The Russellville Democrat., 1892-08-25
ILLINOIS TOWNSHIP.
FOR THE HONOR OF NEW ARKANSAS

When in the dark and troublesome days of IS6l-the time that tried the souls of men-the rum-tap sounded the alarm and told that the homes and firesides of Arkansas were in danger of invasion, from ev- cry hill side and valley came the re- sponse from true and loyal sons. The school boy tossed aside his books and left the college halls, and donned the soldiers uniform. The farmer left his blow in the furrow and took his rifle on his shoulder. The tradesman left his wares and placed himself in line with those who were ready to strike for their homes and firesides. All with one accord placed their services and their lives at the command of their State
 That was patriotism. That was a fight for dear OLD Arkansas.
 Now, although no bugle call is heard, there is another fight on. The loyal.sons of NEW Arkansas are call ed upon to come to the rescue in de fense of her honor. The States of the American Union are now to be placed in grand review in competi- tion with all other civilized provinc- es and kingdoms of earth. The progress they have made in civiliza- tion is to be passed upon. The ex- ccllenee they have attained in the arts and sciences, their skill in me- chanics and architecture, their pro- ficency in agriculture and hortieul- ture is to be exhibited in compari- son with the like belongings of all other people on the civilized globe. And in this grand competitive ar ray New Arkansas is to take part. This time instead of being called to test of prowess in war, Arkansas calls upon her sons and daughters to come to test of all those things which make a people great in peace.
 It is no less patriotism to defend Arkansas against the false charges that have been made against her, and correct the wrong impression that has been made by those false charges, than it was to draw the sword in defense of her homes in the days of her invasion.
 It has been said that Arkansas is populated by shiftless, ignorant, and only semi-civilized people. We want to convince the world that this assertion is a lie by sending up to the Columbian Exposition such tangible evidences of our thrift, of our progressiyeness, of our intelli- gence. of the advance we have made in educational matters and in the arts and sciences, as can only ema- nate from an intelligent, energetic, dauntless people. We want to tabu late statistics of the wonderful achievements we have worked out since the short while ago when we were left with nothing but desola- tion staring us in the face as the re- suit of four years of war and pillage
 We want to gather up and place on exhibition such a collection of field and farm products, such a dis play of our timper and coal, such cabinets of our mineral wealth as will force conviction to all beholders that Arkansas has not only ciyiliza- tion, but she has also resources of almost boundless value.
 It is highly gratifying to know that steps are being taken to see that this shall be done On Thurs day evening last, Col. J. II. Clenden- ine of Fort Smith one of Arkansas Worlds Fair Commissioners ad dressed our citizens at the court ! house in this town on this subject. In an unauswerable manner he urg ed the importance of it. In a forcible way he showed the benefits to be derived from it. In the most