The Mena weekly star., 1907-02-21
GERMAN
 IMMIGRATION
A Letter From An Enthusiastic Citizen. Rev. Geo. Kirscbke, Who Will
 Work for the Cause,

Are we desirous of showing the opportunities for German immigration into our city and surrounding country?
 Some time ago the undersig ned received the following letter:
 Dept. of Commerce and Labor,
 Washington, Dec. 3, 'O6. "Rev. George Kirschke,
 "Mena, Ark.
 "Dear Sir
 ITO help tie government show the opportunities for German im- migrants at Mena, l take tbe liberty to enclose somc blanks for information as to wha, families already settled there have accomplished. It will be . great favor if you will at your convenience obtain this informa tion for us. Very truly yours,
 ''Victers Clark y
 The government is desirous of showing the opportunities for German immigration into our city and surrounding country! Are we, the citizens of Mena, desirous to show the opportuni- ties? The undersigned has the following answer 10 offer: Il will, why and how"
 Why does the government de sire to do so2 For two reasons. First, because the Germans are, as rule, very desirable immi- grafton to any community. Their thrifty, honest and unpresuming ways have won the admiration of their fellow American citizens throughout the union.
 Second, because immigration of Germans to Arkansas has been so far, scarce indeed in proportion to that of other states.
 The writer has travelled ex- tensively from the Dominion of Canada 10 the Gulf of Mexico, and makes this statement from thorough personal observation. And why this scarcity of Ger man immigration to Arkansas! Is it case of "On d slow train through Arkansas?"
 Now, shall 1 Say yes nr no? Don't smile. Take II earnest. It is because the opportunities have not been shown for German inn migration. and if, then not in snch measure as 1t ought to b done. Shall il longer be sad: 'srhey are slow iu Arkausts?" Ought we not show the Germans of the North, who, on account If severe climate and scarcity of land at prices within the reach of those of smaller means, are de- sirous of moving South, tha, HERE are the opportunities they seek.
 Should we let them pass through Mena to other states simply because no one of their nationality should be found will ing to show them the opportuni- ties here? If, after being shown, they desire to go elsewhere let them depart in peace and even then what they did see here may induce them to return. And we need desirable German imnigra- ton. The church ou the hill, the schools, the college, the banks, the merchants, the real estate agencies, the hotels. the newspapers and the various oth'r enterprises, yea our Kansas City Southern railway needs them.
 Now, if the writer says "l will" do not take this as boast full nor as if he meant to convey the idea that no one else was willing. The very fact that the writer does bring this to the notice of the general public is a proof that he sincerely believes iu the good will of his fellow citi- zens and it is this wbich prompts his efforts. The writer has no lands to sell, is not connected with any land scheme, will not receive or take any financial gain, has no other axe to grind but the oue he IS turning the handle flor