Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-07-14
the communicated chief, organized and o r.r.oI

NA AitNNs
 REGISTRATION AND ELECTION LAWS.
 The Constitution fixes the qualifica tions. of electors. Steps should be taken to enable all who are authorized 10 exercise tho elective franchise to do SO freely and without restraint, and to prevent the improper exercise of that privilege. This must be done through wise registration and election laws, both of which arc very important, and should receive your early attention.
 recommend that the county officers having in charge registration, be re- duircd, in addition to that duty, to en- roll the militia. This will save the ex- pense of detailing officers for that ser vice, and will be as efficient.
 That the will of the people is the SUI preme law is principle ofgovernment that undeglies our free institutions. He, therefore, who would willfully de- feat the true expression of that will by deterring our citizen from the exer- else of the elective franchise, or by defrauding him of his vote. strikes q blow at the foundations of the govern ment itself. and merits the severe pains and penalties of an outraged law.
 In view of the fall elections you should. at an early day, by the enact ment of wise and rigorous election law, put into the hands of the eXecu- tive officers of the state ample authori- ty for the protection of every qualified elcctor in the free expression of his preferences at the ballot box.
 IMMIGRATION. ae ni
 There is probably no question that will affect the future destinies of Ar kansas so much as that of immigration. Providence has richly endowed our State with those elements of wealth that arc necessary to constitute an independent and self-supporting com munity. Yet, in tho midst ofthis great age of progress and improvements, our primeval forests, as of yore, rear their arms to Heaven and seem 10 defy the hand of man. Millions of broad acres tecming with fatness and fertile beyond description, patiently await the "open sesame" that shall unlock and develop their varied stories. Limitlcss wealth buried under broad hills. coirealed in secluded valleys, and hidden in noun tain caves, awaits the glad advent of the pick and bar.
 Reflecting upon our great agricul- tnral staple, we involuntarily pause to listen for the hum of machinery and the clank of the loom.
 After patient waiting of half a cen tury the light of higher civilization has burst upon Arkansas.
 The vast tide of emigration that, from across the waters, has been moving westward for SO many years--peopling territories. building cities and creating States with magical rapidity--only awaits our action to pour itself within the limits of our State.
 We should invite all classes and greet everyone with cordial welcome. Capital should be protected. industry fostercd, and over each individual should be extended the strong and pro- tecting arm of the law-guaranteeiug upon the soil of Arkansas, equal rights to all men.
 l confidently expect that at an carly period you will establish liberal and vigorous bureau of immigration and | earnestly recommend that you so de- fine the duties of the commissioner, and fclothe him with such powers in rela- ton Co his intercourse with the more lpopulcus parts or this and foreign countries as shall enable him 10 cope successfully with the agents of other states and to direct the capital and labor Of the North to this more genial climate; and by thorough diffusion of Jac;s and statistics to so determine thSlinc Of emigration from Europe to 1 this State, as will make us the recipients of those elements of wealth and pros pcrity, from which, by the old order Of things, we were ciiectually debarrcd.
 RAILROADS.
 Closely connected with the question of immigration are our railroad inter- ests. The cmigrant in seeking and locating his new homo Is apt tO follow | railroad lines. And whilst it is true that our noble rivers, whica spread over our State like great arteries, afford a natural means oi intercommunication unsurpassed by any other State, they sare insufficient, and, for travelling pnr- poses, must soon give way to railroad communication.
 i The very act of Ofccnstructing our rail roads will bring into our State thou [ sands of laborers, who will soon dis cover superior inducements to stay among us. and by communicating w ikM Atkttf NitNRfNr " ANt lff0AAtAN N uNN of immigration which, once started, will rapidly increase.
 Hut 1 need make no arguments in favor of railroads, for l believe your honorable and intelligent body is fully convinced Of their great value and in- portance. They arc themselves eXis- ! ting witnesses of their wcalth-giying power. for wherever they reach cut their iron arms the seeds of prosperity arc rapidly disseminated wherever the shrill voice Of the ''lron horse is heard every branch of industry is stimulated {; along the track upon which he courses the forests disappear, tho rough face of nature is smoothcd down, and farms. villages, towns and cities spring up as by magic; as each successive train sweeps by. laden with the varied mor- chandize of every cline, far out Co the right and left Is disseminated informa- ton for the people, educating as well as cnriching. c
 Can we do anything at this time to encourage this great interest which brings with it SO many blessings ! There is one important step which believe wescan and should take in that direction. A railroad bill should be passed before you adjorn, which will provide for the loaning Of the credit Of tho State to such roads as are now or may hereafter be incorporated, which shall bc shown to be of sufficient benefit 10 the State 10 justify such loan. and which may not have received from the general government by grant oflands or otherwise sufficient assistance Co in- sure the completion of the same with out thc aid 1.-the State.
 The Constitution wisely provides that tho credit of the State shal. never be loaned without Inc consent of the people expressed at ihe ballot-box. The question should therefore be sub