The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-02-26
HENRY CLEWS
weekly LETTER
(Clews' Weekly Lottery

= 80 (CleWS weekly ASSSOA.t
The question what will happen In
event of war with Germany is still
uppermost In business circles. I'm
doubtedly there would be considers
BILE temporary excitement over such
an eventuality, even though long ex-
pected. Plans for adjustment to
such q contingency have been COM
I pleted for some time past. Federal,
state and city governments are well
prepared for all immediate possibili-
ties, and there will be no lack of
energy in preserving peace within
our own borders. All forms Of dis
order will unquestionably be promptly
and firmly dealt with. Military and
naval plans are well advanced, al
though considerable time will be re-
quired for their execution. In the
event of war, loyalty in action to the
government will be the first duty OF
every citizen. regardless of birth or
sympathy. Every good citizen. will
do his bit toward pushing the war to
a successful end. Nothing should be
left undone for strengthening the
hands OF the President upon whom a
tremendous responsibility rests. He
should be given necessary power and
freedom in order to properly meet
that responsibility. If war comes, it
will be a time for action rather than
discussion. Fortunately. Congress
adjourns March 4, which should re-
lieve the President Of much iembar-
rassment. the country being quite
content ito trust his Judgment. OF
course, Congress alone can declare
war, but there should be no hesita-
ton in that body about trusting the
President as far as possible. He has
most patiently exerted every effort to
avoid war; not a few believing that
he has been too patient, and that our
forbearance has been mistaken for
weakness. His course. however, will
have the advantage Of proving that
this country has not been the ag-
gressor. These remarks are based
upon. danger that Americans sim,
cerely hope will be safely passed.
This country does not want war with
Germany, as is self evident on all
sides. II it comes. we should as a ma
ton take it calmly. Some excitement
may occur at first, but our people
should promptly recover their poise,
and accept the situation as did the
countries OF Europe to whom the
Consequences were infinitely more SER
ious Business may be deranged for.
a few weeks until banking and indus,
trial establishments, have adjusted
themselves to new conditions. But
mobilization plans in these directions
are already far advanced, and there is
reason to believe that within few
weeks the new system would be work
ing fairly smoothly. War would OF
oo,.xe, ov,co1~y c<i 10 pYrvnhor
Of home industries, particularly those
fitted to meet military and naval de-
mands. The federal government
would undoubtedly take on many new
activities and impose a variety OF
new and perhaps inconvenient regu1a-
tions as war measures. Our banking
system, effectively backed and solidi-
fed by the Federal Reserve Board, Is
ready for any emergency. A large
government loan is imminent, rumor
saying $500,00O,0oO at 8 per cent,
and would q very promptly taken, as
would others that might follow.
One effect OF the war will be q
heavy increase in taxation Under ex-
listing plans the outlay for the navy
without war will e nearly $500,000,-
coo in the year ending June 80, 1918,
and the OUTLAWS for preparedness the
next fiscal year will approximate
$1,000, 900, 900, compared with $613.-
100000 for the fiscal year ending
next June. It Is quite evident we are
in for heavy taxes for several years
to come, and considerable bond is
sues, which of course will be heavily
augmented in case Of actual hostifi-
ties. War would without doubt be
accompanied by period OF intense
Industrial activity in certain lines;
also continued imitation In values
owing to scarcity Of many commodi-
ties, arrangement of distribution and
the further drain upon labor supplies
for military necessities. In all prob
ability such prosperity will be of
limited duration, especially as Euro
pean be1ligerents are expecting an
early ending OF the war. Then will
follow the stimulating period of re-
construction in Europe which will
make heavy demands upon. American
American industry simply because
we are in q better position to furnish
Europe with immediate supplies than
any other nation. 1t has been estf-
mated that $4,000, 100000 will be
necessary to restore the devastated
regions into habitable and workable
conditions. Railroads and highways
will have TO be rebuilt; likewise cities,
towns and farms, Many Industrial
establishments will also have to be
rebuilt, calling for large quantities Of
machinery and fabricated materials
The amount Just named apparently
does not cover vast sums required to
replace and repair worn out shipping
and railroads ofNhe belligerents All
means Of transportation have been
tremendously overtaxed outside Of
! the war zone, and there has been
neither time nor money to maintain
equipment in proper condition For
several years to come Europe will
need our money and the products Of
our industries beyonod all precedent
Doubtless we shall continue exporting
raw materials and agricultural pro-
ducts upon large scale, but the
striking feature in our export trade
for months after the war will be the
great expansion in shipments of man.
ufactures. We shall, therefore, have
to lend Europe when her people cam
not pay. And this we may do gener-
ously, for such a policy will bring its
own reward In maintaining prosperity
within the United States
The domestic transportation situa-
ton seems to be improving. Con-
gestion has not been due so much to