The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-11
WATSOa'S WEEKLY
 MARKET LETTER

cd earnestly to the great message or the President calling for declara- ton of war against Austria as well as Germany on the principle that both Teutonic nations form the real enemy Of Democracy and the liberties for which America has ever fought un- compromisfngly. The Message was true to traditions. For it's vigorous declaration that our war aim is ito win,'' and that our peace terms are s'justice with generosity" there can be only hearty support. If the Ger man people could but realize what it means we have no doubt that they would remove their ..'sinister masters" and quickly sue for peace, saving many lives and much treasure. Like a eonqueror of old, Woodrow Wilson, leader of the 10O,00O,000 crusaders offers in one hand the blessings of Democra6y; in the other, the averaging sword of justice," is the way one writer sums up the message. It is probably true that the labor situation will be some what complicated by the declaration of war on Austria owing to the large numbers of Austrians at work in this country, but, as in Ger many, where prisoners are put to work under guard, the United States Government can be depended upon to take care of this situation, and prob ably at the same time solve the gen. eraf problem of labor scarcity. We cannot too strongly denounce the dis loyal gatherings that are taking place under the guidance of what is termed ssThe. New York Bolsheviki," in imita.- ton of Russian radicals. These agi- fators who talk against the American people and their Allies are aiding the enemy, and should be put where they cannot attack the "calm, indomitable power of the Nation" There is more immediate danger from Teutonic pro- pakanda and corruption at home than there is from the German armies, and seditious utterances should be stopped by drastic measures if necessary.
 Vitally important developments have just taken place in connection with the railroads, which were being gradually forced to the verge of bank ruptcy through lack of vision on the part of the l. s. c. C., The situation could hardly have grown worse. ''It Is always darkest before the dawn" goes the old saying. Let us hope that the I. s. c. C.'s virtual confes- sion of failure to properly handle this great matter, as shown i nits recom- 1aendation that Congress take over from 1t the solution of the problem, will result in adequate relief. There are some grounds for the belief that that object may be attained. Already x0ports are noted that Congress may be called upon to consider bill pro- Vfding for a large advance in freight rates to be in effect until the end of the war, subject to revision thereafter if shown to be excessive. In some quarters it is held that the failure of the I. s. c. c. to solve this problem was due largely to a. faltacious theory that the intensive development of the country would overcome all disabili- ties of which the railroad executives complain. where as such a develop ment naturally tends to increase out of proportion. the cost of new facilities such as terminals, and slowly but sure ly, the roads were brought face to face with obstacles they could not sur mount The carriers need billion dolIars for rehabilitation, according to testimony before the Newlands In- Vestigating Committee. There is pres sure upon Congress to provide a big loan for the roads as well as higher freight rates.
 James Gpeyer presented the follow ing resolutions concerning railroad re- lief at the meeting of the New York Chamber of Commerce held during the week: ''The Chamber of Com merce of the State of New York is much gratified to learn from the re- port of the I. s. c. C.. their recom- mendations to repeal certain provi- slons of the law now hampering the operation of the railroads and that the United States Treasury should provide them with financial assist ance,s or, that fin case the President takes over the operation of the car zzers, there should bes uitable guar anty to each carrier of an adequate annual return for the use of the prop erty, as we'll as of its upkeep and maintenance during operation, with provision for fair terms on which i'm movements and betterments made by the President during the period of hiE operation could be paid for by the carrier upon return to it of the prop efty after expiration of that period The Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York considers this nee. esaafy not only to conserve the legi innate investments of millions of oul citizens who are interested directly ol sindIreetly in railroad securities, bu also for the welfare of our country a! q whole, and is of the opinion that these two causes are closely intercon nected and one cannot be separated from the other without injury tG both"
 Representative Chicago banker
 made these comments on the recon T1endations of the I. S. c. c. regarding railroad aid: James B. Forgan-"Gov ernment operation should come onl. as last resort. Government ha enough to do to manage the war. In crease in rates suggested, loan of gov ernment money and suspension of an ti-trust and anti-pooling laws, so ia as railroads are concerned, during war would work out infinitely better Government operation would blocl business instead of helping it." E. D HaIbert-sI think the best proposition would be to increase railroad rates Let railroads run their own business
 John J. Mitchell-"I am entirely op posed to government ownership. I means thousands of politically ap pointed employees, lowering of effici ency and far worse condition than VI
 face at present time" A., w. Harri
 ITO take over roads for operation would complicate matters. Tne sam 1nsf would continue to run transpor fation facilities, even if governmen