The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-06-28
tHenry c1ews' Weekly. Letter.)

sort seems imminent To the United States the consequences cannot be serious except in the unnecessary loss of life. Neither the creation of an army of 100000 to 100000 men, nor the expenditure of a few hundred millions of dollars will make any de- cided impression upon the vast re- sources of the United States. The ra- tio of costs and losses in war with Mexico would be very much lass than in case of the European war, and no such corresponding outlays for mun1- tions and transportation would be necessary No serious international difficulties are threatened by the Mex ican crisis. War intervention might revive the jeaIousies of South American States, which we have been sincerely trying to avoid with partial success, and which should pass away entirely as our Southern neighborS acquire better understanding of our intentions. War might raise some questions concerning our responsibil- itieS to other nations which, like our selves, have large interests in Mexico that would be vitally affected It is too early, however, to intelligently discuss such problems, and for the time being we are chiefly concerned with immediate action. We may first anticipate a period of excitement and an adjustment from peaceful to war like conditions. Mobilization of men, war finance, preparations and ship ment of munitions will each act as stinnulants and promote activity. Op- tirnisrn is one of the usual concomi- tants of war; yet it must be remem- bered that this war, should it really come, will be a relatively small affair, and that in a comparatively short period the country will become ac- customed to the new conditions and affairs will go on much as before. How long and how stiff 8. struggle is to be expected cannot be foretpld; nor ought it's difficulties to be underesti- mated, although the immense super. iority of the United States in re- sources and men indicates but one re- sult-war with Mexico cannot end un- til order, justice and a stable govern ment have been established upon firm basis In any event the task is a thankless one. Our government has already made it clear that it has no lust of conquest, nor territorial anbi- tions; a declaration that should be lived up to not only for our own good, but also as an example of good faith and good will between our selves and all South American Repub- lies For Mexico the war is 8 ser ciaI resources and difficulty in secur- ing adequate supplies of munitions de- feat is doubly certain.
 The domestic outlook for business continues encouraging. Yet, there are certain developments and growing drawbacks which should not be over looked. Some slackening of trade has already occurred owing to the excess i've rise of many commodities For example, in nearly all metals, which advanced because of the European war, there is a weakening tendency, and it would seem as if the turning point had at last been reached The steel industry, though active and still in excellent condition is quieter; de- mand is Less urgent, and premiums on quick deliveries have been abandoned Signs of coming weakness are also observable in copper, lead, spelter and other minerals, not so much be- cause of decline in demand, as be- cause of an increase in output. The same is true of petroleum which must soon feel the consequences of the tre- mendous development of new wells following increased consumption and abnormally high prices. These con ditions are not wholly discouraging. On the contrary, they prove progress and activity; also a necessary read justment to new economic conditions, and the fact that supply is >overtaking demand. Many commodities had reached a dangerously high level, often the result of reckless and un- sound speculation The days of ex- fravagant war profits derived from big European orders are drawing to a close. At. most it is safe to assume that the European war is about two thirds done; and that while munition orders will not cease suddenly. it is
 well to appreciate that henceforth they will play diminishing part in our trade and industrial activities From now on the industrials, which benefited so extraordinarily from the rnisfortunes of others, must face the inevitable recessions to more normal conditions.
 Peace is not yet in sight; yet the belief gains that 1t is not far distant and with its approach the forces o1 read5ustment will receive fresh i'm petus Whatever slackenfng there may be in domestic industry, the con. viction strengthens that our foreigr trade will make a big forward move
 ment, and that a vigorous contest fol supremacy in that direction is one o. the inevitable sequences. The United States needs larger foreign outlets fol it's expanding industrial energies, and must have them; but at the end of the European war will find itself seriously handicapped by high costs of produc
 ton. This will afford considerable advantage to our foreign rivals il their new start, especially to Germany which will bend every effort for re
 covery of her lost position in tn
 worlds foreign trade. Europe a1s' --s1I face handicapS in the form o
 =sss debts, high cost of living, scar city of skilled labor and higher wage than prevailed before the war. Una
 voidab1y trade rivalry will be keene
 than ever before in the worlds his tory: confirmation of this being al
 ready furnished by new efforts fl mercantile circles abroad for tarif treaties, discriminating duties and al dances are1 conventions of all sorts
 Unless all signs fail, the world is fl
 for a series of hostile tariffs, if no
 actual boycotts against the Centra
 Powers; a tendency much to be re