Des Arc citizen., 1866-03-31
a6s. Ii there is one question of great

nation 1? to what end are we, as a people, being led by the mysterious hand of Fate? 1? More particularly, whither do ace drift, who, for four years labored in the mighty pains of war to bring forth disappointment and submission? A'
 The great struggle is over; the end has come-the end of war; but the beginning of new era in the history of country that must and will take its place in the world, monument of greatness, living example of tho night that energy and in- telligence may reach. We have been born again our eyes have been opened and we see see that the great heart of the South ern people has been sorely smitten, but not broken; see that the energy of the South has been awakened, her determine tion aroused and her strong arm moved to battle manfully for self right and improve ment
 While our sister States are rapidly step- ping up to take their positions in the nation, to raise their voice in support of all that is calculated to elevate and benefit people, Arkansas is not behind them Hers has been, and is no half way policy, Vitally does she feel the importance of the ques- tion, What is to be our destiny and nobly does she by action answer it. From the northern boundary to the southern ex- tremity of the State, there can be seen the marks of improvement, the evidences of determination to place herself beside her sister States, surpassed by none. Her people are building up their towns, i'm proving their country, and beginning to live in earnest the life of industry and peace. But there is work to which we as men, as citizens, must address ourselves if we would sec our State rapidly advanced to a high position in the national constel- lation We mean Internal Improvement. We must develop the intellect of the State. This we can only effect through the medi- um of schools, such schools as the people may we'll be proud of; schools where our sons and daughters may be prepared to take their positions in the world, fully armed to fight the great battle of life; schools that will be to those searching for a home an attraction, because of the advan- tages they offer to their children We must have schools, to go hand in hand with the church and the press, shedding light into dark places and ennobling all who may come within the broad circle of their influence. If we would have our sons more wise than their fathers, better calculated to advance the interests of their country, we must educate them. Let us then to the work.
 In order to the proper understanding of | each others views, our mails should be regulated, our lines of communication opened up and improved. Bridges should be built, roads improved and town placed in communication with town. But the greatest of improvements, and that which we most need, Is Rail Roads; great thor. oughfares, penetrating the heart of the country and uniting the people of the State, north, south, east and west, upon the broad platform of mutual improvement let us construct such Roads as will mos 'eneft us first, making parent stems iron shich may spring other Roads; and a.
 UT wealth by them is increased, we ma, continue to build, to develop and improve until our valleys are made musical with tn shrill whistle of the Iron Horse, and ou mountains glad as they send back tn tcho of prosperity What though our la DOT system is destroyed this only bette
 its us for great work. Itsincreases ou
 nergy, gives strength to our arms, an
 lakes us to rely upon ourselves alone fo
 he attainment of great ends. When W
 iast work we are not ashamed of it; an
 re often astonished to find what gres
 hings we can do. Others have bui
 Rail Roads, why may not we? We ca
 md must, five would improve the talent given us in productive soil, an extensiv territory, an earth teeming with all the e ements of greatness; people upon who's face God has stamped his own seal
 We are all interested in the improve ment of our State, and should all work fo whatever may advance her interests. Thi is no time for idle repining; it is not our to brood over the past in melancholy $
 lence, and sigh because it cannot be forgo