51.   Most private economists and many administration officials have viewed the interest rate increases as necessary.

52.   Ninety percent of the companies surveyed thought that their workers regarded merit increases as an entitlement, usually tied to age and seniority.

53.   Oil-service companies are expected to post strong fourth-quarter earnings increases as the oil and natural gas industry spends more on drilling.

54.   One of the latest groups to weigh in, the American Gas Association, had expected some price increases as an incentive to boost gas production.

55.   Ornan Yekutieli, leader of another group in the coalition, said the support increases as the ultra-Orthodox spread through Israel from their traditional base in Jerusalem.

56.   Other analysts saw the price increase as a sign of optimism among cigarette companies that a national settlement of tobacco litigation would be approved by Congress.

57.   Other members who were aware of what was happening said they were given no opportunity to object or vote on the pay increase as a separate measure.

58.   Ordinarily, if a substance like a drug affects the body, the effects increase as the dose increases.

59.   Other companies are not offering wage increases as a way to keep costs down.

60.   Others dreamed of the fare increase as an excuse to quit.