The Van Buren press., 1897-04-03

have been drowned and starved TO such
an extent that but few persons will have
left even a COW, in fact only cattle
enough will be left To jeopardize the
growing crops, if they were unprotected
by fences.
Acting in accordance with the wishes
and prayers of our peolpe-a very great
majority at any rate-I would respect
fully request that in your proclamation.
Letters and petitions will no doubt be
sent you in regard to this matter. I
will see that they are sent You If you
desire.
It Il feared by farmers that our labor
will not return TO the county if they are
compelled under all the adverse
circumstances 10 fence against the few
head of cattle still remaining and
belonging to their more fortunate
neighbors. Very respectfully.
FRANK SMITH.
Capt. J. F. Smith, one of the most
extensive planters in the flooded
districts, writes the governor as follows:
MEMPHIS, Tenn. March IS, 1897.
Gov. Jones, Little Rock:
DEAR SIR-The county Of Crittenden
our history, our fences are all gone and
our people will have neither money nor
time TO rebuild their fences in time 10
make crop this season, and many of
them are giving up in despair. l
respectfully ask you TO call the legis-
lators together as soon az practicable
and include in your call the subject of
relief of the people from the necessity
of building fences this year. We ask
no assistance where it will cost the state
anything, but this relief we do want
and must have or our people are ruined.
With this relief offered them fresh hope
would inspire them to go TO work and
try and replenish the waste places. My
town of Marion is four feet deep in
water. Your compliance with this
request will greatly oblige our people.
Very respectfully,
J.F. SMITH.
Yesterday Gov. Jones received this
letter from Hon. F. Rogers, Of
Arkansas City, ex representative of
Desha county:
ARKANSAS CITY. Ark,
March 81, 1897.
Hon. Dan w. Jones, Little Rock, Ark.
DEAR SIR-The people here have con-
cluded that the condition Of affairs here
has been misrepresented to you and
have asked that | write you.
There are no s'lawless persons
threatening to destroy the levees, hence
no military force is needed the county
is not overlooked; people have plenty to
eat and money to buy more levees stand
seven feet above the water level in 1892
we successfully held our levees against
fifty feet of water; since then levees
have been raised five feet and enlarged
in proportion. We expect fifty two
feet of water We believe that we will
maintain the leyees against that
quantity, and If necessity forces, two
feet more. We expect close call and
are prepared to meet it. The entire
line of levee is covered by watchmen ;
emergency forces well organized, under
command Of thoroughly competent
foremen, who in turn are directed by
United States engineers, as skillful and
experienced as any in the land. We
have a steamboat, barges, railroad
train. unlimited supply of rocks and
lumber at command, plenty of money.
and If more should be needed, the credit
of the levee board can command it. If,
however, we should be overpowered in
our struggle with the elements and
should need help, am authorized to
say to you that you will be notified from
the proper official source, the levee
board, and am also authorized to
request that you do not send any
supplies until requested by the levee
board in their official capacity. Free
rations demoralize labor and break
levees. Respectfully,
F. M. ROGERS.
Gov. Jones says he had already made
up his mind to include aid to the flood
sufferers in his proclamation calling the
Legislature together in extra session and
advise no fence law in the flooded
districts.