The weekly soliphone., 1915-02-05

Believing the railroads in Arkan- sas are not receiving a square deal at the hands of the general assembly and that the depIorable conditions ex- isting in railroad circles in this state are due largely to harassing legisla- tion, representative citizens of Para gould yesterday afternoon held meeting in the Chamber of Commerce rooms and passed resolutions asking the general assembly to raise the pas senger rate from two to three cents and calling upon the lawmakers to cease antagonizing the railroads. It was shown that the railroads in Ar kansas are assessed at a higher per cent of value than any other prop erty in the state, that by orders of the railroad commission and acts of the legislature enormous additional expenses have been piled upon the roads while their sources of income have been cut down.
 In the decade from 1900 to 1910 the population of Arkansas increased from 1,311,564 to 1,574,449, or 20 per cent. Frequent reports from va rious sections of the state refer to new residents settling in different communities, the new settlers in many instances having removed from neighboring states. This indicates that the many opportunities abound ing in Arkansas are becoming gener- ally known and attracting permanent citizens and it is apparent the ratio of increase in population since 1910 has been as great, and probably greater than for the ten years pre- vious.
 Rreports of the U. $. census show the total acreage of Arkansas farms in 1910 as 17, 7,416,075 acres, of which 8,O76,254 were improved, against S. 953,735 improved acres in 1900, an increase of s per cent. In both pop ulation and in agriculture the state has shown a substantial gain but the third most important item, that of railroads, reveals a different condi- tion.
 Arkansas had 5019 miles of char tered railroads in 1910; and at the close of 1914 the mileage was 5200 miles, a gain of but three and six tenths per cent. There were less than 70 miles constructed in 1914 and re- ports at this time indicate a smaller mileage will be built in 11915. This makes it evident railroad construc- tion is not keeping progress with the state in other respects. There is one county without a single mile of rail- way and several counties have their facilities. With less than fourth of boundaries barely touched by railroad the 33, 1000 acres comprising the state in improved farm land, it is de- sirable that new railroads and eXten- sions keep pace with other lines of growth.
 On June 3Oth, 1912, the official mileage of railroads in Arkansas av- eraged 1O.04 miles per 100 square miles of area; on that date Missouri had 11.82 miles; Kansas 11.17 miles; Louisiana 12.52 miles; Iowa 17.79 miles and Illinois 21.37 miles.
 January 1st, 1915, there were 947 miles of railroad located in Ar kansas in the hands of receivers, or almost one-fifth of the states mile age.
 The impression prevails elsewhere that legislation against railways in Arkansas has been unduly severe, and as a consequence, but few new lines and extensions. are contemplat- ed. Future extensions and construc- tion will be retarded until this i'm pression is corrected and it becomes known that existing railroads, as well as new lines, will receive Hive and let live" treatment.
 The interests of the state and rail roads are closely related and it is being realized more year by year that no beneficial results are gained by continually harassing railroads and discouraging the investment of out side capital. Many think the time is not far distant when existing as well as future railroads may feel assured they will receiver proper considera- tion and not be exploited by politi- clans and others seeking to satisfy their personal ambitions.
 The resolutions passed at the meet ing yesterday, copies of which are