Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1918-05-15
Pine Bluffians Cordially Entertained and Fed
 We'll at Penal Farm
TO SEE RICE PLANT
 NEAR DEWITT TODAY
Travellers wert, Guests Last Night at "Fisli Fry" at Silver Lake, and Tonight are to Meet the People
 of Dewitt.

Twenty-Five Pine Bluff business men left here yesterday morning in six automobiles for a three-day trip thru Lincoln, Arkansas and Lonoke counties, under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce. The party had dinner at the Cummins convict farm at noon, and last night the mem bers were guests at "fish fry" at Silver Lake
 Finding that because of the high water in the Arkansas river they would be unable to cross the river at South Bend. the party returned to Pine Bluff last night, and will start from here this morning at o'clock for Dewitt. Ten members of the party phoned friends, urging them to join in the excursion today.
 We al having great time. and being entertained royalty" said See retary Bloom in charge of the con tingent. We would like to have all who failed to show up this morning, join the party tomorrow, when We start on the second leg of the jour- ney.'
 The first days journey was splendid, and were we'll pleased, ac- cording to information received by The Graphic last night from members Pine Bluffians will join the tourists today, at the Two Bar Rice farm or at Dewitt, which will be the night stop.
 The trip to the Cummins farm was pleasant, and the visitors were accord ed a hearty welcome there by the of ficals. headed by Commissioner J. F. McQuiston and Judge w. H. Coker. The meal served was the same as served the prisoners, with the addition of a few dishes. The guests had fish, and so did the prisoners. The excellent biscuits which provoked favorable comment, were the same kind of bis cults the convicts get often.
 During the meal and interspersing the after-dinner talks, there was music by the convict band, using in struments fashioned of cigar boxes, and other containers. Instead of a bass violin a big darky used broom stick and a finger. Drawing the stick across the finger, which rested on a board, the darky reproduced fairly we'll the sound of the instrument he ccunterfeited.
 With Commissioner McQuiston act ing as toastmaster, a number of good talks were made, each showing cor dialitv and a desire to promote the in terests of the entire section. Among the speakers were N. J. Can't, Jr.; Wade H. Knox, V. o Alexander, E. B. Bloom, Judge Coker, and Judge Ligon county judge of Lincoln.
 Several ladies, wives of officials at the farm, were present at the dinner and contributed greatly to the occa- sion.
 In the afternoon, the party inspect ed the farm buildings and crops. Five thousand acres are in cultivation, 2500 being in cotton, 1900 in ocrn, and the remainder in oats, hay and vegetable crops. Seventy-five acres are being used to grow castor beans, planted at the request of the national govern ment. The crops are in good condi- tion, and in fine state of cultivation.
 The South Bend Planting Com- pany's plantation was visited later in the afternoon, J. w. Crockett, the manager erecting the travellers, and going with them to the Silver Lake clubhouse.
 Secretary Bloom urged those who failed to start yesterday to meet them at the Two Bar Rice farm today Or at Dewitt tonight and complete the