The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-05-30
A GLIMPSE OF ARKANSAS
ASIT APPEARED IN 1s49 7OA CfTI-
ZEN or TENNESSEE.
Is Past aud Trsseat Aspects Compared =
Plantation Life--society In Little
Rock,


family OF three. A stage-coach conveyed
US over the intervening space. the fairest
portion Of Tennessee The two-hilled city,
thus abandoned, with the white founda-
tlon stones of the unfinished Capitol on
the one, and the old University on the
other, was feasting a deadly visitor from
the orient. whose presence everywhere
brought sorrow. and left desolation-Asia-
tic cholera. Huntsville, quiet. inland
town in Alabama. promised a safe refuge.
j constituted the Insignificant third mem
Der Of the party, who was thus suddenly
removed from the old home on cedar
crowned height, from beloved cornpan-
ions. and the elevating influences OF an
advanced civilizltiOn-alas, never 50 re-
turn But | hold in my heart OF hearts
the picture Of the beautiful city. with its
wide streets over unduiating hills, that
radiated i'm silvery macadamized roads
through the SURROUNDING country Ike
threads Of a coh-wcb. only fortnight
we stopped at Huntsville. that gem OF
towns called by many "the second edi-
lion Of Nashville" We felt unsafe even
at that distance. II was resolved IN lam
fly council 10 20 west Of the Mississippi,
as that was supposed TO be a safe barrier
against the enemy.
We left Huntsville and drove to a small
town on the opposite side Of the Ten
at certain hour that would take us on
our tourney. for there were no railroads
in that locality i'm 40. When we reach
cd the point at nightfall, the gentlemen
passengers left the coach and sauntered
20 the edge OF the river. leaving my moth
or and myself the only occupants. sud
denly the red Clclopean eye OF the steam
er peered around bend of the river. COM
Ing rapidly forward with a snort and then
"a Shrek as If from "A monster IN search
of victims to be sacrificed I'm the blazing
furnace fires yawning below. 1t touched
the shore. n plank was thrown out, ana
in few moments all were bestowed IN
onr respective state-rooms and the riVei
voyage began.
RIVER TRAVEL.
lin the Tennessee. into the Ohio. down
the Mississippi, and mp the Arkansas-a
point on the last being the object OF oGr
destination
..When shall we reach tho end OF our
tonney?" / asked. as we sat within the
Guard Of the mammoth Mississippi steam
e.. viewing the sunset
Tomorrow we touch at Napoleon
renlied nv brother. where the Arkansas
r-ver empties into this. The spring fresh
ct has so increased the swifiness OF the
current Of the river that we so rapidly.
THAT must be an ambitious. imposing
city" | remarked.
Il fear you will find it mirage said
ny mother
building" added my brother, septentious-
ly. ~,
81 will make them Napoeonic, then. with
the Star Of Empire Coating westward
over them
The steamer sped along gallantly for
another nisht. and after sumptuous
breakfast next morning. such as cOuld
only be served by the steward OF Mis-
sissippi steamer which seemed TO holu
samples OF all the substan;ials and dell
cacies on the earth I'm its capacious lock-
ers | went on deck. to catch the first
glimpse Of the spires of this western CITY
Of Napoleon.
The river rushed in angry, swiriing rip
ricg of blazing gold. On its surface might
be seen. far I'm the distance, white OBJECTS
Ike brooding swans. These were other
vessels going up or down on THIS masnl-
fcent waterway. The trees On the dis
tant hanks appeared as shrubs. As /
stood in front of the wheel-house, L might
have served for the embodiment OF hope.
Meantime. the vessel slackened In speed
and finally stopped. An old gentleman
whose ACQUAINTANCE l had made In the
ladies' cabin approached me.
''Where are we n0w?' / asked.
at Napoleon
looking Oh a partly submerged cluster OF
common wooden buildings, that seemed
10 be floating I'm the water, while skiis
were seen padding around ana between
them. A dingy-looking wharf-boat was
anchored at what was supposed 10 DC
the wharf.
NV brothers head appeared above the
gun-wale OF the deck. and he called TO me-
Come, we get off here!'
I accents W.
Eyes: the overflow has almost enaced
the town. but we will stop on the wharf
boat and take an Arkansas river steam-
err"
Dumb and disgusted. I meekiy accepted
the situation and allowed my brother 10
hand me down the gangway ladder.
AN ARKANsAs BOAT.
Ia due time the gallant craft "Cot-
ton Plant" from port New orleans,
rounded up with eciat, as II conscious OF |
her importance in being the chosen Ioat-
ing palace Of King Cotton. We LETT the
vharf-boat with elacrty. / holding my
skirts closely about me, TO avoid con-
tamination. The Cotton Plant backed
out, turned and began plougning the red
pillows OF the swollen, roaring Arkansas
Il know / shall hate Arkansas saiu
10 my mother. with decision
'"rhe entrance Is certainly uninviting,'
She replied, with suppressed sign.
SimultaneC usly a vision OF the tranquil
city we had Just left rose tefore us-a
ref ge so idyllic with its white-painted,
brick residences set in shaded yards, en-
belshed with garlands and parterres or
fiowers-its beautiful spring gushing from |
the hillside. whose channel, walled In |
with stone, 1oated sm0ll pleasure boats. !
It's moss trimmed reservoir, occupying |
central square. like mammoth Olympian
bcwl filled with crystal nectar. O the
pitiful contrast, A bountlful dinner, serv- |
ed with magical dexterity by trained ne
gro men-waiters where fish and fowl |
with fruits from Cuba and Nassau SEEM |
sa 60 give assurance that we were not |
quite beyond the limit OF civilization, |
somewhat restored our equarimity.
About Atty miles from the mouth OF |
the river we passed Arkansas Post, set |
lied IN 1855. two years later than Phila- |
dc!phia. The view was not encouraging. |
Anon, as the boat stopped from time !
10 time to deliver freight or TO take on \
wood from the neatly-stacked piles, We |
had eliuoses of commodious homes, seat |
ga amid forest trees. with rows OF white |
cabins IN the rear, and miles of cotton |
fields beyond IN the distance. Fine-look- |
ing men came aboard. who showed by |
their manner OF dignified command that |
King Cotton's representatives were not |
unwo rthy Of their sovereign. These SEN |
tinel cotton planters. stationed at long In |
tcryals In the river bottoms. each
prince in his own domain. with from thir-
~ TO three hundred slaves 10 do MS DID
ding. with steamers at command 10 con-
yey him TO the four points OF the COM