davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
Letter from Rev. M. Oates.

EDITOR DEMocRAT:--As there seems to be some dissatisfaction with regard to the school tax in District No. II, and as was trus- tee for said district last year, the censure must principally rest up on me. IfI have erred in this matter, either ignorantly, careless ly or Intentionally, hope l have candor and humility enough to acknowledge it. l am asked how it is that we have special school tax, since we voted against it at our annual meeting? l reply, it does not necessarily follow that there will be no district tax mere ly because the electors vote against it, if the trustee docs his duty-vhat the law requires him to do. l refer you to section 33 of the school law, which reads as follows: That in case the dis trict, at their annual meeting, fail to provide for school to be taught at least three months du- ring that year, and to provide for fuel, and other provisions neces- sary for the efficiency and success of the school, he shall immediate ly forward to the county clerk an estimate of the necessary expens- cs of a school of three months, af- ter ueducting the probable amount of the school fund reve- nue to be apportioned to the dis trict, and a tax for the amount of such estimate shall be levied on the district by the county court at the same time that county taxes are levied, and he shall provide what may be necessary for a school of three months, and pay all the expenses incurred by the same out of the moneys raised by tho tax to be levied as provided in this section.'
 I referred to the section of the law at our annual school meeting and asked for instructions as to what amount of taxes should be recommended to be levied. One of the electors said he thought the whole matter ought to be left with me. So without dissenting voice to my knowledge, l was left without instruction. Let it be re- mcmbcred that there arc ten sub districts in District No. II, conse- qucntly ten schools to be taught, for tho term of three months. I did not consider that S56 or $57 in state scrip would be unreasonably high wages for good teachers per month. One school for the term of three months, at the above rates would amount to about $l70, ten schools sl zoo. l considered that
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
GOOD SENSE.

The White County Record has the following to say upon a sub ject which IS just now being dis cusscd, and he asks what his brother editors think of it. Good enough for us, Frolich; we say give us good men and let the peo- pic have free expression and We don't care snap what locality the fortunate ones hail from. The Record says:
 The offices of the state do not belong to any section and it should be the effort of the party to select the very best material for the places without regard to the place it comes from-cven should every position be filled by a Little Rock man. It is not where man lives that makes him fit for office, but honesty and efficiency. We have heard so much said about Little Rock and so unjust, too--that we make this suggestion to the democratic peers and the democratic masses. Instruct your delegates how to vote for every office. Give ex- prcssion to your preference, and when the convention meets it can not be said that it was controlled by Little Rock, or any other inau- ence. Let every county conven- ton name it's choice, and instruct it's delegates accordingly. And let every aspirant suhuit his name to the county convention. What say our brother editors to thi>s
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
Respectfully Your,
 CORRESPONDENT.
Early Teachers of Pope Co.

To tue Honorable President and Members
 of the Historical Society at Gum Log:
 Your committee of one begs leave to submit for your consider ation, the following report on Early School Teachers in Pope county. and the mode ofteaching, &c.
 Ore of the first teachers in Lib crty township, was Ben Langford; ; he came here about 1882, bought out an Indian on the Bayou and remained in Pope some twenty five years. Was useful citizen; professor of religion, and died at lis residence, leaving good exam pies to his country men.
 Judge Andrew ]. Bayliss was one of the first teachers in Dover township; he taught several years in succession; he was q good teacher, and there are a goodly number of business men and women that can thank him for good instruction. He is now living at Dover, and is clerk of the courts.
 Robert Williamson, one the first teachers in Clarke and Hi nois townships, taught for many years. and was at one time clerk of the courts. He came from Tennessee about 1929, was a useful man, was an Elder in the Presbyterian church, and died about lS49.
 George Carter was one of the first teachers in Galley Rock township; he came to Pope about 27 and did good service, and was q useful citizen in an carly day. Died about 'i5.
 Esquire J. B. $. Ewing was the first teacher in Gum Log town. ship, and taught the first school in '37; taught some two or three years. and went to Texas. Died
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23

advantages of soil and climate will seon dispel this feeling of Encouragement. Your cores pondent has had the pleasure of meeting number of northern men within the last six months, and all join in one compliment of praise for possessing so many nat ural advantages as we do. It must be remembered that our county has been in no condition to invite an immigration, neither has our State, for the past ten years. Our endorsements have been very great, and now fortune is beginning to smile upon us again in the light of an honest administration and a unity of ac- tion among all men. One of our most painful regrets has been that our children have been so much neglected in moral and intellectu- al education. Can we ever ex- pcct new developments ill our county without first developing the minds of our children? There is nothing more characteristic of popular improvements in com munity than good schools; and yet some of our most public spir tied men fight with vengeance because they arc required to pay school tax to educate, as they will have it, some one else's children. How short sighted and selfish some people are! Would not the entire community be equally ben efted by refinement and intelli- eence? Of course this fact will be conccccd by an intelligent mind. Now, what is our great drawback to a healthy immigra- ton? It is certainly for the want of d proper etioit to have good schools, public roads, and church cs. This is one of the greatest oblectons that has been urged against our country's improve mcnt.
 There is no surcr index of q country's prosperity than to see these institutions first and always taking position in the front rank. These conclusions arc not those merely ofa speculator, but sustained by reasons and facts incontrovcrtable. But however much we may dcplore this state of things, still our country will grow in wealth and population within the next ten years that will surprise the most thinking minds; and in view of these facts let us prepare to meet our faiends with open arms and warm hearts, when they come to cast their for. tunes with ours.
 Respectfully Your,
 CORRESPONDENT.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
ARKANSAS FINANCES.
How the Debts Against the State Were Created ana
 on What Account.
The Old Real Estate ana State Banl<s---HOw they Were Established and Man.
 aged.
How tlic Directors "PruSlent- 1y" Expanded the Circtlla-
 ton of the Bank.
BY W. D. BLOCHER.
From the Little Rock Star.l

From the Little Rock starI
 So frequently arc inquiries made in reference to the debt of the state, how created, for what purpose, the amount now out. standing. the different kinds of indebtedness, etc., that the writer of this has taken upon himself the task of endeavoring to answer all the inquiries of this character in a public manner. He has ex- crcised much care and research in the effort to give facts, and in doing so has been furnished with all information that he could de- sire, by the different state officials. There being less known in refer ence to the manner of the cstab- lishment of the old Real Estate and Statcs Banks, and the debt created on their account by the state, than any other indebted ness, the writer will necessarily be compelled to occupy consider able space in fully explaining references to them.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23

in 1850. He was a useful man in his day.
 Since that period there has been several townships organized in Pope county. The writer has been strict observer in the in terest of schools. And think that Forty years ago it was but little better than a prison to childcn to send them to school compared to the present system in teaching. At that tune the old Webster spelling book was the only book to commence with; the child was bound down from s to 12 o'clock four long hours, without any re- cess, or any recreation, whatever; bound to one seat, and that from Monday morning to Friday night. And after getting that book well nigh by heart, was put to writing; from that to Pike's old Arithmc- tic, then to Smiths old grammar, one of the most tedions books in use.
 And now, Mir. President, we can see that we arc progressing in that direction. It is no trouble to get the little children to be willing to be in school, for the good req son that they are met with va riety of books to study. and is in terestcd in recess and exhibitions, and q great many things to in spire them to learn.
 Now, Mir. President, am proud to say to you, that our county is getting wide awake on the sub- iect of schools; it is dotted all over with good schools, and the opinion of your humble servant is, that child can learn more by the present system in ono month than he could in three, Forty years ago. So you can sec that Se arc in progress in Pope county if l am correct. Your humble servant,
 C. DAVIS.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
Communication.

EDITOR DEMoCRAT:-
 DEAR SIR-It now seems that we are entering upon the most in terestiug period of our State s history, as we'll as period which will be fraught with incl dents of the most vital importance to our county. This, the Centen- nial year of our nations history will give LIS q fair representation to our friends abroad.
 Many of our people seem to be altogether insensible of what is be- ing said of our state and advan- tages among the people of the north and west. From every quarter we are assured that the cold winds of the northern climate will drive to our state many thous- and immigrants within the next twelve months. How important that our people should look to the raising of every kind of grain and vegetable. A country possessing the advantages of this, will not remain a much greater length Of time undevelopcd. Our people complain that it is q hard matter to make livlng here. Let them hear the story of the hardships and disadvantages of the north where winter continues for six or eight months in the year, and the stock have to be sheltered for this long period of time from the bleak winds.
 Our history is becoming bet ter known and this year will bring us in contact with the people of the nation. There are men at work all the time whose business it is to represent us just as we are to our northern friends. Our government is settled, and our people ciyilizcd--this is something new to the northern element, Our reputation abroad is a bad one, but this will soon pass away.
 There are too many strangers visiting our state from every quarter, to allow this feeling to prevail any great length of time. It is never to late too rccuperatc a lost fortune; and so with our state; let her continue to eyince . spirit of taking q position in the front rank. It is high time our county was beginning to lift her colors in the literary field, supported by the best institutions of moral ! learning. We have the country and we need the people, and they must and will come to cast their fortunes with us before we arc scarcely aware of their approach. Our i'll success in point of educa- ton is not such as will tend to invite 8 live, energetic people 10 caet their lots with Us but tho
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
is in the printer let him acknowl-

is in the printer let him acknowl- edge the corn.
 In this connection we hope we will be allowed to jog our county officials up a little in regard to the report of Pope county. We think the assessor can furnish most of the figures for the report, and we would like to let it be known what we did last year. We can make good showing.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
LyILLE ARK. THURSDAY, MARCH g, 1876

sixty cents per dollar was q fair valuation upon state scrip.
 At that rate teacher would re- ceive about $33.5O in currency; deduct for board, and the net wages per month will be about $e5.
 Mir. Editor, do you think the court needs any examination on that? As Gin the multitude of counsellors there is safety" before presenting my report to the clerk, 1 consulted some who were sup posed to be more familiar with the operation of schools and taxes than 1 was, and the advise was, under the then dcpreciatcd condi- tion of state scrip, the one-half of one per cent. would not be a bur densome tax, and that he consid cred it necessary to the efficiency of the school system of this dis. trict. l took my estimation of the expenses of the school district to Dover. endcavorcd to find out the amount of school fund revenue derived from the state. It was not convenient to deter mine that with any degree of ex- actness, was supposed to be five or six hundred dollars. Deduct. ing from that amount teachers wages for this last year $40 leaves $360 to be deducted from $1, TOO which was not done. But suppose, Mir. Editor, there arc five or six hundred dollars in the treasury after teachers wages are paid, could not the ten schools spend that amount very proiitably in securing "those other things necessary to the efficiency of the school" I confess that I never thought of this feature of the law until l heard talk of an iniunct ion. l have cndeavcred to serve my district to the best of my ability. If I have been the means of imposing burdensomc or illegal tax, no ole regrets it more than myself, yet have made the very same recommendation of some who have preceded mo and there was no complaint. I have been at no little trouble preparing lists of the school children for the county superintendent, made no charges for my services, and have to bear my burden of taxes with others.
 l hope the above statements will satisfy the minds of some who may not understand the law ard those who favor common schools; and that I will not be con fronted by the irresistible argu- mcnt of a certain professcd chris tian whom l was endeavoring to reconcile to a brother who had of fendcd him. I asked him if his brother would confess that if he had injured him it was unintcn, tional and was sorry for it, is that wonld satisfy him. "No," says he that will not put any money in my pocket" To such, if there are any, l reply in the language of God to Jonah: "Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd."
 NJ. OATES.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
EXAGGERATED FIGURES.

In the Immigration Depart ment of the Spirit of Arkansas some pretty tall figures are given to show what was done in Wash ington county last year. Look at these figures; Number of acres in cultivation; cotton 10000; corn 3OO,00O; wheat l50, ,000; oats S0,- GOO; rye 5000; Irish potatoes IO,- GOO; sweet potatoes 2O,00O; grass 10000.
 Now we'll wager a quart oi buttcr-milk that you may divide these figures lay 10 and the result will still be an cXaggeration. The figures purport to have been given by the clerk of the county, but we would not give n snap of the finger for such re- ports. If we cannot havo correct reports let's have none. The only virtue, utility or sense thefe are in these reports is in their correctness. Such congregations as those contained in the Wash ington county report are ridicu- lous. Let us tell the truth only about our progress and condition. Now let's have a correct report from Washington, for we know she is a banner county and can stick to the truth and still make q good showing. If the mlstIkC
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
VOL. IT,.
COUNTY POLITICS.


 A good general, prior to enter ing into anengagement will always make careful reconoisance of the ground, and map out with care and precision the plan of his ma nuuvrcs. Just upon the eve of oul political campaign, it may be well for us, in our Pope county politics, to initiate the skillful general and make, at least, a pre- liminary survey of the policy we shall pursue. It is true VIC have little to fear so far as the strength of our enemy is concerned, but we must not loose sight of the fact that the prosperity and general good reputation of our county depends upon the manner in which we shall use the power we have now in our possession. We must remember that the highest office and prerogative of any party IS to serve the best interests of the country, and that party which best subscrves this end will be the party which will longest enjoy the confidence. and challenge the support and admiration of the masses. It is upon the result of our own action, and the wisdom of our own choice for local officials here at home, that the peace and prosperity of Pope county mostly depends. It is the rule of our county officials which most near ly affects our home interests. In comrency, infidclity to trust, and weakness here, is what will hurt Us more than anything else. The necessity of getting good county officials is of first importance to us, and hence the importance oi watchfulness and caution on the part of every aNpaycr in the selection of these officials. The first question which meets us ut the threshold of thls subject IS how to place men of tie proper qualifications before the voters, and te determine who shall be candidates. Every citizen. of course, has right to announce himself for any office he may aspire to, but it has been found best to hold preliminary cNamina- tions, as it were, to pass upon the merits of aspirants and give pref erenne to those who seem best fitted for the position sought. This is done sometimes by con yentions and at other times by primary elections. The latter plan was tried at our last cam paign here, and gave pretty gen clal satisfaction We opine that it is by far the fairest and most satisfactory method of putting out candidates, and we have no hesitation in expressing our de cided preference for tms plan 50 far as we are personally concern cd. It is not for us to settle thls matter, however, and as it may require some time to arrive at the will of the people on this ques- ton, we have brought up the matter thus early that a chance may be afforded to hear from any who may have anything to say on the subject, so that no one may complain of snap judgment being taken.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-03-23
payments by the bank, used the following language;

following language;
 eff reasons .slioald be required
 why bank that commenced op- erations with solid capital of one million and half of dollars, should in less than one year sus-
 pend specie payments, and then when it's loans and discounts ex- ceedcd it's original capital in the sum of only $S5,l90.S0, none can be found except in the fact that the managers wished to extend their loans and discounts further than would be practicable, if they continued to pay specie
 It's whole outstanding circulation was then only $l56,9lo, to meet which it had in specie Sll1,967.- 54. proportion of specie to paper winch banks do not often possess. This circulation was scattered all over the state, and over the ad- joining states, and could not be presented for payment in the mass, as a part of way payable at the principal bank, and the rost di- vided among the three branches. Nothing could be easier than for a bank so situated to maintain specie payments. But if it did so, the directors and their friends could not be accommodated to the extent desired. The first in stallment on the stock notes was falling due. The stockholders and others owed also on accom- modation notes, many of which were overdue. It had been very easy to borrow from the bank. It was not so easy to pay back even a part of what had been borrowed. The readiest way of meeting the emergency was by the bank itself suspcnding specie payments, Tn which case it need not press for payment of what had been lent, but on the contrary could grant new accommodations to its GUS toners. The directors then pro ceeded to carry into execution their plan for a prudent expan sion of the currency, and between the 1st of November, 1889, and the lst of January, lS40, inereas- ed the circulation of the bank from $l53,910 to $32S, 400. In other words, in the short period of two months they more than doub led their issues. In the same time they increased their loans and discounts from Sl ,5S5, l90 to $l, l,S30,259. But even this was in their opinion ''too stinted' an accommodation to the pubhc pub lie, and accordingly they added to their issues so much that in May they amounted to about S759, ,000, being five-fold what they were six months before when the bank suspended specie payment.
 This free emission of paper money, not redeemable in specie, of course diminished its value, and accordingly to an entry in the journal of the House of Rep rcsentatives it fell at times to thir,y-iive and forty per cent. below par. s <
 While the bank was thus extending and increasing its loans and discounts, it did not collect enough in bona fide funds to pay the interest on the state bonds. To meet this demand and some others of pressing nature, it plcdgcd tho state bonds that remained unsold to the amount of $500,000, with the New York Trust and Banking company, expecting to receive thereon $250,000, but obtaining in reality only $l21 ,336.59 The North American Trust and Bank ing company, by breach of faith passed over these same bonds to James lIolford, a banker of Lon don, and received from him an ad- vance of $350. .000.