The Russellville Democrat., 1879-01-16
OUk RAILROADS AND
 TsAxfsS.

Especially let them look into the mat ter of taxing railroads and give these corporations, which are doing as muchto benefit tho state fair chance. There is not fair minded man in the whole state but will admit that with out these railroads Ark. would be at least one hundred years behind the times.
 It is generally conceded at the leg islature which meets this mouth is far above the average of assemblies in legislative abilities. It comprises some of the best men from all parts of the state and if they will take time to examine into the matter, they can readilysee what hasdone especia fly in the way of inducing iminigra- tion and settleing up what has been till within few short years almost an unbroken wilderness.
 This is especially to be noticed on the line of road between Little Rock and Fort ! Smith. Thousands have moved into this fertile, beautiful val ley and and are bringing thousands more. But all this has not been ac- complished without enormous ex- pense and trouble. The same lm- provements though perhaps not in so remarkable a degree may be seen along the line of all our railroads and all that is now needed to make Arkansas with it's unusual, natual ad- vantages the most prosperous state in the Union, either north or south is for thls and succeeding legislatures to adopt a fostering liberal policy and show to the outside world that it will protect foreign capital, when invest ed in the State from unjust discrimination in the way of taxation. Foreign cap ital expects nothing more. and when it is we'll assured that this policy will be adopted it will naturally flow here.
 We fully agree with the Spirit of Arkansas, from which paper the above article was clipped, that our |
 law making powers should adopt a liberal policy toward all rallrcad en- terprises which may seek to enter our State. The retarded growth of Arkansas to-day, can be accounted for only in the fact that we have, un- til within the past few years, been SC completely isolated from the outside world, that trip to our State was an undertaking involving so much 1 preparation, so many iGconveniences Rand hardships, and so great a waste of time and expenditure of money that only the most adventurous men dared, or could afford to explore the rich wilds of our little empire. To make a trip to A.kansaw was regard ed as almost tantamount to joining some foreign exploring company.
 Happily, however, that time has passed away. The story of the great natural advantages of our country has leaked out, and the finger of destiny points to the spot on the map of our country, where Arkan- sas is located, as one of the greatest, richest and happiest states in all the scope of territory reaching from Maine to. California. The great want of our state now is more rail road, and we should show by wise and liberal legislation that capital invested in these enterprises will not be taxed to death and choked out by excessive assessments.
 We can we'll afford to be liberal with the railroads. They are every day adding to the wealth and inn portance of our state. To their agen- cy, and theirs alone, is due the for ward impulse that has been given our state, and to them must we look for the yet grander achievements which we may reasonably expect within the next few years.
 Look at our own rich valley stretching from Little Rock to the Indian country. Compare it now with what it was before the Little Rock and Fort Smith Road was built and see the wonderful change and tell us then if we cannot afford to encourage and foster railroad enter prise. This valley to-day, although we have but commenced to realize the prosperity which has been brought about by the construction of the Fort Smith road, is further advanced and has made greated im- provment than would have been witnessed in the next twenty years without tine road.
 Let us not ignore these facts, but as sensible people let us show our appreciation of all efforts made by capitalists of pluck and energy to supply our state with these great