The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-19
NEW YORK EXPERT
 REVIEWS SITUATION IN FINANCIAL WORLD

(Barron Financial News Service.)
 New York, Dec, 19.-WaIl street has the Iong-awaited freight rate decision in it's possession but does not know exactly what to make of it. Opinions rendered by leading railroad men and bankers who closely follow railroad affairs are not unanimous. Regard legs of what the comparatively small coterie in the financial district may think, however, the effect from a stock market point of view must come from the conclusions to be formed by the general public all over the coun- try, for upon them does Wall street rely for it's support and maintenance. Much needed relief should come, how ever. to the railroads signing the pe- tition for a rate increase, notably the New England lines. Rigid economy must continue to be practised, how ever, in railroad operation which in conjunction with the added revenues to come from, the higher tariffs should materially alleviate the struggle un- der which the roads have been run ming for some time past. That the gist of the decision had been known in advance was apparent in the stock market where railroad shares under the leadership of Reading more than week ago started to discount the advance by rising steadily in price.
 The action of the Atlantic Coast Line and Louisville & Nashville Rail roads in reducing dividend payments to stockholders did not come as much of a surprise. These roads operate in a portion of the country most ad- versely affected by the war in Esu- rope. Te way for these reductions was blazed more or less by the Sea- board Air Line which passed it's pre- ferred dividend and the Southern Railroad which reduced it's preferred wien an made it payable in scrip. With the prostration of the cotton market. the buying power of the Southern states through which these roads operate has suffered severe blow. That has made itself felt in the heavy decline in demand for prac- ticaHy everything, and especially such goods as are cIassed by the railroads as miscelIaneous.
 A plan for the reorganization of the Kansas Natural Gas Company has been agreed upon by the United Gas Improvement, and various other inter ests in the company. This plan in cludes the reduction of the stock to $6, 100000 and all bonds will be reduced to actual cash paid therefore. Press ing obligations will be extended pend ing the completion of the reorganiza- tion. The receivers will remain in con- trol and the entire affairs of the conn pany including the plan and the elin-' ination of the water in the capitaliza- tion will be presented to the Kansas Utilities Commission
 (Henry C1ews.)
 The market is one that will require close watching and much discretion ill the selection Of investments. As aI-g ready stated, money promises to be cheap for some time to come, but cap itaI will command high rates because of the war. Decisive engagements on land or at sea will cause decided duc- tuations in this market Many of our own industries will profit by the war, and such securities are likely to re- fleet this advantage. All purchases should be made with close discrinina- ton, the market still being exposed to the yieissftudes of war; than which nothing is more uncertain. Securities with large international market should be handled with strict conserv- atis1n since too rapid advances will surely encourage liquidation. Home, industry seems on the verge of inn proxement The winter wheat acreage Is reported Il per cent. larger than last year, while the cotton acreage will undoubtedly be much eurtailed
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 The Belgian Relief Fund has reach ed the total of $683, ,015-