Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-03-22

multitude the assets seem to be uneven
ly divided. The term ''muld-millionatre
has become offensive to many million
people The creators Of much of this
concentrated wealth are dead-have died
within five or ten years. The public en-
dured them while they were alive. Most
of the survivors and associates OF this
coterie of successful marvels are not
monumental in achievement. The new
generation of the would-be dictators of
financial policies and the industries
of the land have not yet produced any
wonders.
Public Confidence Lacking.
AS a matter of fact, the direction of
large affairs is no longer in the hands of
men for whom the public has unusual re-
spect or in whom they lack the confidence
that should be and must be in the
makeup OF those who are responsible for
active management. Those who still con-
troll the bulk Of the money that is used to
carry on business and develop the natural
resources are sitting back and refuse to
resume live participation in enterprises.
They oppose any further investment Tor
large, Immediate expansion and think
they are doing all that Is required OF
them If they hold their own. That many
of them have adopted policy Of curtail-
ment is shown by the hundreds Of thou
sands Of men who have lost their Jobs.
A great deal is being said and written
about improvement in business in many
quarters. All this sort of conversation
is being received at a discount. Men OF
the largest experience are the men who
hold back.
There is plenty Of capital to do an the
business that could offer, and 1t Is ready
to go ahead If satisfactory guarantee can
be made that they and their properties
shall be under full protection.
The money markets would be able with
out trouble to meet all demands for
legitimate purposes. The problem with
those who have the surplus capital Is as
to whether they will not be serving the
best interests Of the nation as well as
their own localities by organizing strong
ly against taking chances unnecessarily
involving property values and personaI
safety. Very few have the nerve to be
sure" Of what is going to happen in poll
tics, finance and industry. Before the
current Industrial reaction began q few
months ago there was reasonable prospect
of a progressive era of Improvement and
expansion in every line OF legitimate en-
terprise. The average OF conditions is not
satisfactory as yet and expressions Of
hopefulness and confidence do not appear
to be quite so convincing as to carry the
force Of real confidence.
Wise Men Avoid Extravaganza.
The estimates Of business results in the
near future are not bright. It is entirely
too early to indulge in gloomy gospel.
however. Crop conditions are about as
good as the average If not a trifie better.
This favorable symptom is not being over
done by the preachers Of good times. The
wise men are waiting for the prophecies
to materialize before letting themselves
be extravagant. It Is we'll to note that
the healthy outlook is for recovery.
Among one Of the first developments of
consequence will probably be seen or
ders by railroads upon the manufacturers
of steel rails and equipment They have
just about enough rolling stock to handle
the traffic at its present volume. II ex-
pectations of big crops are realized there
win inevitably be lot of rush orders
for freight cars. A few of the big sys-
TENS were provident enough to lay In
vision against just such situation as we
are now enjoying.