The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-07-12
PROSPERITY HERE. TO STAY,' ASSERT
 BUSINESS HEADS

The prosperity which various lines of industry and trade now enjoy in the United States is not of artificial growth, and will continue after war in Europe is ended, according to in- formation obtained at first hand from 1,71O leading business men in all parts of the country who have their fingers directly on the pulse of affairs. This number of replies has been received by Harris. Winthrop and company, of New York, who sent out a series of questions to 4,000 representatives business men. The responses, while entirely nonpartisan, are, in effect, a striking tribute to the achievements of the Democratic administration ana hopeful augury for the future.
 Strong for Preparedness.
 Atvast majority of the replies ex- press satisfaction with the Federal re- serve law assert that credits have not been inflated. favor taking the tariff out of politics by the creation Of Tariff Commission and endorse. liberal provision for preparedness, without which, they feel, our foreign trade cannot expand as it should. At the same time, the spirit of American
 
 has greatly increased. In fact, busi- ness conditions are even better than had been supposed.
 The questions and answers are sum- marked as follows:
 1. Will your business be directly affected by peace in Europe? |, Yes, 728; No, 75O.
 2. Is the consumption of the goods k,;I1 ,fo, ciably reduced by the relatively high CT prices now prevailing?
 Yes, 229; no 1,088.
 8. Is there any unemployment of labor in your section?
 Yes, 215; no, 1882.
 A Is labor in your neighborhood contended with the wages that are now being paid?
 Yes, SS7; no, 59s.
 B. If to the formen question you answer mo-" do you think there is, any serious probability of important strikes during the coming summer?
 Yes, 309; no, 300.
 6. Are the business men with whom you come in contact satisfied with the operation of the Federal reserve law?l Yes, 1,244; no, 157.
 z. Do the business men with whom you come in contact feel that there is any imitation of currency or credit, in this country?
 Yes Ns07; no, 1,149.
 8. Are the people in your section constructively active? That is are they building new houses, enlarging their plants or making permanent improve ments that bespeak their confidence in the future?
 Yes 1,22s;, No. 3o1.
 Majority for Tariff Board.
 g. Are the business men in your ton shall be taken out of politics by the creation of a tariff commission?
 Yes, 1,416; no, 65.f
 10. It is said and generally believed that the market for real estate is the last thing to reflect. prosperity. Is it becoming more active in your sec- ton?
 Yes, 985; no. 500.
 II. Is the feeling of antagonism to- ward the railroads in your section abating or erpsistent?
 Abating, 1880; persistent, 123.
 12. Would an advance of say 5 per cent. in railway freight rates be gen. erally paid without serious protest by the Shippers or consignees in your community? iI
 Yes, 912; no, 561.
 13. Are the wage earners in your section disposed to save or is greater I extravaganza the result. of better times?
 Seven hundred and sixty-one an- swered: They are saving; 520 an- swered Increased earnings have led to greater extravaganza.
 A. Is public sentiment in your sec