The Mena weekly star., 1908-05-07
Dr. Lively's Comments.

he Star reporter met Oi' w. Lively Wednesday, who re- turned to Mena Monday after a two weeks trip to Texas ana Louisiana. Dr. Lively said:
 "Yes, I have passed through these two sections and find con- ditions much as they are in Mena slow and dull. This is not limited to any one section or in- dustry, it seems to be general.
 "The incessant rains have put farmers behind-outslde of that crops are all right. Farmers are doing their best putting in every acre and living close and keeping close to the willows. They are risking nothing but the crops and seasons, If nothing worse comes they will be all right in the fall and the bottom soil will be on top.
 "The fruit cropis immense and it is now practically safe. The recent blizzard and freeze north and east will do this section no harm. It is au i'll wind that blows nobody good luck. The southwest will be on hand with a jumbo crop of frnit. We passed through one orchard of 10000 peach trees. They are mainly the Elberta, Mamie Ross and Governor Hogg. They are load ed to the limit. Down in Texas this fruit crop is looked to as a set off to old Hard Times
 Recent rain storms, cloud- bursts and tornadoes have played havoc in some places. At Fort Worth thousands were made homeless and put on the charity list.
 l "The only boom we found was in Texas. It is a political one. It's a square fight between Bailey and anti-Baileyism and the war is hard and hot. The only good feature about this fusilade is that it will end in few days and the common people can settle down to something better if not so excit- ing.
 "From what we see in all this panicky time and political wraug- ling, it's the little home builder and farmer who is safest. He don't expect much, and he is dead sure not to be disappointed. Its the big ones in the main who have got the cramps about now. When millionaires get to scrap pm and fighting, the little razor back fellows berter lay low and keep still. He will come out best in the long run. If the little fellow can get toe hold and hold on until these big fellows get through with their wraugling, they will be all rig
 "Everywhere we find people cutting down expenses and draw ing in their financial limits. They are not risking much. Its here's one and there's the other. So far this is good. It IS much needed reform and education. Really people have been risking too much and spending too much money. Values have been too high. People were making plenty of money but it all went. This was unnatural and the leveling up had to come.
 "All told, however, we are bordering on a better condition and nearing a great era of pros- perity. This will come slow and will not set in much until another president and administration is installed. We venture 10 predict that Arkansas. Texas and Louisl. ana will enter upon a line of general prosperity unknown be fore. These states are to expand and develop into great southern empires. They are vet in their swaddling clothes and just get ting ready 10 merge from their craddleland and babyland.
 The wise man sees thls and gets ready for the wagon. The best thing plain, good man can do IS to get him a home and land. The man who is much in debt now is in betwixtity. He has his nose to the grindstone and 1t just grinds on, Sunday and Mon- day-wet or dry. It is all true that some men make money by going in debt. All depends upon the man and conditions, but the average little fellow better hug the willows and run on one en- zine.
 Most of us want too much and we risk. The best thing is to have Home Sweet Home and a reasonable plenty. So far as Mena is concerned she will come right along and some day will don the garments of a fine city. My old friend, Dr. Lindsay is right. Mena is the best town in Arkansas, Texas or Louisiana. '" |