The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1898-02-04

kansas that the Omaha international
exposition is Arkansas opportunity.
The people of the great northwest, who
for several years battled with the diff
culties of short crops and low prices,
were last year rewarded with most
gratifying returns for their labor
Abundant crops and renumerative
prices for grain and cattle have en-
abled them to lift mortgages and swell
bank accounts in a manner unprece
dented. 1t is natural that these farm
ers should look back over the years of
adversely and ponder seriously the
question of avoiding repetition of the
Ills they have experienced by selling
out and moving south, where industry
and skill are not discounted two years
out OF three by drouth, and every year
by severe cold weather. Thousands of
these people would have come south
years ago, but were deferred from do
ing so for lack of means They have
opportunities to sell farm property now.
They have studied the southern situa-
tion and are convinced that their future
lies in the south. Besides, they have
| the experience of some of their former
neighbors as the proof of what condi-
tions and opportunities exist here. The
Cotton Belt railroad have met the peo-
pie OF Arkansas half way in the matter
OF exhibiting the resources of the state
at the Omaha international exposition.
1T has done more than meet them half
way-it has provided space free of cost
to exhibitors, and is actively advertis-
in hn - 81 49,
various agencies. Now is the time for
the people of Arkansas to strike out on
new lines. First, by resolving to make
the most of the opportunity which the
Omaha exposition presents. Second,
to devote more time and energy to in
dustrial affairs and less time to the
wants of the politician, whose chief
interest is to achieve office. 1t is an
old story, but it will bear repeating:
''The chief need of Arkansas is more
industries, more manufactures, more
skilled laborers in cities and towns"
On this point it is deemed proper to
present an extract from Gov Bob Tay-
lor, of Tennessee, who recently made
lecturing tour in Arkansas. Gov
Taylor has travelled extensively, both in
northern and southern states. and has
studied carefully the industrial phases
of all sections of the country. He says:
II you go in any store In Arkansas the man
ufactured goods there are many OF them made
from the raw material of the south. 1t is
shipped out and manufactured and shipped
back to us We pay the railroads for carrying
both ways. we pay the manufacturer profit,
the middleman profit, the retailer profit.
That's why the south does not grow richer.
Arkansas Is the richest state in resources
ever saw. In her river bottoms the finest pine
IN the world grows side by side with the white
oak, the gum and the hickory. 1t is the finest
timbered country on the face of the green
earth, and yet you can buy the land for a song.
What the south needs is more capital She
needs more money to operate with, TO build
mills and factories. She needs 20 600 900 sturdy
progressive people from the northwest and
sl0O OoO00 Then the south will take her
proper place as center of resources and
wealth.
/ believe the south must come to be a manu.
featuring country. Her wealth must be cre-
ated here, and then kept at home In the way
OF manufacturing cotton goods, the south has
been wonderfully successful The pig-ron
industry has assumed immense proportions
1t needs only capital to develop her resources
to make the south the wealthies. section OF
the United States
Arkansas is aroused on the question
of making an exhibit at the Omaha
exposition. Fort Smith, Little Rock
and other cities. through boards of
trade, commercial leagues and other
agencies, have taken decided steps in
the matter and all throughout the state
there is responsive movement. A
conference of the commissioners ap-
pointed by Gov. Jones to represent the
state at the exposition has been called
by w. q. Vincenheller, chairman of
commissioners, to assemble in the gov
ernor's office at Little Rock to take
action in reference to ways and means
of ensuring creditable representation
of the states's products.
There will be thousands of visitors
from all parts of the Union at Omaha,
not to mention thousands of for
eign capitalists seeking information
as to openings for investment. This is
essentially the farmers opportunity to
show to the world the resources of Ar
kansas, the fertility of it's lands, the
variety of it's products and the offers
the state makes to enterprising farmers
and capitalists 1t is splendid oppor-
tunity for farmers to spend campaign
year in looking strictly and persistently
after industrial affairs and matters
which will benefit themselves and the
state.
In the Southern States Farm Maga-
zine, of Baltimore, for December, Chas
w. Dabney. late assistant secretary of
Agriculture. has some suggestions for
farmers in the south. The following
extract from his article has much
wider application. He says:
The road that passes your gate, the school
your children go TO, the church you attend on
Sunday, your village and its every interest
requires your earnest and conscientious at
tention and support Why should politics
influence you In deciding who shall survey the
road or select the teacher or keep order in the
village; And yet, eight times out of ten the
party convention or boss will decide your vote
even In the selection of a school director. For
your own home interests you want the best
most efficient and most faithful person in each
place. But for the sake OF helping TO maintain
an organization which aims to elect congress-
man once every two years. or q governor once
In four yoa win sacrifice interests that AFFECT
the prosperity, comfort and intellectual and
moral sdssncemens OF your family.