The Russellville Democrat., 1876-02-10
Immigration and Capital.

l but in vain.
 Immigration and Capital.
 Little Rock Herald.l
 Probably no state in the union
 has made less practical efforts to secure a liealthy immigration than Arkansas. While the state pos sesses natural resources, ample and diversified, as great as any other commonwealth, we find many sister states less favorably situated, with less inducements to offer and fewer resources to present, already containing pop
 ulatlon, in comparison to which that of Arkansas sinks into insig- lnificance. No doubt political dis turbanees, the result of Grants reconstruction policy, and it's con comitant appliances, have had much to do with retarding the growth and development of the state. But these disturbing caus- es have happily been swept aside and we have now right to hope that with this new era will come an increase in our population and 8 stimulation to our agricultural, manufacturing and mercantile interests. The establishment of a proper bureau, upon which shall devolve the duty to give an inn petus to the future growth and prosperity of the state, is abso- lutely necessary. The refusal of our recent legislature to do so, in all probability, was q mistake. The spirit of economy which act uated that body was creditable indeed, but may have been car ried too far in this particular in- stance. The state needs capital and labor, and every effort should be made on the part of the legis latureand all otrpeople to secure both. The res, urces of the state, and the cheapness Of our rich farming lands should be made to immigrants from abroad, and to all others seeking good lands, a healthy location, and a warm salubrious climate. Let the peo- pie of the state of Arkansas say to all the world, through every possible channel, here is a com fortable home, and room for all who desire to come, and when they do come, extend the right hand of fellowship. M
 In no other way can the state of Arkansas expect to keep pace with other portions of the west. Wisconsin was admitted into the union some thirteen years later than this state, but through her efforts to secure immigration she contained in 1870 population of 1,054, ,670, and her farming lands were at that date valued at upwards of three hundred million dollars. Minnesota was admitted into the union twenty-one years after this state was admitted, and in 1870 contained popula- tion of about 440,000, and farm valuation of upwards of ninety millions of dollars, being more than twice that of Arkansas farm ing lands.
 The young state of Kansas shows about the same progress. These states at an early day put forth every effort to secure immi- grafton and capital, and still con tinuc to do so.d Their people wei come and kindly receive every new. conner from the north, south, east or west, and from foreign lands, They are not blinded with prejudice, nor superstitious from ignorance, and in this way they are developing all the resources of their states. Arkansas must do likewise, if advancement and prosperity is her aim. Conserva tism is ali right in it's place, but when it is used to make virtue of those things which have not advanced any in fifty years, and which do not change, it becomes nonsense in the estimation of all intelligent citizens. To live cap ital and energetic labor, 40 state can offer more substantial returns than Arkansas. ..