The Mena star., 1899-04-20
MY IMPRESSIONS OF MENA.
A Fort Smith Lady Writes Enter
 faininQIy of Our Town.

mersly, who holds the responsible po- sition of deputy clerk in the United States court at Fort Smith, visited her friend Miss Anra Nedry, teacher in our public schools at this place and by request has furnished the Star with her impressions of Mena as follows: "I like Mena-it made very favor able impression upon me. Being a woman, suppose my impressions are what a man would call the result of superficial observation, but however that may be, know l like the location of the town and found much commend able in my eyes.
 "Mena while high and healthful, is surrounded on all sides by the ''eter- nal bills" although in these mod ern days even these give way in time to the destructive hand of progression and improvement.
 II envy the people of this little town who can at any time turn away from the hurry and grim strife for ex- istence, and rest the eyes and the heart upon the pine-clad hills, for there is something spiritually resful about the stately pines, and their continual presence would be to me a constant suggestion of all that is lofty and strong in life, and tend to keep alive hopes of what life might be
 But l suppose that is being senti- mental, but still have not overlooked the fact that the wind that moans and whispers through the dark pines, gathers health-glving breath as it wends it's way through the mountains. and wanders laden:with the strength giving virtues of the pines over and about this charming Mena
 "Then too, think the people them selves appreciate their town and it's advantages to the fullest extent; they know what the location of the town has to recommend it. and they are all keenly and constantly interested in the growth of the place.
 T noticed one striking trait and that is that their faith is not all in the town as future great city. but they believe iii tue present Mena. It is not only 'Mena will be if &c, but. 'Mena is, and will continue to be thus and So, and think that for the successful growth of town, as to accomplish certain en ds in other desired things in life, faith and belief in the present is a necessary attribute for the success of the future.
 'Then was surprised at the size of the place; expecting to find a little railroad town of few hundred souls, but finding instead wide-awake city of over 4,000, with new residences in course of construction in every direct ion and all the houses neat and cosy Tn appearance.
 There are nnmber of handsome residences -those of Messrs. St John Landes, Olney, Byers, Smith, Rust and Jones being especially attractive.
 "Oh; like the place and believe in its present and it's future and find my self thinking Mena is, and Mena al- ways will be charming"
 In a private note, Miss Hammersly states that the verses following were suggested by remark made by the lady at whose home she was being en- tertained while showing her some painted china.
 In the fragile gilded bit of china
 My eyes no blemish saw,
 The dainty ware, the artist touch
 The flowers without flaw.
 But the stately lady who held it
 Sweetly said with thoughtful face
 Just here little piece is chippcd.
 But gilded the broken place.
 And but few eyes ever notice,
 Unless call to mind
 The place is so smoothly gilded.
 The break is hard to flnd"
 And thought how much the better
 When wounded in lifes race,
 To cover the wounds from the cold worlds
 gaze
 And gild the broken place,
 With well, perhaps "'tis best,
 Or maybe 'tis better so-
 And these lifes broken places The world would never know.
 
 nse~