Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-01-01
GOXERNQR POPE

Governor Pope, of Arkansas sometime last month accepted of an invitation to public dinner in one of the towns, oi the goodly territory of which he does the gubernatoral honors. On that occasion he was toasted and in response made very excellent speech the concluding passage of which we quote recom- mending it heartily to our readers of both sexes as somewhat unique for the occasion but certainly hap E:
 |" At the muster the other day. and in tie general aspect of the people of Arkansas the Governor said he had been reminded of old Kentuckey-of open generous Kentuckians-but he had discovered in this country, to his great grief and modification, larger proportion of single men and bachelors than he had ever seen elsewhere, and greatehaversion or indifference to matrimOny. This seems to me Continued the Govemor) an evil of serious magn- tude, and to demand radical REFORM: According to the best estimate he had been able to make, there had been born in Arkansas, within the last twelve months, from GOO to 200 children, and, if the sin gemen and bachelors would marry and do their du- y to God and their country, it would soon become State without the aid of stangers In country where the means of subsistence are easily procured, there is no apology for remaining single. Many gentlemen are reluctant to encounter the trouble and expense of wife aud family, but man who will not hazard much to make himself and fine girl happy, can hardly be relied OF to meet the tolls and perils of when his country is in danger. Permit me to tell you gentlemen that the ladies ardent in their at- achments, and grateful for faithful return; and fla tO the grogshop and gaming table, or other plates of idle amusement, and convince her that she isof ali things nearest his heart she will work her fingers to the quick to sustain him, fine should be even little lazy or worthless. Woman is the best gift of hea- ven to man. and he that does not accept it hardly de- serves a seat in heaven.
 have Continued the Governor) passed two days in this town, and been rarely cheered with the ap- pearance of a lady, It seems to be town of bache- lors. On Saturday, he supposed the ladies were too much occupied with their domestic concerns to be vi sible, but hoped that Sunday, he would see, in this respectable, wealthy and p0pulous country. numerous assemblage of both sexes at Church, in the town, or near it; but to his surprise, he was in- formed, on Sunday morning, that there was no preaching in town or neighborhood, and that the preachers rarely come to toWashington becahse there was so few ladies in the place. The Governor said that the idea novel to him but on reflection, he did not censure the preachers, for how can he ex- pect that the glad dngs othe Gospel will penetrate the hearts sinners who insensible to tie charms of woman If there are Continued the Governor) but few ladies ill this town there are numDer of as intelligent and agreeable gentlemen as are any where to be met with, and may be permitted to hope for a speedy reformation.
 The Governor begged, in conclusion, to offer the following sentiment, which was received with cheer ing applause.
 The fair ser--Ie that does not seek heIpmate-- the most precious boon of God to man-has no music in his soui and is worse than an infidel,