Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-01-12

bers who wish to assert our road upon it's own merits, we willingly and patiently submit to the delay that may thereby accrue to our road; could we be furnished with fifty thousand dollars i'nnedi ately there would be no difficulty in cmpeting our road to the cutoff hills'' through the Mississippi bottom in eight months. And with one hundred thousand dollars, complete it to Monticello, in Drew county, distance of B miles within l2 months from the date of receiving the loan. in default of which we are willing to pay the State twenty five thousand dollars, in addition to the loan secured by bond as above stated. By this ar ttAe State cannot possibly lose anything, but in nyevent would be greatly gainer. The loan would be amply secured, and would be eight per cent. interest, not to speak of the advantage the road would be to the southern portion of our State, nor ofthe influx of population and wealth which would certainly ensue. A State cannot be either rich great while its citizens are poor and it's population sparse. Experience has demonstrat- ed, that no means are so well adapted to secure these ends as railroads. It would seem therefore, that this matter should specially commend itself to the representatives of the people, and that should at least receive impartial consideration.
 It is urged by some as an objection to this loan, that the State should not part with her money while the present unhappy disturbances in our govern ment unadjusted. This objection your mem oralist has removed by asking nothing of your hon orable body in the way of money until those causes shall have ceased to exist, while at the same time he is mindful of the interests of the State as any of her citizens, would beg leave to suggest that the sum at present in our treasury, woud in case of war or invasion, be soon exhausted; and that the peoplen their present condition could not bear much heavier taxation He believes, therefore, that the most effectua method of providing against aggression, or for defence, is to extend reqI ell. colragement to such works of internal improve ments us would bring into the State increase of population and wealth. He will not trespass upon your patience by recital of advantages to be d r,ved 4.~,... They apparent and familiar to all. He will merely add that in case of war, the people of Arkansas alone would be unable at present to furnish the necessary means to carry it on successfully. We would be compel el to borrow, and unless we place ourselves in prosperous condition we could not expect credit abroad. Those who would now refuse to trust the d system Of Ia lroads furnishing means of transpor- ttion for the varied products of her rich and fer tile lands.
 The donation of land proposed to be granted to our road, will be of inealculable benefit and ad- vantage, and with money enough in addition to take us through the Mississippi bottom, or to Monticello, will secure the early completion of our road to Camden That this road is not mere exrerment. but that it will pay handsome dividends may be inferred from the fact that good and re- sp1nsible men have proposed to lease it when completed tn oush the bottom distance 20 miles, ] at a rent ofs six thousand dollars per month, giving ample security for the payment ef the amount.
 These suggestions, hurredly~thrown together, are not intended IS an argument of the question: but simply as l mems Of calling your serious at tention to the subject and with the hope that your decision will be for the best interest or all con cerned, they are respectfully submitted.
 JAS. THOS. ELLIOTT,
 preSidpnt E O. and F x F P (o,,n,,,