
front brought hope that major
damage may be averted.
North of Atchison, Kans., sew
eral hundreds of persons were
driven from their homes by back
waters as levees were topped at
st. Joseph. Mo.
There the water rose a half
foot above the 1947 crest, reach
ing 21.08 feet and spreading over
the city's airport. 1t rose in the
streets of Elwood. Kans., across
the river. Below AtchiSon, site of
the ice jam, residents were
warned to leave the bottomlands
The water began to recede in
the afternoon, however. The head
Ice block apparently moved to a
point near Wathena, Kans., TAX
ing the pressure off areas around
Lake Contrary, four miles south
of st. Joseph and Elwood for a
while.
Mississippi Ice Moving.
However, the Lake Contrary
area was listed as an immediate
danger spot as waters continued
to pour in the regions. Residents
were being evacuated.
At Winona, Mimi, ice moved
out of the main channel of the
Mississippi River two weeks earlier
than a year ago. Melting SHOWS
caused several small streams In
the Winona area to rise rapidly
Farther North, the Boyer River
spilled through levee breaks into
Missouri Valley in Western Iowa,
reaching porch roof levels and
driving 1000 residents from their
homes before starting to recede
One flood death was reported
In Iowa and another in Kansas
One Victim Is Boy.
Gerald Perrin, 10, was drowned
when he fell into swollen creek
near Denison. Iowa, and a man
drowned when his body was forced
under a section of ice in the flood
waters at Wathena.
The ice broke up in, the Missouri
three miles north of Glenwood,
Iowa, this afternoon. and some
water poured over levee.
Fire Chief Lewis Robinson OF
Glenwood called for all available
volunteers to aid f1remen in sand
bagging and stock-removal opera
tions.
At nearby Pacific Junction,
however, L. w. Boyle. an insur-
ance man and one of the volun-
teer workers, said there had been
no real flooding yet" but that
farmers were moving to higher
ground.
He said the river had dropped
sharply after the first water start
ed to come over the levee. but that
later it had started pouring over
in a new place south Of United
States Highway "a.
Five Below Predicted.
The cold, expected to reach five
below zero this morning in some
Evening star., 1949-03-06
Boy, 7, Missing Since Thursday, Discovered
Under Neiqhbor' s Porch: Saws He Was Lost
Slept Beneath Stuirs
Through 28-Degree
Cold, He Insists

A 7-year-old boy who insists he
was lost. was found yesterday
under a neighbor's front porch,
where he said he had been sleeping
since his disappearance Thursday
Object of a search by his frantic
parents and police since he failed
to return from the John Quincy
Adams School Thursday afternoon,
Charles T. Bartlinsky, 1909 Seven
teenth street NV, was helped
from under the porch yesterday
morning.
Il was lost, he said. and re-
peated it in answer to all inquiries.
The boy was taken to Children's
Hospital for treatment for expo
posure, but apparently seemed lit
tie worse for wear. The tempera-
ture low Thursday night was SO
degrees and on Friday night
dropped to % degrees.
Found by Boy, s.
He was found about $50 am.
yesterday when Larry Brooks, 6, Of
1881 P street NV. saw something
under his front porch. When he
told his sister the something
resembled a boy, the sister. Cathe-
rine Brooks. 8, prodded the OBJ
ject with a broomstick. The porch
is around the corner from his
home.
MY tummy hurts" the lost boy
complained, the Brooks child said.
At the hospital, he was non
committal on his whereabouts
Thursday after leaving school, but
according to neighborhood chill
Idren, Sandra Eide and her
brbther, Jack, Of 1851 p street
NV, Charles was with them un-
til about 9 pm. Friday.
Missing Three Times Before.
His mother, Mrs. Charles Bart
linsky, said the latest disappear
ance was the boys fourth in three
months. He came home once Of
his own volition and was brought
home by detectives on the other
two occasions, his mother said.
Evening star., 1949-03-06
Deaths Of Mother, Children
In Fire Ruled Accidental

DR.. Nelson A. Podolnick, Fairfax
County coroner, yesterday issued
certificates of accidental deaths
for a mother and two children who
died Tuesday in a tourist camp
fire.
The victims were Mrs. Agnes
Ottens. %; her daughter, Melody
Ann, 2, and a son, Donald Ed
ward. !.
A third child, Terry Michael, 8
months, suffered burns. He was
taken to Walter Reed Hospital.
Evening star., 1949-03-06

When he was found by the
Brooks children, he was helped
from under the porch by James
Nader, jr., Of the Belvedere Apart
ments, 1901 Massachusetts, ave-
nue. NV, who attempted to give
him first aid for apparent FROST
bite until police arrived.
Evening star., 1949-03-06

; the coast Of Peru. If that test
is successful, the North Sound
will move to a point off the west
coast of Panama for firing of an
other rocket. The third rocket
apparently is a spare.
Evening star., 1949-03-06
Labor Group Would Keep
Farms Free Of WAGE Act
BY the Assoeiotsd Press

By the Associated Press
The House Labor Committee
agreed tentatively yesterday to
leave all agricultural workers out
side coverage of the Federal wage
hour law.
The decision was subject to a
Evening star., 1949-03-06

At the hospital yesterday. he
appeared to have more interest
in comic books than in an ex-
planation of his absence.