The Forrest City times., 1897-07-16
ing and harvesting . crop of cotton.

taoles, uOtdOlV the early pOIttO. Mdhu- featuring interests are being discussed by all classes, and every means is being tried to place before the world the numerous fields the state presents for investment of capital. In every circle new ideas and methods are taking root and spirit of enterprise is cultivated. It is specially worthy of note that the tone of political controversy has greatly improved, while the fires of partisan ism have grown dim, never to glow again as in time past. Never was there 2 period in the history of the south when the era of good feeling seemed nearer at hand. Among the cotton states there is rivalry as to which shall go farthest from old moorings, and step by step the entire southland is merging into new conditions.
 A New Step iu Legisiation.
 Perhaps no southern state has en- forced so rigid system of economy as Arkansas during the past 25 years. The states policy has been simply frugality. The legislature vet meets in the old state house at Little Rock-a plain structure built nearly 60 years ago-and at every session bill to build new state house is defeated on the score of economy. Ten years ago bill grant ing land to railroad company would have been tabled without dissenting voice, and the author of such meas ure would have been regarded as pub lie enemy. Yet, the session which closed last month passed Q land grant bill which gives 450, 900 acres of land free of cost to the Little Rock, Springfi field and Gulf Railroad to aid in the construc. tion of road from Springfield, Mo, southward to Little Rock, thence south ward to the Louisiana line, with Q branch running westward from Little Rock to Mister Junction, in the Indian Territory. Besides this, the legislature passed an act providing for the building of state railroads and telegraph lines by state convicts, under an act known as the Bush law, by the terms of which the governor, auditor and attorney general constitute state board, with power to locate, establish and operate state railroads and telegraph lines. The board is authorized to receive donations and gifts of lands and money, to be used in the construction of railroads and telegraph lines and the equipment of the same; and also clothed with full power to sell and convey any lands be- longing to the state of Arkansas, any part of the smallest legal subdivision of which lies within twelve miles of the track of any railroad so built, the pro- ceeds of such sales to be used in build ing and equipping such railroads and telegraphs The board has received number of proposals on the subject of building railroads on the plan laid down in the Bush law, and it is thought some of them will be acted upon favor ably.
 The Little Rock, Springfield and Gulf Railroad company filed articles of incorporation with the secretary of state at Little Rock June 12. The route lies through central Arkansas, celebrated for its fertile lands, beau thul springs, splendid timber and sn ideal farming country, underlayed with mines of silver, lead and zinc. In other words, the marvellous mineral belt of Central Northern Arkansas, the finest fruit region of the republic.
 Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, rejoices in new iron bridge which spans the Arkansas river, connecting the northern and southern divisions of the city, free highway built at the ex- nf hA r. toned to show the trend of public sen timent It is well to state also that Fort Smith is raising bonus of $5O, ,OOO to induce the Arkansas Central railroad to enter that city. All throughout the state there is growing sentiment for 
 Cheap Lands.
 It is doubtful if any state in the Union contains as much cheap land where the opportunities for successful investment are more promising. The land department of the Iron Mountain Railroad company has for sale 1, ,25O. .OO0 acres of land ranging in price from 6 to 8 an acre on time payments, while the state valuable fruit lands can be bought for what land is rented at in the northern states. But there fingers one fear in the minds of northern people when all other ob- stacles are removed, and that is in re- gard to summer temperature. It is thought by many that a person will roast alive in the heated term. Such people should go south now, or after the harvest is ended, or perhaps in August, when the Sunny South" is thought to resemble Dante's Inferno. If a country is visited at the time its worst features are at the climax and the visitor is pleased with it, he will be able to look over minor defects in future. Summer heat averages higher in Iowa than in Arkansas, higher in than in North Carolina. Ar kansas has it's climatic charms-short winters and long summers, with a mild at all seasons.