1.   Black said Philip Morris would prefer a settlement to a trial.

2.   Both sides expressed hope that the Supreme Court would expedite the appeals process and said that they would prefer a settlement.

3.   In an interview, it is clear he would prefer settlement to conflict.

4.   Monsanto would prefer a settlement, an executive said.

5.   Some say the agency still prefers negotiated settlements to aggressive enforcement, resulting in lower fines and penalties.

6.   Gov. Tom Ridge and Mayor John F. Street prefer a settlement but are not likely to tolerate a lengthy strike.

7.   Kennett said he preferred a settlement over a class action being prepared against gas supplier Esso.

8.   On Thursday, the White House said President Bush in principle prefers a settlement over litigation.

9.   The White House said Thursday that President Bush would prefer a settlement.

10.   The White House said it was too early to decide the next course of action but reiterated Bush prefers settlements over lawsuits.