Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1914-06-16

ordinarily employed 900 men who
draw wages amounting to 100000 a
month. 1t is estimated that no less
than 5000 men secure livelihood for
themselves and families by employ
ment in the manufacturing plants of
Pine Bluff, and for their services they
receive something like half a million
dollars per month, the greater part
of which considerable sum finds it's
way into the Golfers of the local mer-
chants.
Public improvements.
In view of the fact that much of the
improvement of streets and parkways
in the city has beeen effected by vol
untary effort of the landowners under
the improvements district method,
there has been every demonstration of
public-spiritedness on the part OF the
citizens. At present, hardly a day
passes but what some new improve
ment district for the laying of streets
or sidewalks is formulated. AS re-
suit OF the attitude of the citizens to-
wards such improvements, the city is
one of the prettiest and cleanest in
the state, beautified by attractive
homes, and miles of we'll kept streets
and sidewalks, and soon to enjoy the
added benefits of an elaborate parking
system.
Thirty years ago, when paved
streets were rarity in cities many
times the size of Pine Bluff, this city
hrst. commenced to pave it's streets.
At first, but two blocks on Main street
from Barraque to Third avenue were
paved; then similar work was accom-
pllshed on Barraque from Main to
Chestnut; the paving was continued
until eleven blocks had beeen covered.
Then Fifth avenue was graveled sever
al years afterwards, and finally a few
years ago was paved with the most en-
during grade of pavement. During the
years or 1903 and 1904, there was the
greatest activity in the improvement
OF streets, and sixty blocks were COW
cred with asphalt paving or creosoted
blocks or bricks. Since then there
mas been no cessation of paving opera
tons, either by individuals or the
city, so that now there are fifteen
miles OF paved streets, and 80 miles
OF cement sidewalks. The sewerage
system was inaugurated some years
ago, land comprises fifty miles of SAM
tary sewer and seven miles Of storm
sewer, which keeps the city we'll
drained under the most extreme con-
ditions.
The most significant Improvement in
recent years, and one contributed
to chiefly by the residents of the city,
Is the construction Of the Free Bridge
across the Arkansas river at q point a
few miles above Pine Bluff. This un-
dertaking was pending for a couple of
years before work was commenced,
Duts the contractors are now busy
rushing it's construction. Upon COM
pletion it will cost $625,00 and will
be one of the most magnificent and
adequately built structures of it's kind
in the state. There will be provision
for pedestrians, vehicles and trains,
Two railroads, as well as an inter-
urban line, will operate over the
bridge. This will be the means 3 Of
bringing: to Pine Bluff an amount Of
trade from a rich section of the coun-
ty and state that heretofore could not
be attracted to this city owing to the
barrier presented by the river; and in
general will afford a means of en-
trance and egress that will prove in
every manner decided advantage to
Vine Bluff. This is one of the greatest
achievements of the people here, and
is strong evidence of their aggres-
siveness and far-sightedness,