Year: 1866



 regard that State pride and fondness for To- cality, which are so deeply rooted in human nature Born in Johnson county, and raised and educatedin Washington, and having been idcn- tifed with the State from childhood, 1t is natu- ral that I should feel great anxiety for her growth and prosperity. By consulting the map ofthe State, and examining the collection of facts deduced by geological investigation, it will be seen that we possess all the natural resources of q powerful people. All that IS requisite now, is, that artificial assistance which will improve these advantages, and con vert them into forms of practical utility. Ma ture has been lavish in her gifts, and has not left us without signal tokens of providential regard. The Mississippi river laves our en- tire eastern border. Red river separates us from Texas on the West, and four navigablc rivers of respectable size traverse the State from north to south, and scatter fertility as they flow Now if we can obtain competent number of railroads judiciously located, so as to supply the inadequacies of water transporta- tion, we will have surmounted the principal ODSIdClCS ludb uluucI Oul Vi .o In my humble opinion, the Des Arc, Darde- nelle & Fort Smith Railroad, would be more productive of desirable results than any other enterprise of similar cost and magnitude, to which attention could be directed. am in favor of inaugurating the work at an early day. The plan by which subscriptions are to be secured has been embodied in resolutions, and will no doubt be subject to such altera- tons as the wants of the people require The delay which some urge would bring us no not only suicidal waste of time, but it isa cowardly shrinking from duty; and by de- stroying the power of motives, it weakens our inclinations to pursue any substantial good. The argument that we are premature in our eff forts, is no more than was insisted upon be- fore the war I admit that the people are paralyzed as it regards available means, but they have real estate, upon which loan can safely be predicated. Lands thus hypotheca- ted can be redeemed if desired, for such is the that surplus wealth must soon be created In addition to individual subscription, we are confdentCongress will extend valuable aid for such is the commanding importance of this road, that it's claims cannot be overlooked.

 Iknow that the idea of building railroad from Des Arc to Fort Smith. overawes some persons at first, and the possibility of such a thing is questioned. But by comparing this undertaking with others more expensive and difficult, confdencei is gradually inspired, and the conception is brought down to easy comprehension. In the route proposed, we have no Alleghany mountains to climb, no long tunnels to cut no Victoria bridge to con truct It does not pass through a cheerless waste destitute of materials, but country abounding in everything necessary to rapid prosecution of the work. If railroads have been carried successfully through the most sterile and unproductiye regions, it does seem that we should not be incredulous and disheart- ed when we have soil that yields so exuber- berantly.

 It seems to me highly appropriate that we select this juncture for commencing the work. There is but little division of feeling at pres ent, but rivalries and dissensions will soon spring up, that will materially embarass our operations. The empire of thought, as well as the Government, has experienced revolu- tion, and while there is disposition among the people to be actively engaged, we should commence this needful railway. If thought my native State would remain laggard and never feel the full round pulse of a noble pub lie spirit throbhing in her veins, I would hide my facein sAame

 The citizens of Helena are taking step in the right direction, and their example is worthy of emulation. They have sent a dele gation to St. Louis to confer with the Cham Der of Commerce, concerning the extension of the Iron Mountain railroad to Helena This subject has been in agitation but short time, and already New York capitalists have started over the proposed route for the purpose of making large investments in land. If we la bor energetically for OUR RAILRoAD-get it be- yond the point of vague conjecture, and give to it the sembance ofreality-capitala and pop ulation will be attracted; and an upward i'm pulse will be imported to our State. c

 If this road could be consummated, the ben eft that will accrue would surpass enumera- tion. It would be new era in our history, It would place us in easy communication with the North western portion ofthe State; would facilitate travel and force into our markets the products ofa vast agricultural region. It would give an impetus to all the useful avoca- tions, would develop our mineral wealth, con- duceio general intelligence, and bind our peo- pie together by ties of mutual interest. I hope the day is not remote, when I can step on the train at Des Are, and in few hours reach the home ofmy early days.

 1 Respectfully,

 J. l.. DENTON.

 The following resolutions were present.