Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-05-05
FORT SMITH LETTER.
The Place on a Boom-A Magnifi
cent Cotton Comp-ess.
Politics, Courts, Business-Inter-
est In Wy. Longs Case, Etc.


A. A'AAAA - @~-enNsl -A-oJ - iva
EDITOR LEDGER: = Knowing the
columns ofyour enterprising organ to
be ever open for a word that might in
terest your numerous readers, we as
sumo the liberty Of contributing few
items from this portion OF the great
commonwealth OF Arkansaw. Fort
Smith, Mr.. E., is marching steadily on
in spite of hard times and dull trade.
The sound of the artisans hammer is
heard on every side, and the new
buildings springing up, speaks boldly
for the future great. Enterprises Of
every kind are on foot. The great
cotton compress and oil mill, now
nearing completion, owned principally
by old Memphians-is one OF the finest
pieces of workmanship in the South.
The entire structure is of stone, being
nearly six hundred feet long, two
stories high, with a breadth of over
two hundred feet. The Superinten-
dent, Captain John Matthews, says he
means to show the Memphis boys how
to make oil. If he fails, it won't be
for the want of the finest mill in the
South, with all the improvements and
appliances that capital can bring to
his aid to enable him to carry out his
assertion.
There is also been granted charter
for street railway, gas works and
water works, and it won't be many
days ere all these conveniences
will be in active operation. Property
is advancing daily, and every train
comes in loaded with immigrants and
parties from the the North and East
seeking investments in our young and
growing city and surrounding country.
The crops in this county are splendid
the wheat is nearly ready for the
sickle, while corn and cotton are very
promising.
The United States Court convened
for the May term on yesterday. The
charge to the Grand Jury by Judge
Parker was regarded as one of the
ablest, perhaps ever listened to in this
part of the country. Judge Parker is
an able jurist, an upright man, having
the love and respect Of Republicans
and Democrats alike. The business
before the court is immense, princi-
pally of criminal character, against
parties brought here from the Indian
nation. e.
The political cauldron is beginning
to boil, and the indications are that a
very exciting campaign may be ex-
pected, as the State debt question will
furnish an important factor in the dis
cussions before the people. The Hon.
Judge Berry, of Bentonville. candi-
date for Governor, spoke here yester-
day, be was we'll received and express
ed himself for the Fishback amend
ment, believing the State not bound
legally or morally for one dollar Of the
Holford railroad and levee bonds.
Judge Rodgers, of this city, is can
didate Tor Congress against the Hon.
Jourdon Cravens, present incumbent.
Judge Rodgers is one Of the ablest
lawyers in the State, universally pop
ular, cultivated gentleman and will
reflect honor and credit upon the
State should he be chosen to the posi-
ton which his aspirations lead him
His admirers say he will carry off the
palm over all competitors.
Now, Mr.. Editor, this lisa much Longer
communication than we ought to i'm
pose upon your valuable space yet We
cannot close without inquiring who
this young preacher Long is that
was pursued so persistently and
unremittingly by bis brethren
at Somerville last week, it appearing
from reports in the papers that the
pursuit was not characterized particu
larly by any perceptible Christian
spirit, but more to avenge themselves
upon this young man for drawing Of
their congregations and leaving them
to preach to empty seats. "Alasl iol
the rarity of Christian charity" Pleas
give US the truth concerning thii
rumpus, as there are hundreds in thi
portion Of the moral vineyard who ar,
anxious to know. Yours, etc.,
KAPPA"