davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

Referring to the iliteracy in Arkansas, as shown by the census of 1880, Bro. Newman, of the Pine Bluff Commercial uses the following language:
 It is not to be wondered at that the illiteracy of the state Is so great, when the opportunities for obtaining an education are not taken advan. tage of by the parents and guardi- ans of children. We. need a great revival in this state in the cause of popular education. The school otli. cers Of the various school districts of the state should use their utmost efforts to create an interest in school matters, and endeavor to induce all to attend the schools. Whatever the showing may be of iliteracy un- der the census of 1880 when comple. ted, we hope that that of 1890 vii show marked improvement Tn the declensions of those unable to read and write.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
VALLEY TOWNSHIP SPEAKS.

Editor Democrat;
 In answer toi"A,Democrats" query as to the best manner ot nomination to the various offices, l will state what 1 believe to be the wish Of the people without discussing at any length the practicabiity or imprac, ticability of the one or the other sys- tenn. Ii the democrats would turn out to man to township conventions and delegate the best men to the county convention, and if the men would attend the county convention all would be well. All who have watched the workings of the conyen- ton system are bound to acknowl- edge that majority of the delegates from the country fail, generally, to attend these conventions. Office set kers and their particular friends are certain to get there and, by means of skill in wire working, they get the nomination against the wish of the people. The time was that the convention system worked admra. bly,, but democracy has outlived that day. Consequently l am of the opinion that if the majority of the party in our county be properly heard in this matter, the primary election will be perpetuated. It is very true that unworthy men have gone into office through this, and it cannot be denied that many such have gotten there through the convention also. Others than democrats may easily be kept from voting in the prima, ries, but trickcry and one sided pro cedu?e will find their way into the convention ln favor of some speclal locality, ring, clique or measure. In the primary, the wish and choice of the people can be had with almost as much certainty Hs in the general and final election. Hence, harmoni ous action, united effort, sober, true, patriotic men for office are best SC cured through the primary election system. This system will be adopt ed if the committee act according to
 VOX POPULI.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

What does a democratic state gain by turning out mean radicals who made fraudulent bonds to pay then board and whiskey bills, and put. ting in scheming so called democrats to pay abominable frauds when deuhly increased? Nothing made by 1t except disgrace to the party and oppression of the people. We want neither such democrats nor republi- cans, for the honest amendment de. mocracy has men of integrity and ability that will do to trust. True Democrat.
 And. yet, the most prominent amendment leaders say that that question ought not to be made a test of party fealty among democrats Their assertions and the latter part of the above quoted paragraph don't consist"
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
IMPORTANT SUIT.

Much has been said and written, pro and con, concerning the railroad aid bonds of Arkansas, and they have become an important element in the politics of the state in the past few years. It seems, however, that the holders of said bonds do not consider the state liable for the pay ment thereof, as the following from the Little Rock Gazette, of the l6th, will show;
 Yesterday Hon, John Mcclure, ex chief justice of the supreme court of the state, filed a complaint m the United States circuit court for the Eastern distrlct of Arkansas on be half of Wm. II. Tompkins, of the state of New York. and other hold CTS of state aid railroad bonds issued to the Little Rock and Fort Smith railroad company, by which it is sought to hold the road liable for the payment of said indebtedness. The amount sued on is $S0,000 in past due coupons.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
ELISHA BANTER.
Sditor Democratt

l5UliOT DeIuOcldLt
 If there is a prominent name among the prominent men of the state of Arkansas that the people feel pleasure Tn pronouncing, it is that of the distinguished ex-gover nor and statesman, that pure and honest friend of Arkansas, during the dark period of reconstl uction and radical misrulc, whose name heads this article.
 And now Mir. Editor, that the state has an extra congressman to elect in the coming fall, would it not he q proper time to reward governor Rax- ter for his fidelity to the people of the state of Arkansas, when as their Moses he led them out of the wilder ness of fear and torcboding. and placed them upon safe ground? In 1879 when Gov. Baxter's friends ran him for U. S. Senator, it was urged that we needed better talent-miads more competent to grapple the diff. ficult duties of a senator's position but think the people of the state, have by this time been satisfied of the error, and now they have an op. portunity to atone for 1t.
 Let the newspapers throughout the state catch up the watchword and the decree go forth, "Honest Elisha Baxter for our next congress- man at large"
 VOTER
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

The Inltlal number of the Arkan. sas Cleaner, published at Dewitt, has reached our table. In glcaning the columns of the Cleaner for news, we noticed with pleasure that Col. Bob Crockett IS editor. The gallant colonel c.enters the journal. lstic arena after a retirement of six teen years, and, if such long rest will fit a man for the work as well as it has done him, we believe many newspaper men throughout the land ought to retire immediately. The Cleaner is bright and fresh, and sparkles all over with gems from Col. Crockett's flashing pen. Mr. Jacob Hagler is publisher and Mr. J. Wesley Crockett, "chIp off the old block" local editor To the Cleaner and it's efficient staff the DEMOCRAT extends cordial greeting and hearty Cod speed.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
THIRD LECTURE.
Our Public School.

1t cannot be denied that Russell vile has as good a public school as can be found in any city or town in the state. and this has been accomplished by the persiStency and patient waiting and watching of the friends of the sys- tenn, who gained the object for which they so galIautly worked after q series of defeats extending through several years. The present board n: school directors is composed of wide-awake, progressive gentlemen, who have work ed with indomitable zeal and energy, in season and out of season, for the building mp of the school and the educational interests of the community and how well they have succeeded can best be judged by the efficiency of the institution to-day. The school has been in session six months and is now entering upon the seventh. To the board and other liberal minded citizens are the people indebted for this great boon. The question now is, can tho schoo, be maintained two months longer as a free public school, that is until the middle of June? We think 1t can. But how asks one But one answer can be given. Supplement the school tax already voted, levied and paid, by private subscl iplion, that is. let each patron of the school and all who are not patrons l'ay to the proper authori, ties sn amount equal to the tax if 1t had been levied for the time it is pro- posed to extend the term. If this Is done, and we believe it can and will be, the school will be placed on such a basis of prosperity that no amount of opposition can lessen it's influence. Be- sides, the maintenance of frse public school for two months longer, mak- ing the term nine months instead of four, as was originally contemplated, will bring our thriving little city into favorable notice abroad. People seek ing n new home and Q place to invest capital always look to the city or town that fosters and supports public school, and due notice given to the subject will attract many to Russell vile. Let the members of the school board 20 to work and ascertain wheth- CT or not the ? eople want 2 tree public school until June, and, if they do want it, let the necessary funds bo solicited for the purpose. With the cotton fSc- tory, the blow and wagon factory, the blaming mill, and splendid FREE PUB- LIo SCHOOL, there will be nothing lack ing to attract immigration and make Russellville the largest and most thriv- ing place in Western Arkansas, aud her citizens among the most intelligent and enterrlising.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

are of common school age at l6, 6,500,- GOO, and estimated the cost of their education at the rate of $l0 per scholar, at over $160,000,000 per annum. He said that SSl, 100000 are now expended by the states and territories, and that with the addi tion of $6l 100000 as proposed by the bill, there would be almost enough for all practical purposes. He charged the peculiar propriety of devoting the whisky tax to the cdn eaton ofsthe young.
 At the close of his remarks the bill was referred.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

The Democrats have put on their Congressional campaign committee fellow from Arkansas who cant write or speak a sentence of gram matlcnl English to save his neck, and whose chief accomplishments are knowledge of poker and whis- key and the ability to squirt tobacco juice at knot hole as straight as any man Tn Arkansas Fargo Ar gus.
 The writer of the above islander. ous paragraph is one Patrick Do nan, crstwhile an Arkansas journal ist and honored by all who knew him. Hon. James K. Jones, the congressman referred to, is one oi the most upright citizens of Arkan sas, and the superior of the redoubt able Patrick in every particular Yet Donan is the man whom the press association has honored time after time, and now he cones and indignantly islanders true and no ble Arkansian.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

A memorial, signed by three hun dred officers of the navy of all ranks, from rear admiral down, protesting against the restoration of officers of the navy to the active list who have been dismissed hy sentence of court martial for drunkenness, or forcibly retired, or who have resigned to es- cape such sentence, has been presen- ted to the United States senate. It seems to be the aim of the present officers of the navy to frown down upon intemperance among their number.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
PUBLIC EDUCATION.

Senator Logan, of Illinois, has in troduced bill in the senate proyid- ing that the entire income derived from internal revenue taxes on the manufacture and sale of distilled spirits be appropriated and expend. ed for the education of all children living in the United States, and ad dressed the senate at length in sup port of the measure. He gave cal- culaLion of the whole number of children throughout the country who
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

3. Recitation, Miss Fannie Collier. 1. Humorous reading, Miss Rose Patterson.
 5. seng-solo and chorus-Mis' Addie Kirby, and Mrs. Sula Howell Miss Jessie Howell and Messrs. Jas. Miller and II. F Brain.
 RECESS. 6. Declamation. Mr. Joe Bernard. 7. Essay, Miss Florence Mcclure. s. Reading, W. l.. Morris. 9. Guitar solo, Mr. Jas. Shinn. 10. Humorous sketches. MT. Gee. E. Howell.
 II. Vocal and instrumental music by members of the Guild.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

The following will be read with interest by all concerned, with the hope the measure will become law
 Senator Teller, from the commit tee on Public Lands, reported bill last Monday to shorten the period of residence necessary to acquire a title to homestead, making it three years instead of five. It reduces the period of allowable absence from six months to three.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
THE LECTURES.
FIRST LECTURE.


 In accordance with previous an- nouncement, the first of a series or lee lures on foreign lands as seen by Dr. A. R. Winfield, of the NJ. r. Church (South), in his travels last year, was given Monday night. The audience was not as large as it ought :o have been, considering the subject of the lecture and the thoroughly established ability and wide reputation of the lecturer. yet those who were present were great ly edified. The distinguished divine and speaker placed before the mind ot each of his hearers as fine a word-piC- ture of travel as it has ever been our good fortune to hear. His description of the voyage across the mighty Atlan- tic ocean in one of the superb Cunard steamers was at once vivid and graphic. Landing at Liverpool, the tourist, said Dr. Winfield, is amazed and lost in wonder as he beholds the vastness of that great commercial center, the lead ing cotton mart of the world. To fa- nous London, the great city of mil Hons, thence to and across the channel to "Ia Belle" France and on to it's gay capital, Paris; from there to Turin Italy; across q range of the Alps 10 Switzerland with all its historic scenes, a stay in Geneva. resting on the sh ores of Lake Iucerne: the ascent to the summit of Mer de Glace, the momenta- " view of the snew-clad top of grand Mont Blanc; by rail and diligence to Brussels, the beautiful capital of Bel gium; thence returning by another route to Paris and London, all thi> the Doctor described in the brightest and most sparkling manner, and it would require columns of the DEMOCRAT to properly record it. Those who stayed away missed rich literary treat.
 SECOND LECTURE.
 The second of Dr. Winfield's se- ries of lectures on travels in foreign lands was fully as instructive and entertaining IS the first, and alone worth the price of admission to the entire course. He took his hearers on a mental journey through sunny Italy, the land of great capabilities and resources; visited Turin, Genoa, the home of Columbus, Florence, Naples, asccnded to the summiS of Mount Vesuvius ard gazed into the seething crater of that wonderful volcano, Venice, Bologue, Milan, and other places of lesser note. Dr. Winfield saw and feasted his eyes and mlnd upon the beauties and grandeur of the magnificent cathe drals of Italy, and stood before the paintings and sculpture of the great est masters the world ever produced. But why weary our readers with even a faint recital of the Doctor s lecture, which must be heard to be appreciated.
 THIRD LECTURE.
 "Ten days in the Holy Land was the subject of Dr. Winteld's third and last lecture. The speaker, in bis usual graphic style, described the memorable scenes of that famed region, and it seemed as if the re- ality was indeed before the audience, so wildly did he portray his subject.
 The people of Russellville have never before been invited to partake of such rich literary feast, aud the only regret is that more did not
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

The Restitution prevailing in the overiiowed districts of Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana is appall, ing and beyond the power of tongue or pen to describe. Cannot some or ganized effort be made throughout the more favored portions of the state to raise funds and provisions for the sufferers within our borders? A recent special to the Gazette from Helena says "the latest adyices from the upper St. Francis river are, that the people of that section are almost reduced to cannibaIisn. They have eaten carcasses for some days and now have all tho appearance of peo pie about to become insane from staryation.'
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
Notice for Publication.
LAND OFFICE AT DARDANELlr, ARK,

LAND OFPICE AT DARDANELIE, ANE.,!
 Mar 16, 1S2. ' Notice iH hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support Of his claim, and that said proof "ill be made before the county judge of Pope county, Arkansas, as Dover, Arkpnsas, on 23th April lsS2. viz: William Massey, Hd entry No 9st6 for thu eA net4 x nw14 netG, sec 80, tp Q n r 2O ". lie names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of, sa id land, viz:
 J C Massey, w Jones, Jefferson Northan Johu Banks. all of Dover, Ark.
 T. NJ GIBSON, Register.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
Nnticc for Publication.
LAND OFFICE AT DARDASELLE. hRK.,l
 

LAND OFFlCG AT DARDANELLE. NRh.{
 Mar. s. tSS2. ! Notice Is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support Of his aim, and that said proof will be made before the Register and Receiver of the C g. Land pHee at Dar- danelle, Arkansas, O8 18th gf ApT. issH, viz,t John II. Bartlett Hd entry No l3 2I0 for tho nlg nel{ sec 25, [ n, 20 west.
 lie names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon, and cultivation Of. said land. viz:
 Ehas H. Platt Alexander Wick, ,Ino F. King and John Redinon. all of Potts Station. Ark.
 r Il D1lN RnnlsipN-
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

A resolution has passed the senate appropriating s3500 and $0500, res pectively,to Senators Butler and Kel- log2, for expenses incurred in vindi- eating their titles to their seats.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

A plot to tear up the track Of the Iron Mountain road, a short distance above Argenta, wreck tie north bound train and rob the passengers, was discovered few days ago and promptly frustrated by Chief of Pc lice Counts, of Little Rock, who ar rested the three men engaged in the diabolical design, The leader is a desperate known as "Yallerham- mer," who is wanted in Missouri and Kansas for murder and other crimes committed by him.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

The London Times ill q recent ed itorial says:
 War between Austria and Russia is always q possibility, but at pres cnt there Is not, we trust, serious peril. The establishment of the Ser vian Kingdom under Austrian auspi- ces is an important guarantee Of peace, nor is the Slavonlc storm like ly yet to break upon Germany. We have reason to believe Bismarck has no fears in that direction and he neither expects an attack nor intends to strike.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

The Dardanele Post says that Dr. Withers handles tue subject of Temperance in "style that would drive Benson in disgust to the bot tle," and that ''he says enough to touch the heart of many q sinner, enough to waken many a sleeper. enough to win the admiration of every one who hears him."
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
Literary Guild,

The next meeting of the Hussellvlle Literary Guild will take place at the residence of MT. Thomas Russell on Monday night next at 7 o'clock pre- eisely. at which time and place the following programme will be render ed.
 l. Guitar or piano solo, II. E. Err win.
 2. Reading-historieal skctrh--J. E. Battenheld.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
Notice for orlPublicntion.
LAND OFFICE AT DARDANELLE, ARK!
 Mar. l5, lSS2

LAND OFFICE AT DARDANEL1E, ARK.!
 Mar. l5, 1889 Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice Of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim and that sAit proof well be made bo- fore the Judge of the County Court of Pope Co.,, Ark, at Dover, Ark, on 22i Apr. 1882, viz: Andrew Allen lid entry No 90S9 for the OK se4 sec 36, 10 Ii 20 W.
 lie names the following witnesses to prove his coutinuouo residence upon, and cultiuation Of, said land, to- wit:
 Drew Goats, Amos Bullock, Ali Ross and Enoch Lemons, all or Scottville, Ark.
 T. M, GIBSON, Register.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

Col Ben T. Enbry, of Atkins, has been mentioned as q suitable candi- date for next governor of Arkansas, and the DEMOCRAT cheerrully adds it's feeble endorsement to the high encomiums that have been paid him. The name of Col, Embry at the head of the ticket would be a tower of strength that could not be oyerturn- ed by all the forces of the opposition, and we hope to see him make the race.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
RnAn NOTICE.

Notice Is hereby given that application vii be made to the next term of the Pope County Court to have the Dover and RusseuYillo road chah ged so as to run from the mouth of th1 Hamilton lane, east 56 rods 10 tne n Q corner of the W of the II w of sec 1, ', gJ thence south one quarter of q mile to the u corner of the Of Il W quarter
 " C. RENFRoW & ". 4. MCkINNEY.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
--------- ----------- ~- WHICH SHALL TT BE?

GUM LOG, ARK, March Is, 1882. Editor Democrat:
 As chairman of tue Pope county Central Committee, have several times been interrogated as to the best mode of organizing and carry ing out true democratic principles in the coming campaign. In unity there Is strength. Some have sug- gested that they prefer county con. vention, while others favor c prima- " election. Now, we must keep united. I propose that each town ship hold meeting and ascertain the sense of the people, as to which plan they prefer, and report through the columns of the DEMOCRAT by the first day of May next. l hope the townships will respond promptly. If nothing is heard, we will follow the primary system.
 CALEB DAVIS,
 Chairman Pope County Central Committee.
 EM Atkins News please copy,
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

Senator Voorhees,, of Indiana, has introduced a bill for the further ln- crease of pensions to those who have lost q leg, arm, or have been permn- ncntly disabled in the military or naval service. This pension busi- ness is becoming too heavy a drain oa the fnanciaI resources of the country. It seems to us that the soldiers of the late war have had enough fayors granted them by the government.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
Notice for Publication.

Mar, II. 1882, [ Notice Is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice uf his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before the register and Receiver of |. s. Land Onlec at Dardanelie, Ark, on .4,h Apr. 1887. viz; Newton BOwdcn Hd entry No. @S55 for tho sN nv A sec 15 tp n, r 10 V. He names the following witnesses to provn his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of, said land, to-wit:
 Robert Rank in, Amos EmdrIck, Josh RainCy and Alex Jones, all uf Potts station, Ark.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
A late dispatch nom Wa,hington

A late dispatch from Washington says; "The secretary of the inte- rior decides, in the Eureka Springs Ark, case, that the property is az rieultural land and subject to entry as such, reversing the decision of the general commissioner of the land office. The question of precedence between the agricultural and town site claimants must be passed on hereafter"
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

A compulsory primary education law has been enacted by the French Assembly. Such a law might work no hardship in some of the states of our land.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

The telegrams announce the death of Mrs. P. L. Marvin, widow of the late Bishop Marvin, of the AI. E. Church (South). The sad event oc !. cured at Frederick, Mo-, on the l7th instant.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23

That wicked and unrcgenoratcd newspaper man, Aleck Sweet, editor of Texas Siftings," pcrpetratos the following awful islander in a recent issue of his paper:
 As the people Of New York are called New Workers, and the inhabi' tants of Michigan are called Michi- ganders, possibly the Arkansas leg islators were afraid they might be called Arkausasses, and so changed the pronunciation of the name of the State to Arkansaw.
The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-23
NOTICE,
N U ltCts LL,-I, AL.ELCE Darl 2 n .lLn \ rk |.

[. S. LAND OFFICE, Dardapclle, Ark.
 March %. lSSt.
 Complaint having been entered at this Oficc by Wesley Pless against Andrew Johnson for abandoning his homestead entry No. l5494 da~ ted March fth. 1881, upon the eh nwl4 swS n |, sec. 1A, tp 3 north range 20 ", in Pope O. Ark with view to the cancellation of said entry; the said parties are hereby summoned to Appear tt this office on the 21th day or May, is92, 1t 9 o'clock D. m., to respond and furnish testimony concerning such alleged abandon donment I. Nj. GIBSON, Register.