41.   But government officials seemed to be betting that they would fall in line once other companies said they believed the seat belt buckles were defective.

42.   But local school officials seemed to be united in their complaints about the cost of the foreign language programs.

43.   But officials seemed to be in dispute over what, if any, policy changes might be made.

44.   But public officials seem hopeful, or at least curious.

45.   But police officials seem befuddled by the situation, and usually stand on the perimeter of the action, with half a dozen armored vehicles at the ready.

46.   But senior Yugoslav officials did not seem concerned about such protests Monday.

47.   But some Bush administration officials now seem optimistic that Armenia may become more flexible.

48.   But prison officials seemed to have little sympathy for those who complained.

49.   But the officials seemed very uncertain about when the standoff, which showed promise of ending last weekend, would be over.

50.   But Sprague recounted how United officials seemed impressed by his accomplishments during his job interviews.