Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-31
LETTER FROM
The Crops, the Late Nigh Water,
Politics and Other Items.
INp1AN BAY. ARK. NAV d, 1881,

INDIAN BAY, ARK, May %, 1881.
EDITOR LEDGER-All fears of an
overflow have been dissipated by the
subsistence of the water at this place.
The fall began on the 18th inst, aud
has been gradually dropping ever since.
Its subsistence was timely indeed, as
the crops had been planted and were
in a fine growing condition, and every
thing hinged on the stage Of the waters
Had it continued to have risen for a
few days longer the prospects of many
farmers would have been gloomy in
deed; but since the declination of the
floods the appearance Of things has
materially changed. The plowman
homeward wends his way with a light
heart and cheerful look, the merchant
no longer losses upon his couch at
night in unquiet and troubled slumber,
mentally exclaiming, what will the
harvest be-" Business is begin
ming to loom up and is once
more assuming a lively aspect. The
past season has been a hard and try
ing one with the mercantile fraternity
here, but they braved the storms, and
still maintain their prestige as solid,
euterprising business men. Besides
several thousand tons of seed and
other products Of the country, about
1900 bales of cotton have been ship
ped from this place up to the first Of
May, principally to Memphis. The
labor system is gradually improving
with each succeeding year. 1t is
mainly composed of negroes. Every
year large numbers of them pour into
this country from the states of Ala
bama and Tennessee. The Liberia
and Kansas craze has not affected
them in the least, and were it not fol
the numberless elections which we are
afflicted with, they would be content
led. Neither a funeral or q circus ha;
more charms for them than an cleo.
ton. A great many frugal and thrifty
colored men in this vicinity own anC
cultivate farms Of their own.
Notwithstanding the ruinously low
prices of cotton, the farmers have
planted equally as large an area Of thu
staple as last year. They do so be
cause they expect to realize a BETTE
price next season. Cotton is the stapl,
product of this country, and is bette
adapted to the growth than any Othe,
portion of the south, as there ar,
fewer failures here the average yielC
is two-thirds to one and-a-half bale
per acre where it is properly cult
waited. Though cotton is the mail
crop, the people are b~eStowing NOR
attention each year to corn and grain
and the production Of home necessi
ties. Law and order is p%reyailini
throughout this country; the healthy
pistol bill, passed by the last legisla
ture, is producing this desired effect
aud the pistol toter is happily as badl.
in the minority as Billie Malone. l
is feared by many that the democratic
party will be split in twain in our mex
state election, but it is fondly hope
that no issue will arise in the demo
cratic ranks to cause the stat
to be turned over TO the radical party
As it is "fy time" with steamboatmer
only one steamer is plying the Whit
river trade at present, the Hard Cas-
having dropped out for a short season
The elegant and pretty Josie Harr
continues the trade, commanded b
Captain Nit Harry, a highly popula
and genial gentleman too favorabl
known in the marine world to nee,
any other commentator than tn
mere mention of his name. TIL
LEDGER is popular along the Whit
river valley and is sought after an
read with interest. May it cOntinu
to prosper and its shadow never gro
less. News.