The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-10
HENRY CLEWS { WEEKLY LETTER

The country's energy is being con- centrated with greater and greater intensity upon the war. Events on the front have not lately been of a stimulating character, owing to the breakdown of Russia and the conse- quent check upon the British at the Western front, as well as upon the Italians in the South. The stoppage of the British is probably only tempo rary, and due chiefly to reinforce ments from the Russian front. In reality. there is no reason for discour- agement Temporary setoacKs are 1n- evitable; and the one central thought to be kept in mind is that the Allies are growing stronger each month, while the enemy becomes steadily weaker. This applies even more pos lively to morale than to physical su- perfority of the Allies. The German Government knows these facts, but fears to let the people learn any sem blance of the truth. There Is no doubt that the British and French will be able to hold the Germans until our army is ready to make it's initial drive, and possibly they will make IIUElQcE 10l14c1A evidently alarmed at the ease with which defenses deemed impregnaDie have been shattered, and are prompt ly changing their tactics from trench inarfare to fighting in the open, which win better suit the inclination Of the sAIlies
 As to peace prospects, there are no Indications whatever of a willingness on the part of the Germans to assent ,to conditions which the Allies will aurelv impose. Unless Germany yields fhera will be no peace possible until The Allies win victory. President Wilson in his splendid opening ad- dress to Congress plainly told Ger many of our determination to win fhia war and to reject all peace pro posals until Germany was ready to give ample justice and reparatlon. II his plain language, placing upon Ger man rulers responsibility for the ter rfble crimes of this war, but could reach the German people; and could thev but learn the true aims of the Allies. and see how they have been deceived and misled by the brutal. selfish autosracy which governs them, there would be some hope Of a return 10 reason in the min1 of Germany. Mir. Wilson's message to congress will consolidate and strengthen pup 1lc opinion at home, hearten those at the front and convince the world or our fixed determination to win the war by 1nrestrained use Of all our re- sources.
 cannot speak in too high praise of the Presidents message. It is most clear in it's condemnation of the wrongs done by the despotism of those who represent autocracy, but IS equally clear in stating frankly. our duxy tos our allied enemies when they are conuuered. The President calls our attention also to our duty to our own government, and asks Congress for new powers so that the admins trafiou can cope with the situations as they have developed and will de- yelup. especially situations that are abnorrnal owing to the sefishness or greed Of unpatriotic citizens or our own country. The whole message 1eens with patriotism and common sense and will rank as one of the greatest papers that ever emanateo from the White House.
 Next to the war and the opening of congrees, the most important event of the week was the report of the In- fezsta4e Commerce Commission While merely suggestive, the report was un- expeoted1y liberal, although not sat- lctory in all respects. It recon- msended that Congress suspend the aut1-poc1ing and antitrust laws, ex- cept in cases of competing roads; ex- eeud government loans to roads when ns4aed, and, to regulate security is-
 HS The report was disappointing fn fAa4 1t failed to provide for tn- creased rates, and suggested govern uinut operation as an alternative. The wh0fD question will be thrown into Congreas and will probably be the eub5sct Of more or less strenuous dis- cusslon. DnqueetionaD1y the best plan would be: unity of operation; a pooling system; necessary loans with RoyeFnment guarantee. and such ad- vaness in rates as might be deemed necessary to at least partially offset increased expenses.
 For some time past this market has been suffering quite as much from fear as from facts. The war created general feeling of depression, which if not reAsted, undermines confidence checks buying power and renders fl dinscd1t to measure events at theil real value. Literally the business world today is looking through blue glasses. There Is no doubt that the