The Russellville Democrat., 1880-05-13

patriots. true learn of thy matchless worth. Aftor apology for this lengthy digression, 1 turn to the discussion of my subject, The Past, Present and Flu ture of Arkansas. ss.fs
 With regard to the past history of our State, it is only needful to take q cursory glance of the events that have marked her way as she emerged from the possession of . foreign power to the dignity of a State in onr federal republic. If my memory is correct Arkansas was ceeded tothe U. 5. gov ernment in 1923, and admitted as q State in 1856, since then her course has been chequered with strugglings and triumphs, tolls and victories. Long did tho willy Indian skulk as q hidden foe in her. dense forests. Many the trials of the pioneer who dared settle near their treacherous enemy, fierce the con- test with the shaggy bear. the ferocious panther, or the cOlling reptile that way laid his path. Long the toll to change the dense woodland into com fortable and productive farms, but strong nerves and willing hoarts can do much. and the years as they passed revealed to our admiring view most lovely country, beautiful in it's tower ing heights, and fertile valleys. The wilderness that once echoed only to the tread of the timid deer, now teens with human life The vast prairies where the waving grass blossomed and
 bowed to everypassing breeze has chan ged under tho magic of inventive pow or, and busy towns are thriving there. The woodland solitude that was never broken save by the red-man's yell or the panther's scream for blood, now echoes to the laundering tread of the
 "iron horse" as full girt with power -champing the bit with fiery breath and loud shrill neigh, cleaves the air and rushes past on his destined course. Was ever change SO great? Behold the tide Of emmigrauion to your State, see how tho rich and the poor come thronging to your gates desiring home in your midst. Go to the pub lie highways and see the throngs of the sick, the impotent ana blind search ing for the health-giving waters of Flu reka and Hot Springs. See the mining companies prospecting for the rich ores that lie hid within your mountain fastnesses. Look at your fertile fields white to the harvest with cotton, corn,
 wheat and fruits, and then tell me is this the painless wilderness of 1926 :? Nor is this allI Visit your towns and cities and observe tho centres of trade teeming with the rich products of your labor, view the life and busy trade that abounds in your streets, see those neat
 beautiful houses of worship with slon- der spires pointing upward toward
 the heavens. Visit your schools, col leges and universities, there in those classic halls are your children gleauing rich truths from science, art and litera- ture. When you think of the past and see tho present prosperity of your State, tell me is not Arkansas awaken ed from her Rip Van Wrinkle sleep, and putting on new strength? These are truths that bear upon their face the stamp of permanent benefit. The time is propitious. Every avenue of trade and wealth is represented in the
 bounds of your noble State. Exhaust less resources lie hidden in these grand
 old hills and gently undulating valleys
 that await the willing toiler's hand
 Your homestead law has acted like
 charm, and your public school inter
 ests are rapidly maturing noble plan
 for the moral and intellectual develop
 ment of the youth of the State. Pope
 countyis not behind in this school en- terprise. tho some parts are disatfecte l,
 vet your beautiful town well attests
 the importance of all public good by