The courier-index., 1917-08-17
LITTLE ROCK LETTER.
By CLIO HARPER.

OY OL1O HAM 6As.
 Little Rock, Aug. 7.-Never before have the banks of Arkansas been in such a prosperous condition. New CT before has there been so much money on deposit in the state. Con- iitions are abnormal in many re- spects. but the deterrent influence cf war is not being felt by the D ,ople of Arkansas. Prices may be high and going higher, but the pro ducer never got so much for his produce. The farmer as a rule, es- pec;ally the thrifty farmer, is pros pering as never before.
 The total deposits of the 38S state banks of Arkansas have in- creased from $49, 9,6S9,396.37. on June 90, 1916, to s72,480.322.77 on June 20, 1917. and the total resources of fhe same banks increased during the same period from $7O,9S9.135.S6 to e94,O05, ,8O2.17. The banks are car rying a total of s1,630,S29.34 in loans on cotton. which is below the normal. In one year the legal re- serve of the banks has increased from 31.6 per cent to 36.1 per cent and two years ago it was 27.6. Two wears ago the individual deposits amounted to s2O,4O4, ,157.77, one year ago they had increased to S28, ,84o'- 235.S5, and at the least report they were s39, 8,870.44, an increase of nearly one hundred per cent. In two years the saving deposits have increased from s3.897. .547.15 to ST. 7s5, ,75S.55, indicative of the rapid growth of the thrift habit among the citizens of Arkansas.
 There are signs and signs, Arkan- sas could contribute several mem- bers for Luke McLuke's Names-ls- Names Club. Thozc who imagine that the -than-bone law has driven out the saloon altogether will find that they are mistaken by walking down West Markham street where sign will be found, 'Dinty Moore's Bone Dry Saloon Of course. nothing but Sunday School drinks are served there. But the most strictly original sign is on a shingle in McRae. White county, which reads, Underground Furni- ture for Sale Here" Being inter- preted, that means collins, or cas- kets.
 Prof. J. H. Hineman, superinten- dent of the State school for the Blind is conducting a widespread propaganda for the prevention of blindness. He contends, and medi- cal research bears him out, that the greater proportion of all blindness is preventable, being due to disease of childhood.
 Better to care for your babys eyes than to have him blind" is the thing that is attempting to teach all over the state. He is advocat- ing, therefore. well-baby clinics, on the theory that it is easier to keep a baby we'll than it is to cure it after it has become ill.
 Ordinary precautions that might be adopted by all mothers are em- phasized in the literature that is being distributed.
 The bright sun should not be per- mitted to shine in baby's eyes.
 The baby should no. be permit ted to play with scissors. pencils, button-hooks, or other sharp instru- ments.
 Fireworks and other explosives should not be permitted in their possession.
 Especial attention should be giv- en to guard against scarlet fever, whooping cough, and other com municable diseases, which often cause blindness.
 The child must have plenty of sleep, fresh air, wholesome food. pure water and cleanliness.
 The educational interests of the state are not suffering on account ef the war. All schools report. splendid prospects and there have been more Chautauquas held in the state this summer than usual A former Little Rock man, Ed Wiley. head of big conservatory in Mem phis, has just organized the Nam moth Spring Educational Encamp- ment, which is to be regular sum-