Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-11-22
oHICkeO 1ErTER.


that circulates SO largely through that
enterprising State, and grand field for
energetic and honest labor. have q
deep insterest in the prosperity Of the
State at large, but am particularly
partial to the little "City of Pines"
that reposes so grandly on the turbu-
lent waters Of the muddy Arkansaw,
which murmurs a requiem as it now
rushes in its rapid course over what
was the principal street Of the city ere
grim visaged war stalked so defiant,
" through her streets, and lett behind
so many souvenirs Of his dread pres
ence. How different now Is the pct
ure from that presented IN lo60-6,
when those left Of the boys who wore
the gray returned. Then all was sad
ness and, | might say, desolation, with
no silver lining to the very dark clouds
that lowered threateningly over her.
But. Presto Fifteen years have work
ed miracles. Another generation, as
Il were. has sprung into existence
and with it comes an era Of prosperity
and happiness. Myriads Of new towns
and cities have sprung up as II by
magic the State is traverscd from cast
to West, from North to South, by
railroads; manufactures of all kinds
r proftably among the great institu-
tions: schools, colleges and universe
ties among her grandest monuments
her praises are sung abroad through
out the land-eVen across the broad
Atlantic; and those who used to con-
slider her uncivilized are making their
homes within her genial embrace, and
investing their capital to assist In en-
lsrgng her influence and to make her
one of the most glorious States Of Thu,
glorious union. In this bright and
promising picture Of the present Pine
Bluff stands boldly out before the
world as one of the most attractive
and pleasing features if not the most
dazzling jewel in the precious crown
of property that rests upon the brow
of the noble States that has so fear
lessIy and courageously entered the
great arena OF unmeFciiul strife to
battle for a foremost place on the
throne where prosperity and enter
prise sit so nobly crowded. Her citi-
zens are made of the right material Of
heart. mind and muscle, as has been
fully demonstrated by the giant strides
in prosperity the little city has made
since the mantle of peace fell softly
over her from the hands of bloody
war. She is a city to be proud Of,
and her citizens whole hearted, gen
erous and entesprising, have achieved
a reputation that ranks them among
the foremost of the land for integrity
and indomitable energy. As proof Of
this it is only necessary to point to her
newspapers. There is the CONNER
cial, edited and owned by Colonel
Charles G. Newman, and the daily and
weekly Press Eagle, owned and con-
Quoted by Sam Z. Ryan and Arthur
Murray. These journals are a credit
to the city of Pine Bluff and the State
Of Arkansaw, and will compare favor
ably with the best newspapers in the
country. Their conductors are
young, energetic, go.ahead men,
and thoroughly practical and
practiced in the profession, having
graded all the way up from the duties
of the devil to a seat in the editorial
sanctum sanctorum. Colonel New.
man is a State character Of enviable
note. He was one Of those who
started the first daily in Arkansa$, al
Fort Smith, before the war. After il
he aud the lanented and respected
Colonel Wyatt G. Thomas, a brave
soldier, a polished gentleman and edu.
Gated writer. established the Press OF
the ruins Of the Southern Vindicator
a red hot tri weekly, edited by COlone.
Willo Williams, VIM. A. Lee anC
Colonel John G. Ryan. Selling hi.
interest In the Press to his latel
partner, Mr.. Sam Z. Ryan, he estab
lisked the Commercial, aBd in 20 do
ing be demonstrated that he is one o
the best newspaper men in the coun
try-its get up and general app ar
anee being surpassed by no journal il
the State, and cqualed by few. Mr.
Ryan continued the Press and eX
tended it into a daily. The iattel
promised to be a grand success. Blu.
the fire fcnd swoOped down upor
Pine Bluff. and with its flaming breatl
blew it out Of existence Prior Il
this calamity the Eagle had beer
established by the Messrs. Bell, ant
had gained a firm hold on the affec
tons Of the people Of Pine Blui
and surrounding country. ON
Of the gentlemen having beel
By inexorable death, Mr.. Arthu.
Murray became a partner in the en-
terprise. After the Press was de
stroyed, the survivor, Mr.. Bell, re
tired from the paper, Mr.. Ryan pur
chasing his interest. The result 0
these sudden changes was tb.
consolidation Of the Eagle and tn.
Press. and now we have the press
Eagle BY Ryan & Murray. If it
success depends upon practical an
energetic business talent, its perma
nancy is assured, for these gentleme!
are hard workers and have a host 0
business friends. Your correspondent
speaks by the card, having worked il
typographical and editorial harnes
with Messrs. Ryan and Murray, ant
with their illustrious peer, Colone
Newman. He also watched with in
terest the first steps taken by Arthu
Murray on the typographical roaI
travelled by the immortal Franklin
and has lived TO see his predictio
fulfilled. that the son Of Judge Muir
ray and the brother Of the gallan
Confederate martyr, General EC
Murray, would work his way to
high aud honorable position on tb
roll Of journalistic fame Thus, wit
her able newspapers, her fast rai
roads, her cotton mills, her iron an
brass foundries, her carriage, WACO
and harness factories, etc
her rapidly increasing population
and general signs of prosperIt
it is no fulsOme aattery to say ths
Pine Bluff is destined to be the mi
tropolis Of Arkansaw. From tn.
glorious city, Chicago, it affords n
heartfelt pleasure to be able to pa
her this compliment and 10 let M
friends see that | am not unmindfi
, Of their interests, and never cease (
nrav for their nroeneritv