Decatur County Journal
December 9, l897

R.T. DOWNEY returned last Thursday from Paragould, Arkansas, where he
and C. CORBETT went about six weeks ago in company with a car load of
horses. In the course of his remarks regarding that portion of the
state, which he visited, MR. DOWNEY said that he rather liked the place
as a location to visit for a few weeks, but added that he would not wish
to farm there, for the reason that the land is too rough.

There were other objections MR. DOWNEY mentioned, immaterial however, as
far as an item of news is concerned, But "Bob went through some exciting
army experience in the south with the boys in blue, during '63 and '65,
and for this reason his recent trip south revived some old time
recollections of the manners and customs of the southern people in the
remote rural districts.

The old women down there are still enjoying their customary allowances
of snuff, and can smoke as much "long green" tobacco as their
predecessors could during the war. The spirit of chivalry appears not
to be as great down there as it is in southern Iowa, for "Bob" relates
how a farmer riding a mule drove up to a country store and purchased
some "long green" and snuff. Following closely in the rear of this
rural rustic was his wife on foot, carrying an infant. About the only
good quality "Bob" could discern, was when the traveller left the store
and advancing to his wife, gave her her allowance of the tobacco, but he
was somewhat surprised to observe that the husband placed the tobacco to
her mouth in the manner one might feed a mule, and that she bit off her
chew without using her hands.

It will be some time before that system of etiquette will be in vogue in
southern Iowa, as the good sisters would rightfully rebel at such an
outrage on dignity and breach of good manners. But then men everywhere
occasionally become forgetful, and sometimes, but not often, we see
women compelled to chop wood to keep up fires, while their husband might
be found in some store explaining the cause of poverty and how our
social existence can be improved.

In conclusion about Arkansas, corn is worth about 27 cents to 28 cents a
bushel; new Paragould whiskey, manufactured at private stills, about $2
a gallon. As to the quality, of course Robert could not say. In all, he
enjoyed his trip and has enough jokes and information for the boys that
will last the remainder of his days, which "your humble
servant"--literary critics please excuse the phrase--hope will be many.
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Whew!! I wouldn't have made a very good wife back then; pardon me, but
that fella would've walked and had the babies -- and whatever else. N
 

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