The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-20
Home Truths from Arkansas.

Ordinary politics appear to be of secondary
importance just now in Arkansas, as compared
with the question Of internal improvements.
The citizens are awakening TO consciousness
of the necessity Of undertakings of this charac-
ter TO enable the State to develop her magni-
hcent capabilities, and 10 keep pace with the
advancing spirit Of more active neighbors As
one Of the "signs of the times, - we have the
Little Rock Gazette, leading Democratic
print, giving editorial prominence to com
munication recommending the choice Of men To
the next local Legislature, with reference TO the
advancement of local interests, rather than TO
the common course of parties. An industrial.
association has also been formed in Little Rock
to advance the same object, and more particular
ly TO promote an improved husbandry, and the
employment of diversified labor. The occa-
sion is converted by the Washington ARK
Telegraph into a text for sensible article on
point important not to Arkansas alone, but to
the whole South. We quote portion, pre-
senting some very useful "home truth 5" In
reference TO this matter:
owe must not forget that proper regard to
manufacturing interests, and due attention TO
the various improved systems of agriculture 20
hand in hand with the work Of internal improve.
ment Every effort, therefore. that may be en-
ployed to perfect knowledge of these arts, and
render increased returns to investments more Ger
tain and practicable, tend 20 promote general pro
gress, and add to our prosperity. We hazard the
assertion that there is something radically defec.
tive in the systcm Of agriculture as practised in
our State. Why is Il that our farmers, for years
past have been dependent upon the supplies Of pro
visions which arc produced in such surplus quaint
tics in more favored States? Has Heaven failed 10
visit with genial showers and Withdrawn the
frucfying rays Of the summers sun? Not 50. True,
have for three four years labored under
some Disadvantages in respect 10 the seasons, but
never has the want Of these blessings been such
TO justify US in expanding all of means in the
importation Of such articles Of necessity as should
have been raised in abundant profusion ut home.
Thus present to the world a memorable in
stance Of ignorance or improyidence. The ngri-
cultural interest is the only one Of the great
branches Of productive industry that engages our
attention. and yet VIC import for daily consumption
nearly all -four, large quantities of bacon, now
and then corn, and host Of other edibles, to
the production Of which our coil and climate arc os
well adapted any other within the compass of
the Union. Now, what advantage does the culture
Of our great staple, TO IN extent great, afford
us, If we arc compelled TO enpend the entire avas
which il brings to US in foreign market for the
necessares Of life, the articles Of everyday
sumption? There lie screw loose somewhere. we
must, y IRE srpeet 10 become a prosperous people,
diteet attention more than zee do 10 The produc
ton Of such articles nec,ssary 10 support"
The facts indicated in these remarks are as
applicable to manufactured articles as to art-
cles of food, and the remedy is in both cases the
same.