These people fully understand the importance of education. Their children are sent regularly to school, many of the girls finishing at one of the Eastern academies. This is particularly the case among the people of the north-west. They are opinionated and independent almost to lawlessness. In consequence of the contest for the Governorship which has just closed, the cost of living here in Little Rock is at present high beyond all comparison.
Strangers are, particularly, required to pay three prices for everything.
All the hotels are conducted on the European plan, and from twelve to fifteen dollars a week is demanded for a very ordinary room, without board. A shave at the hands of a negro with a hand of iron costs thirty cents. Boot-blacks are insulted when offered less than a quarter, and the same amount is insisted upon for the washing of a shirt. People who like to drink pure water will do well to give Little Rock a wide berth. The water here is taken directly from the Arkansas River, and with it a disagreeably liberal allowance of mud.