The Russellville Democrat., 1891-09-24
VOLUME IT.
That south-of-the-River Trade.

That SOutn tn-OI-Lne-htYer Iraue.i
 Some months ago, when the pon toou bridge at Dardanelle was open. ed to pubic sravel, the DEMOCRAT re ferred to it as matter which might be made to mark an epoch in the history of Russellville--commercial ly speaking And the prediction was made that, if the opportunity was improved as it should be and could be, It would be an important epoch ushering In a new periol of prosperity and commercial impor tsnce for Russellville. It was hoped that the hint then thrown out would be sufficient to prompt the mer chants of Russellville to seize time by the forelock and go to work to make all there is out of the possibil ities of the case. Has anything been done? Is there any formulated plan of action2 Is the sklrmish lines formed and all made ready for q vigorous campaign of aggressive movements? If SO, 'tis we'll. If not, the DEMOCRAT would now suggest that there should be no time lost in doing so. It is an opportunity which must not be allowed to pass unim. proved. It is an opportunity which, if turned to the best advantage, promises large returns to Russell vile. Whatever action has been taken is. no doubt, good, for the sa gacity and business tact of our mer chants is equal to the occasion. But the time for the quiet formulating of plans is now up, and the moment for action has arrived. There ought to be not less than 5000 bales of cotton hauled to this town between now and January 1st and sold from the wa gon. There ought to be 500,000 pounds of hides and country produce. This is what many reasonably be expected from the SOUTH SIDE OF THE RIVER, if the proper effort IS made to get it to come. There ought to be $l00,000 worth Of goods sent back in exchange for it. Is not this worth working for? There is nothing now to prevent It. Heretofore the diff culty of crossing the river and the unavoidable delay, completely bar. red this trade from coming to our town. Now, however, with the pon. toon bridge as connecting Ink so that wagons may come right along . without detention or delay, and at greatly reduced toll, it is an absolute certainty that if the proper invita- ton IS extended and inducements of. fered, large wagon trade may be secured from Yell and Logan coun. ties. Liberal treatment will bring it. and no gingerly economy should prevent our merchants from opening their purses to influence this trade to seek our market. It has been we'll enough to make haste slowly 5 and to proceed quietly and unosten- taciously about arranging the details but It is now time for ACTION. If necessary to the success of the move. ment, the magnitude of it's bearing upon Russellyille's trade would am ply justify the expenditure of $20,. 900 to secure its success. A much less sum would suffice, unless It should be deemed best for Russell
 vile to obtain controlling interest m the pontoon bridge or put in free ferry in order to strene then her DO. sition. The DEMOCRAT has no desire to dictate plans--it is willing to trust all that to the well known clear judgement of the business men of this community. But feeling deep and abiding interest in all that tends to add to the prosperity of Russell vile and Pope county, it does most earnestly urge immediate and ener- getic action in this matter.