The Ashburton Guardian.

Vol xxi, no. 5470

Ashburton •• Thursday, September 12, 1901.

Pbice ; One Penny \

To the Pole by Motor.

Mr Evelyn Baldwin who is tsaaying to reach the North Po'e by motorcar, started on ht<* perilous j.vuni. y in July from Lsndon, eajs The King. He la making for Tromsoe, at which port he ia to be joined by the other members of the Bafdwin-Zelgler Expedition, which Mr Zeigler, most munlfioient of patrons is equipping. Mr Z.igler haß declared that if anybody can reach the North Pole Mt Baldwin will. * When he returns he'll ta'k. There's nothing to be said till he gets back.' Mr Baldwin, who is,of course an expert motorist, Is pinning his faith to a petrol motor, and he has fervent hopes of discovering an Icefield so level and so extensive thai he caa tear over ib to the Pole itself ? 'At any rate,' he said before leaving London, «the tenf-teuf of the motor will be heard (by the Laplanders we presume) far inside the Arctic Circle.' The motor which the intrepid adventurer will drive is a 5 horse-power Deoanvllla voiturette, bull*- alter the fashion of express motors which have covered 1000 miles continuously. Mr Baldwin, who admits tbe gigantic risks he will run, is confident that this motor will carry him tor miles over the fret-hag surface. Ha lacks nothing, of course, to aid hit* attempt. Thiee vessels carrying three year's food supplies will leave Tromsoe together. If Mr Baldwin eats up all these suppllfs, and is away three years, the intervieweit waiting for his return will hft*»e to exeroitt herolcs.l patience.

Scotland and the King's Title.

The question of Scotland's relation to the King's title of Edward #11 came be. fore the House of Commons recently. Mr Black, M P for Banffshire* asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the fact that it had been found necessary to revise the Royal title to meet the claims of the colonies, whether the Government would in this connection give due weight to the claims of Scotland in such a manner as to bsing His Most Gracious Majesty'a title hit■» due conformity with the history of the United Kingdom. Ihe Lord Advocate, In replying to the question eaid - I cannot admit that there is any di-conformity with Bis Most Gracious Ma jest)'a title in the history of tho United Kingdom. I have already explained to the hon member the pre cecent in the case of Bis Majesty William 4 Fourth, but, apart from precedent, the argument of tho hon member that the title of Edward Seventh Is tantamount to an admission by His Majesty's Scottish sul-j\ets that the claims of Edward First of England over the Kingdom of Scotland are w< 11 founded seems to me to be an assumption that is alike at variance with grammar, and with the battle of Bannock buru. (Laughter and cheers }

Carnivorous Flowers.

Are the nepenthes, those curious lowers like flagons or German pipes, with their iidf., carnivorous or not 1 They are, according to M Clautrlau in a paper to the Boyal Academy of Belgium. The cup Varies in colour from green to dark red, but the upper part is usually paler than the lower. The upper is lined inside with a kind of waxy matter, and the lower part holds a liquid secreted by glands, which mark the interior, This ie the digestive liquid, and these glands also absorb the products of digestion. On the rim of the cup is a secreted by other glands, and Instate attracted by It fall into th.) digestive liquid, which ■lispdlvea their soft parts, is cige.tiou owing to 'he liquidU*elf or to microbism it, and does »h» pUnt use the digested maUit ? M Oiau tiau has been studying these qufstiofos in Java—not In green houses, like bis predecefeßors«~-and he fiads that in young, elused cups the liquid ia neutral, only becoming digestive in open cupp. The digestion is due to diastase, not to parasites, and the cap ia i carnivorous organ,



SHIPPING | fl mBE HEW ZEAI-AND Jl^;^-••'■' SHIPFIH6 °o.'B LINE ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS FOR LONDON, via Monte Video, fflenerlffe & Plymeuta, ProbablelnaT Steam ere. Tens. Port, Date. ffakatane 8715 Wellington -<epb 19 Wakanui 5706 — {Oct 10 Otftfama 3809 — lo follow Walmato 5610 — „ Eakaia 5623 — „ | ffekoa . 4050 „ 1 Papauui 6372 I Rimutaka* 7765 j Waikato 4767 j •Twin Screws. For further particulars apply to FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ln>. ■a '*" ' iin —.- ■- JMmM -,MMu,, SHAW, SAVILL AND ALBION COMPANY, LIMITED, FOR LONDON. jMIA. 'ROYAL MAIL STEA. •jSSgk MIRS, with superior TflW^iKpfr accommodation for all classes ■a*B*Bl^l* ■of passengers* calling at Monte Video ot Rio, Teneslffe and Ply. month. Vessel Ton Commander] From Date. Karamea 5563 Burton I Sept Knm&ra 6034Hcobland I Oct Gothic 7*730 Kidley WeH'gton Nov 7 OARGO STEAMER'S."" " Aotea 6364!Evans [Lyttt'n Sept 5 Pakehaf 4331 Progger Sept Waiwera '6257IStuarb [ t Via Sonth Africa For further particulars, apply *" NICOLL BROS. w ""■ "gauml. -i— 1 3 UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY Of NEW ZEALAND. Limited STEAMERS?SaiI FRCMLITTELTON AS UNDER: Fm Westport and Greymouth—Weekly Wellington-- Monday, Tuesday, Thurs day and Saturdays NOTE—For extra sailings see advertise meat in Christchurob papers Btmadin — Mondays, Fridays and alternate Tuesdays and Saturdays Nelson and Pioton, via Wellington- Tuesday and Saturday Sydney, via Auckland — Alternate Thursdays The above are subject to alteration; ©ference should therefore be made to Ohrifitohurch daily papers fox dates and ttonr of sailing For further particulars apply to F PERRIMAN, Agent, Ashburton «w—«ani 'i i—■■ ■ ■ ii .i....... ■■ ■« BUSINESS NOTICES OiTgkaves, SHAREBROKER AND FINAKCIAL AGENT, ---186 HEREFORD STREET, CHRIST CHURCH & AT GREYMOUTH. RELIABLE Information on Dredgln Stocks. Correspondence Invited. OODM : Bedford McNeill's, Morehig and Noal'B, A.B.Q, Oo (Cowtb Edition. »]RF MATIEIG, Ashburton [ Representative TiLBOEApmo Address : GRAVES I Ohrietchurch. Greymouth—Brownlie, Greymouth SI H Undbilj. E TJmmih f H VEDBJLh & v OO ■ FURNISHING UNDERTAKERS BDANORED STREET, ASHBURTON EVERY REQUISITE ON HAND. Polished Coffins a Specialty A Choice Assortment of Artificial Wreath In Stock. -— Private Address, Peter Street, directly behind Oddfellows' Hallj also care ef Mr T. Andrews, East Belt. 2 ■■■■■■ ■ BAKER BROS., FURNISHING TTNDERTAKERS DRNISHING U NDERTAKERS DIRECT Importers cf Best and Latent Designs In FUNERAL FURNISHING?! FUNERALS conduaced with the greatest cere and satisfaction, %b most reasonable charges. Corner of Wakanui Road and Case streets, and Baker and brown's Coach factory. mmmfmmßmmmmmmmmmmmm HENRY STEPHENSON, (oucoesaor to Alfred Harrison.) Established 20 years. AUCTIONEER, LAND ESTATE AND OOMMISSION AGENT AND VALUER WEEKLY BALES of Live Stock Produce, Eurniture, etc., EVERY SATURDAY, ab 12 o'ciook. Clearing Sales of Stock, Household Fuml tare, etc., m per arrangement iv any part ©f the county. Advances made on all goods placed in my nands for Sale, Begular Consignments of Colonial Grown and Island Fruit sold privately through the week, and at Auction on SATURDAYS. AOENX S Narwloh Onion Fire Insurance Company (k Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Company. PIANOS and ORGANS on time pay siants from SJOs per month. HENRY STEPHENSON, AUCTIONEER.



BUSINESS NOTICES ABE GASH BUYERS OP PRIME MILLING WHEAT. TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS—SampIes received at Stores, "West Street. Other days—Samples received at the Mill CORNSAOKS SUPPLIED BONE ON FARMERS IT AVjLD J XllO ACCOUNT. CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS COMPANY (ROLLITT AND 00.,) D, FOOD, Manager WANTED KNOWN. CHEAPEST HOUSE IN TOWN FOR GARDEN TOOLS, CARPENTERS TOOLS, AND GENERAL IRONMONGERY. TF you want a good article at low price, call and see for yourself. Agent for Scott Bros. Cfilebrated Ranges. Their Record Range is one of the Best Portable Ranges In the Market. ANDREW MACPHERSON, WINTER GOODS, WINTER GOODS. NICHOLAS AND PICKFOBD have just received ex s.s Wakanui and Paparoa, their Winter Supply of WARM SLIPPERS, EVENING SHOES, WALKING SHOES, BOOTS, &o. Children's Winter Slippers at Bd, lOd, If, 2s 6d, and 3a per pair Ladies' Winter Slippers ab Is, Is 6d, 2s 6d, 3s 6d, 4s 6d, 5s od, 7s 6d, and 8s iper pait Gentlemen's at all prices Also,—Children's, Ladies , and Gentlemen's Goloshes. The Best Golosh manufactured INSPECTION INVITEDs NICHOLAS & PICKFORD, EAST STREET; mmmmmmmmammmm no— ——i— mmmmmmmKmmmmmmmmmmgmmmmmmmmm^'mmmKMmmmmmmmmmmmm DAVID THOMAS, AUCTIONEER, LAND, INSURANCE & ESTATE AGENT" VALUATOR, WOOL & GRAIN BROKER, ASHBURTON Loan* Negotiated Weekly Sales of Live Slock—Tinwald aud Ashbartoof alternately Fortnightly Sales of Sheep Skins, Fats, Hides, eto, on Mondays Sales of Wool Throughout the Season Gram Bought and Sold on Commission Clearing Sales as per arrangements Arcade Horse and Furniture Sale beldam Saturdays Horse Fairs Held Monthly AGENT FOR Mateon and Co, Ohristchtirch* Booth, McDonald and Co, Ohristchurch White's Sheep Dip Walter A Wood Co Bowring Bros' Belting London and Lancashire Insurance Company Graham's Foot Rot Composition Wright, Stephenson and Ooj Dunedin "*"- Belfast Manures Vacuum Oil Company's Agricultural Gils Planet Jr, Garden and Field Tools LAND FOR SALE I have For Sale the following Blocks of Lar/d, in tussock, in the' Hinds District; 2000 Acres Plains Land in tussock 1500 „ „ ,) 1900 „ „ it 6CO *„ Reclaimed Swamp Land Also First Class Farms in Blocks of 100 Acres and upwards to 5600 acres St ver*l Farms, various sizes, thoroughly improved, for sale j well worth the money Urn J. JttwJjA-Z\Dt ASHBURTON. WILLIAM PATCHING. EAST & BURNETT STREETS, ASHBURTON i SADDLER & HARNESS MAKER, 'A/IfY COMPETENT STAFF now includes FIRST-OLASS COLLAR AND SADDLE MAKERS. 1 Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed. Repairs Executed^Promptly^and at Moderate} Ratei



BUSINI-SS KOTIOES PI | IS LIFE WORTH LIVING? j fs\ (o) ITIIATDEPENDS UPON THE LIVER j (a) $ FIMPB^S MAY APPLE"j I JL In_?sr2_tion, Biliousness, Flatulency, Con3tlpatlon, and all IT fib) Liver, Kidney, and Stomach Complaints, are Cured /$A \qJ by this New Vegetable Remedy. ~ l^A j\ * 2a. a CSa.esM.is'&s and Stoi?©s © S3s. j[ ' V** \ S"*™"™^. -_w*-t»—^ -^~«_~ _. -w—™**S_ *-s««r«» -»«~™_-^ ffctS ' Minni m' wmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm—mmmmmm^mm^mi^mmmmmmmmmmmmmtmmmt—mn mill mriwiH . fell ' OEM- EJP Cooking Banges ( fci^ri f^^_l__~'^ tlL'be/ barn Ugolte, True Coal, or Wood up rt fe^___Q^^=;g=i^ir N0 SETTING REQUIRED. __L_l tlf .J■■jftktijl j «ffSas_*> _c With Stove Pipe cas> be worked out In the •Ml , B|g^t j >^^f k open. Splendid Bread Bakers I I k I With oaß*l 'ron or co PPer boilers. The ■ I fcfiSP'jl l I copper boilers are large and tin lined inside. _■'■' WHHpi i **2_**^_. *■ Repairs are a Minimum, I _L_J_ _"■*""»■"•-* j mhhim-h H_ Ma&a in all sizes, single or double I* 3 *' \"^J( I _____________■ Ll High or low pressure boilers Lm^^—L ___■___■__? _l 0-c* D^ **' Ir*»nmanger», from whom W*^^^^^\!^ w^^M—,^SSjgjJ| Catalogues can be obtained, or from the makers I . Him O X±JX\uX-.Lj\JKjIX . JLjIJL/ SOUTHEND FOUNDRY, Pbinob_ Strejst, DUNEDIN nea«wtaMßaMa«HHaMaH-nn_HMHMa_iM__aMMn_^ o»Sf_i_P KHS Z&Fhiviffy H !B!! !Siß _ls_l _%__F_fc FITS OF DEPRESSION, HEADACHE, NAUSEA, GIDDINESS; *c. fbey possess three grar.d qaa'ities, being 4k-*- r A k..~t £..*.<( S_> J_ «p SAFE AND CERT A IN. The SoHoolmistres-*, St. Anuo's c"i.ccl. V. T:-iids\vujin. writes as follows. wM"y mother and eldest sister k?ve t-ik.^a -jv\vc Pills for years for bilioiw attacks and sick hoai.laclift-, ard Isav^ a.-.v,iy- f<;\nd them most beneficial.'* ■ _ # IftUtttfacturod only at. 7S. thsv Oxford Street uw.av. .....1 oy all Ctuvmiets and Modloine VonfiorJ*. mmmtrnmsmiiMmmium ■iiiMi«iw_w-MwiMM--wa__Bß---^^ SMOKE ONLY NEW VENUS. A PERFECT TOBAOOO. gg|* JUST IN TIME GUNS. GUM GUNS. Single and Double Barrel, from 30s to £7 10s CABTEIDGEa *X~OARTRIDGES. Eley'g Blue, Smokeless, and Universal; NEW OLUB, NEW RIVAL HORSE~CLIPPERB CHEAP AND GOOD. D ANPI7Q ( t'Orion, M,"'_sealandia,"aiid"Scottß") Regi&ver Xll-XJL-ll \II"JCiO Grates, Mantel Pieces, Garden aad Carpenters Tools, Lamps, Bnilders' and Furnishing Ironmongery, ©to. Kindly Pay Me a Visit, and Save Money. G. MEDDINS, The People 8 Ironmonger, Burnett Street, Opposite Arcade BELFAST AND FAIRFIELD FREEZING WORKS MAN DUES, ARE THE BEST -rpOR TURNIPS, RAPE, WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANURES !are mad 3to suit any kind of Soil or description of Drop. Samples of SOIL ANALYSED free of cost to Fa rmera uaiog our Manure For the present season an all round reduction in price of *7s 6d per Ton "has been made. SATISFACTION GIVEN ivERYWHERE LAST SEASON. If there is no agent in your district, send to the Office for Price List and Testimonials CANTERBURY FROZEN "MEAT AND DAIRY PROPUCE EXPORT COMPANY, LIMITED. F. WAYMOUTH Secretary, 139 Hereford Street, Cimsichuroh



BUSINESS NOTIOEB DURING a sk« ehiog tour the Lord of Burleigh made a short stay at a hamlet., where in the craracter of aland -oape painter, he won the affection ef the village belle, and contiary to custom, married ner. He did not: disclose his real rank and.potlrlon until the modest equip age, which carried them to their home, stopped before a most stately mansion. The erstwhile country girl was bewildered, and despite the affection lavished on her by her lord, she gradually sank, and died a gracious lady, a true adornment to her elevated station, having mastered every detail of card-leaving precedence. Lord Butleigh never recovered the shock, but then, that great healing balm, PLANTEKOA, was unknown In those day*. Science was unaware of the elements that compose the most valuable recuperative agent of modern time.. PLANTEKOA gives new life, heals .fflJction of the body, and removes mind troubles. Mr 0 A Jolly, the successful auctioneer and land j agent of Wellington, writes s— * With i pleasure I recommend PLANTEKOA as a sovereign cure for headache. For several years I have constantly had reourse to headache wafers, powders, eto, to get relief. I took one bottle of PLANTEKOA (nearly two years ago), and I hay c not had a single attack since. You may t mention my name to anyone suffering as I did. I sincerely recommend them to try 1 Plantekoa,' Signed, Charles A Jolly. * lantekoa is obtainable from leading chemists and storekeepers in Ashburton. Manning & Go's NEW SEASON'S BOTTLED ALES AND STOUT. IN QUARTS AND PINTS, THB BESTIN~THE MARKET Equal to the Leading Brands of ENGLISH ALES, Agents for Ashburton—Messss Sheak kun Bros VJSBMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY. T OANB GRANTED FHOM -.£25 and upwards, at current rates Full Particulars on application. WORKING EXPENSES on all. Shares are now duo and payable Office —Tanored Street. Office Hours—9,3o am tilUpfA Firti Tuesday ia Mouth—9,3o an. till pmj mil tillßpm ALBERT ROBERTS, Maaiger | A CHRONIC COUGH QUICKLY | CURED. ! BENJAMIN, GUM SCORES, j Mr Lanrol Hcode, of Christchuroh, writes; j Benjamin Gum had a marvellous effect on my cough and cold, which I contracted early last winter. I tried various advertised ?emedies but got no relief. A lady friend advised me to try your Benjamin Gum, and a very few doßes gave me relief, and it quickly oured BENJAMIN GUM always acts like this— It is pleasant) to take—Ohildren like it- Suitable for yonng or old I Benjamin Gum, price Is 6d aud 2s 6d, from all Chemists and Grocers, or poet free, from LOASBY'S WAHOO MANUFAOTUR ING CO., Ltd, Dunedin; Wholesale from all Merohantf TRIAD Prize Competition. THE " TRIAD»» has in the press, and shortly to he published, a book entitled " What to see aud Where to Stay in New Zealand.' A prize of Three Guineas is offered for the most interesting and amusing article of about 2000 words, entitled MWh_tto see and Where to Stay in New Zealand." do close 20th BEPTKM BEti; For Puzzle Competition for children under 14, see TRIAD CONDITIONS. All that Is necessary to enter for this competition is to post your article (enclosing a receipt for ss, or more, from any Triad advertiser*! to " The Manager of the Triad, Dunedin.' Alax Washing Powders Anglo N.Z. Cycle Co. Auckland Forwarding aud Parcels Deliver Agency Bermaline Bread— all Bakers Brinslsy and Oo.'s Ranges Biug, Harris & Co, Arrow Brand Boots Commercial Hotel, T N Grange Cope's Cigarettes and Tobacco 1 Curtis, F, Jeweller Dnnlop Tyrea Gawne's Sauces, Pickles, Vinegar, eto Gates, H A, Music seller Gregg and Co, W, Coffee, Starch, eto Hay ward's Pickles and Hauces J ones, H M, Triad Agent Kirk patrick, 8, and Co, X Jams Kbarki Cigarettes, Eagle Go's Kozie Teas, ail Grocers' Lane's Creosoted Emulsion Loasby'a Wahoo, Koolibah, Benjamin Gum, and Cinnamon Cure; Meddins, G., Ironmonger N.Z. Clothing" Faotory Nelson, .sioate and Go's Tar Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corpora tion, Ltd. Orr, A, Draper Sanderson's Scotch Whisky Spring Blossom Tea Suratura Te Teed and Co Corn Cure Tonking's Listed Emulsion "Tui" Extra of Soap Waltke's Soa | Wills Three Castles Cigarettes and Tobacco ' I Woodrowe' Hats, Golliu & Co., Agents



I BUSINESS NOTICES Wm. Btbangi Thos. Covkrdale Sole Partners and Proprietor!. HOWfTO OBTAIN ( : UP-TO-DATE GOODS At CITY PRICES. WHISK abont to Bay you naturally look about you in order to dUover the Cheapest Market, and where the very best vidua for your mofleymny be had. If wall advised your choice will finally fail on some great City Wareheuae, where they purchase large lots of everything at a time (<nd bo secure ths most advantageous terms possible, *ud where they <ff.r you an immense selection of up to date Goods. WE HAVE JU&T SUCH AN ESTABLISHMENT. It is the largest of its kind In New Zealand. Wa import on a truly co'ossal scalp, and we -de* I direct with the great manufacturers. We ate also manufacturers ourselves, and control _ number of important local industries. Consequently, it wi 1 pay you to place your orders with us, und if you caunot do it in person you can , SHOP WITH US BY POST! As thousands of our regular Customers : already do. Write down your requirements as explicitly as yon can, ecc!o3e remittance to valuts, post your letter (it wii only require a penny a vamp, remember;, and we| witl do the rest! You will be delighted, because, by dealing with ua you may obtain Beautiful New Ssasrn's Goods at City Prices. One trial of this Byatem will convince you. STRIP I ft MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS, & FAMILY DRAPERS, OHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY ebiaßlishku ... ... 1669 OAPITAL^ONE MILLION THE Premier and Wealthiest, Jolonlal Company, Noted for Promptness and Liberality Paid-up Capital and Reserves, £400,000 Fire and Mariue Risks,) Also,— Risks on Growing Crops, Threshing Machines, etc, accepted at \lowest current rates nicollTbros.j I. Agentr COOKING RANGES. "DARNINGHAM AND 00, S. IMPROVED ZEALANDIA, NEW PATENT. Needs no Setting. Can be used as Open Fire. ASK FOB THE IMPROVED ZEALANDIA. A CARD. MESSRS STRINGER & CRESSWELL BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS CHRISTCHURCH, HAVE OPENED A BRANCH OFFICE at Mb Davison's, West Street Ashburton, where they will attend every THURSDAY and on other days when necessary. They will be represented in Ashburton by Mr J. Davison, who is authorised to receive instructions on their behalf, and to whom communications may be addressed. We have various sums of money awaiting nvestment ab lowest current rates. STRINGER &~ORESSWELL, SOLICITORS, CHRISTCHURCH «S ASHBURTON FOR Sale, cheap, for Oash—Several hun dred pairs of Boats and Shoes. Apply Mellor's Zealand a Boot Store BOOKS :'— Works by Scott, Dickens, Thackeray, Lytton, Dumas, E P Roe, A J E Wilson, Rhoda Bronghton, Mrs Henry Wood, Bret Harte, Ethel Turner, Guy Bootbby, Rider Haggard, Geo. Elliott, and every other modern writer are given away with the famous BOOK GIFT Tea



The Roman Empire, nigh foraotteu, Once exerciS3d a mighty sway, But like some buildings old and tottec, * Was left to orumb'e and decay. The human body needs attention In order to long 1 fa assur?, For couehs and colds we've but to rhebt 0 W E Woods' Geeat Peppeb-U**** Cube Coughing Yet? It is unwise to let a Cough LJQ run on. Frequent coughing l£ increases the irritation in the VI bronchial tubes, and is the *1| forerunner to serious lung disease -CONSUMPTION, Dane's ** Cwasoted. Positively cures Coughs of any kind. Not by drying up the Cough, but by cutting the phlegm and healing the irritated passages. LANE'S EMULSION is so perfectly bfcnded that it ia pleasant to the taste, and so easy to-digest that young babies and most delicate invalids take it regularly. #j»hyatofans Recommend It. • ! four 5 Chemist or Store wIH supply yoft , , PRICE 2s. . ■ J - ■ A PRINTER GIIEATLY BUBPKISKD. • I rever was so much rutprised in my Tif as I was with the results of usinu Chamber bin's Pain Bdm,' cay« Henry T Crook, pressman cf the Ashevilie (NO, USA,) Gazelier 'I contracted a severe case cf rheumatism early last winter by g tting my feet wtt. I tried several things for it with out bent fit. One day while looking over the Gazette, 1 no'iced that Paw Balm was positively guaranteed to cure rheumatism, so bought a bo't'e of it and before using two thirds of it my rh.uma hm had taken its fliiht'aud I have not had a rheumatio pain since.' Sod by Ashburton Drug Co. "You can depend on ridding your Children of Worms with Wade's Worm Figs, tho wonderful worm worriers t price Is Smoke New Venus