The Mena weekly star., 1918-05-02


 scrupulous politicians, and by the greed of the grafter. The church spires pointing Heavenward seemed to say that earth, however fair, is not our abiding home.
 After gazing long and intentiy on this entrancing sight, I again turned to my seeress, who was beginning to show signs of impatience, with lvng- ing, questioning look, which she ai.- swered thus:
 What Art not yet satisfied Tell me what more thou desirest."
 To which tremblingly replied: Thou hast shown me much that as brought happiness and contentment, but ere thou departest give me, pray thee, little knowledge concerning the future of that Fearl of the ukarks, Mena."
 Then the Sibyl, in answer, said: "Whatl Canst thou not understand that all this abundant prosperity could not belong to thy state without bring ing bountiful results to each and sv- cry section?'
 Then with rather an impatient wave of her hand, there appeared a. on canvas, our fair little city, but with so many changes I was at first bewil- dered The fine churches and school buildings attracted my attention, showing, as they did, that the spirit ual and intellectual needs of the Ieo- pie were at least equally careu for with the physical. In place of ths old Library building, which had stood for many years an eloquent monument sv the ardent zeal and untiring effort of the pioneer members of our club {. whom be great honor given), there stood an imposing bsiek structure set in well kept grounds. Several fine hotels spoke of the popularity of the town as a summer and winter resort. Two fine hospitals seemed to say that the sick and afflicted would be care fully cared for, and not for the sake of money alone, for I was informed that Arkansas had passed law that phy- sicians are to receive salary for keeping people well, and receive nv:h- ing extra for operations. A sanitor- ium for convalescents, with bea it.fei surroundings suggested peace md quiet, and finally health for it's 'n- mates. A '. M. c. A. building, with it's variety of amusements, sym nasium, large bath house, golf links and club house conveniently near, provided, in part at least, suitable and healthful recreation.
 In the same block with the Library building I was shown another eql l.ally imposing, with high steps and Ionic pillars. Over the door 1 read "Wom- ans Literary Club" This club had at length attained to the ideals of scme of it's founders; it was large depart- ment club, and lectures on all kinas of topics, science, literature, art, were giyen by men and women prominent in their departments each year. The building contained large assembly room with a wide, deep stage; smaller rooms for club and committee meet large reception room; we'll stocked library for the use of the memb rs, and kitchen with all sorts of con- veniences. If my eyes could possibly have opened wider, this club home would have caused them to do so But as l was already in danger of b ing labeled "popeyed," it was imposs bic.
 The we'll Kept homes and street of this almost perfect town next rece we'd my attention. No waste paper or other litter anywhere. So 1 conclud- ed that the embryo of our faithful Civic Committee had grown into a strong civic club with high ideals, and courage to carry the same to perfec- tion.
 As my vision was able to take in some distance outside the town prop CT, saw with delight "The Peak, ' the last object a Menaite looks upon when departing from home, and the first to welcome the homesick trav- eler on his return.
 But--I now looked with wonder and surprise upon it--and my erstwhile patient Sibyl, now beginning to show faint signs to the contrary, in answer to nay curious questions, told me that what I saw was a fine automobile road winding around the sides of the mountain and thence to Rich Noun tain and Mt. Mena, and that the larg- est of the picturesque buildings saw of the picturesque buildings saw was tea house or wayside inn, and the others were summer cottages.
 was also told that much of Mena's prosperity was due to the untiring eff forts of the Commercial Club and the good roads advocates. For model highways had been built in all direc- tions to meet those of the adjoining counties, and an interurban car line connecting Mena with Hot Springs and Little Rock. Another thing that gave great qualification was to learn that any persons found guilty of any dis loyalty to the government--evinced either by word or deed-were sem tenced to hard labor, pounding stone for the upkeep of these roads.
 By this time was in an almost ecstatic state at all this smiling plen- ty and prosperity, but my curiosity was not yet fully satisfied, and l ex claimed: But tell me, was oil or gas, or any mineral in paying quantities ever found near Mena?" Imagine my surprise when I was informed that within the old city limits had been found a pool equal to the famous FL