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Newspaper
Mena Star
Location
Mena, Arkansas, United States of America
Date
Oct 19, 1898
Page
4
Citizens of Mena advocate steady growth and oppose private control of public utilities. They argue for unified city water works and lighting under one management to save costs, avoid long term private franchises, and prepare for municipal ownership in the future.
A Carthage Press excerpt cites Wasen Minnesota as a warning to cities considering lighting. Before its public electric plant Wasen paid private firms 2200 dollars to light 3000 residents and 0.2 dollars per 1000 volts to households. After connecting with water works five years ago Wasen provides cheaper brighter incandescent lighting at ten cents per 1000 volts. Officials note city owned plants cut rates by 25 to 50 percent and improve service, urging public ownership of lighting and water utilities.
Governor Tanner of Illinois condemns miners and mine owners in Verd en dispute over labor importation. He labels owners avaricious and urges action against undesirable immigrant labor, signaling strong stance amid industrial conflict. PMID: none.
The governor declares the incident intolerable in Illinois and accuses the president and officers of the company of murder for their role in bringing imported labor to the riot. He predicts indictment by the Macoupin County grand jury and conviction for the violent offense.
The piece argues Mena could reach 10,000 residents in a few years and warns that no city council should grant a long exclusive franchise without explicit city purchase rights. It condemns a twenty year term as politically dangerous given modern precedents and the need for municipal control.
The community favors a city owned water system as the right direction. Rail line and townsite interests refuse private ownership, urging municipal ownership instead, signaling concern for the town’s welfare.
The undeveloped resources of Western Arkansas are varied and unlimited. It takes time and capital to bring them forth, but we have plenty of time, and capital is coming and will continue to come as we show that it can be safely and profitably invested.
The new court house for Poll county, designed by architect Hydrick and chosen by the commissioners, will be a fine building that enhances the appearance of Mena upon completion.
Cotton pickers in the country are busy cleaning up their fields the gins are busy cleaning and baling and growers are hauling their product to Mena continuing the harvest season in the area.
The thrifty farmer, after gathering and caring for cotton, now turns to corn, filling bins and barns for the coming winter climate and needs.
Large cotton shipments head to the Mena market sourced from Scott and Montgomery counties. Growers purchase their farming supplies locally, reinforcing regional commerce and supply chains.
Citizens in Mena emphasize communal effort fueling the town’s steady growth and development as residents rally around shared projects and civic participation.
The season's first frost appeared white and cool Tuesday morning, with forecasts suggesting promising developments for Mena, Polk County, and the state of Arkansas.
Washington October 17 Secretary Alger said the War Department will not act against Maj Seaman surgeon of the first volunteer engineers for speaking freely about his war observations He affirmed officers and men may voice truth without fear of consequences and pledged full protection for witnesses before the war investigation commission The aim is clear facts and no effect on promotions or standing from testimony to the commission
Washington reports show June 30, 1898, documented American merchant shipping at 22,705 vessels totaling 4,749,738 tons, up from 22,633 vessels and 4,769,020 tons in 1897. Steam tonnage stands at 6,712 vessels totaling 2,471,925 tons, vs 6,599 vessels and 2,353,558 tons last year. Also notes widespread sales of Hewitt's Witch Hazel Salve.
A river of brief items from Arkansas papers covers walnut lumber for Germany, county wheat and cotton forecasts, a steamboat project, waterworks jokes, a musical clock anecdote, libel skepticism, soldiers’ duties, and local election and education musings. Notable mentions include De Queen Bee, Fort Smith Elevator, Siloam Springs Republican, Warren Sentinel, Nashville News, Cross County Democrat, England Courier, Arkansas Gazette, Augusta Free Press, Lincoln County Ledger.
W C Post of Battle Creek proposes post checks for small payments via the post office. Checks would be negotiable, with a stamped coupon, redeemable at a post office. A bill will be submitted to treasury and postal departments seeking congressional endorsement, backed by business support.
An advertisement extols Dr Sawyer's Arnica and Witch Hazel Salve as a natural remedy for skin diseases eczema piles burns scalds cuts and flesh wounds. The copy highlights public trust in the product and mentions Jackson Drug Covoy as a local outlet.
Havana reports Gen. Maximo Gomez, insurgent commander in chief, to arrive this week for talks with military commissioners and a meeting with Gen. Perico Diaz in Pinar del Rio. It is believed Gomez has been elected president of the Cuban government, with nomination to be announced after his Santa Cruz del Sur visit on October 20.
The Holston conference at Morristown endorses Barbee and Smith regarding a Civil War war claims case. Dr. R. A. Price, editor of the Midland Methodist, who condemned their action, resigns. The dispute centers on a $288,000 damage claim for publishing house property used during the Civil War.
Continued sales rise for Dr Sawyer's Wild Cherry and Tar as the best cough remedy on the market. Jackson Drug Co. reports strong demand with November 1 notice.
Brief items report Alex Brinkley hanged at Eilton Arkansas for the 1897 murder of Dr. G C Chamness with his last words denying involvement. Also covered are M V Lawson’s purchase of fruit farming influence, Spain ordering trumpets from a US maker, the Mohegan wreck near the Lizards coast with heavy loss, Col A P Robinson’s death at Conway, Howard Gould’s marriage to Katherine Clements and estate dispute, indictments against Jesse James Jr and others for a train robbery, a deadly riot at Virden Illinois over miners and black workers, and violent clashes with lawmen and strikers.
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