| From the Arkansas True Democrat |
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| January 12, 1861 |
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| To the Honorable Members of the General Assembly of the State of
Arkansas |
| The undersigned would respectfully, but earnestly
invite the attention of the legislature to the following brief memorial
on behalf of the Mississippi, Ouachita & Red River railroad. This road
begun several years ago, has had to contend with many disadvantages, not
now necessary to be enumerated, but notwithstanding this, is now in a
condition to be carried forward with great celerity, provided it shall
be fortunate enough to receive some slight assistance from the State.
Several miles are completed on which the cars now run daily, carrying
passengers and freight. But should it stop here, as it will at present
be compelled to do, unless assisted by the State, the road would be of
little value to the people. |
| The company therefore respectfully ask for a loan of
one hundred thousand dollars, to enable them to proceed with the work.
This they ask under the same terms and conditions as now prescribed in
the case of the Memphis & Little Rock railroad at the present session.
With this exception, viz: |
| That a prospective clause be attached to the
bill making said loan, not allowing it to be carried into effect unless
the Governor of the State shall deem it unnecessary to withhold the same
for other purposes. It is true that this waiting for something to "turn
up" before we can get relief will rather retard our progress, but under
the circumstances, and not wishing to throw any obstacles in the way of
members who wish to assert our road upon its own merits, we willingly
and patiently submit to the delay that may thereby accrue to our road;
could we be furnished with fifty thousand dollars immediately
there would be no difficulty in employing our road to the "cut-off
hills" through the Mississippi bottom in eight months. And with one
hundred thousand dollars, complete it to Monticello, in Drew county, a
distance of 38 miles within 12 months from the date of receiving the
loan. In default of which we are willing to pay the State twenty five
thousand dollars, in addition to the loan secured by bond as above
stated. By this arrangement the State cannot possibly lose anything, but
in any event would be greatly a gainer. The loan would be amply secured,
and would be eight per cent. interest, not to speak of the advantage the
road would be to the southern portion of our State, nor of the influx of
population and wealth which would certainly ensue. A State cannot be
either rich or great while its citizens are poor and its population
sparse. Experience has demonstrated, that no means are so well adapted
to secure these ends as railroads. It would seem therefore, that this
matter should specially commend itself to the representatives of the
people, and that it should at least receive impartial consideration. |
| It is urged by some as an objection to this loan, that
the State should not part with her money while the present unhappy
disturbances in our government are unadjusted. This objection your
memoralist has removed by asking nothing of your honorable body in the
way of money until those causes shall have ceased to exist, while at the
same time he is mindful of the interests of the State as any of her
citizens, would beg leave to suggest that the sum at present in our
treasury, would, in case of war or invasion, be soon exhausted; and that
the people in their present condition could not bear much heavier
taxation. He believes, therefore, that the most effectual method of
providing against aggression, or for defence, is to extend real
encouragement to such works of internal improvements as would bring into
the State increase of population and wealth. He will not trespass upon
your patience by a recital of advantages to be derived from this or
similar enterprises. They are apparent and familiar to all. He will
merely add that in case of war, the people of Arkansas, alone, would be
unable at present to furnish the necessary means to carry it on
successfully. We would be compelled to borrow, and unless we place
ourselves in a prosperous condition we could not expect credit abroad.
Those who would now refuse to trust the State, would not do so if she
were provided with a system of railroads furnishing means of
transportation for the varied products of her rich and fertile lands. |
| The donation of land proposed to be granted to our
road, will be of incalculable benefit and advantage, and with money
enough in addition to take us through the Mississippi bottom, or to
Monticello, will secure the early completion of our road to Camden. That
this road is not a mere experiment, but that it will pay handsome
dividends may be inferred from the fact that good and responsible men
have proposed to lease it when completed through the bottom (distance 20
miles,) at a rent of six thousand dollars per month, giving ample
security for the payment of the amount. |
| These suggestions, hurriedly thrown together, are not
intended as an argument of the question, but simply as a means of
calling your serious attention to the subject, and with the hope that
your decision will be for the best interest of all concerned, they are
respectfully submitted. |
| Jas. Thos. Elliott |
| President M. O. & R. R. R. Company |
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