TASK DEFINITION: In this task, you are given a sentence and question which can be answered using the sentence. Your task is to answer the question using the information from the sentence. The answer to the question is unique and it is a continuous text span from the sentence.
PROBLEM: Sentence: The means to lay their foundation being the outcome of special prayers addressed to the Mother of God during the nine days preceding event of 8 Dec. , 1854 . 
 Question: what is  being preceded?

SOLUTION: event of 8 Dec. , 1854 .

PROBLEM: Sentence: As ex-slaves risked beatings for failing to meet the continuing duties , their freedom was limited . 
 Question: what did someone risk?

SOLUTION: beatings ### beatings for failing to meet the continuing duties

PROBLEM: Sentence: As Secretary of the Interior , Chandler eradicated serious corruption in the Bureau of Indian Affairs , fully endorsing President Grant 's Peace Policy initiative to civilize American Indian tribes . 
 Question: who   endorsed something?

SOLUTION:
Chandler