The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-01-02
NATSON'S WEEKLY
 MARKET LETTER

Railroad developments of far eaching importance were contained n the surprise" proclamation by the President taking over the great trans | bortation systems of the Nation for he period of the war. He may soon ddress Congress, asking for cOmpen- ation and remedial legislation. Under he successful guidance of the ap- pointee of the President there is promise for the railroads to do bet ter, and with the experience which he Administration has had in hand ing the labor problem, this would 5eem to indicate that that important phase of the question can likewise be taken care of during the term Wash ngton shall operate the carriers.
 There could hardly have been more opportune time for such an an- noancement by the President than midway in the holiday season, It cer- tainly helps individuals and corpora tions to make a better showing for the public and themselves when they take up their window dressing" We know of individuals who had expected short time ago to find in making inventories of tho1r assets on the first of January, 1918, that their resources had been cut practically in half. In other words, the value of the stocks and bonds carried hy them for Q per iod of years as investments had ap- parently deprecated nearly 50 per cent But what occurred this week will help them to make a more cred- itable and satisfactory report of their assets-iikewise the savings banks, in- surance and trust companies, in fact all who own securities This action caused . marked Improvement in prices, and creates more stable con- dition generally. It will be of mater ial aid to the government in financing the war and In tax returns.
 All of this brings us back to the point we have frequently made in the . past-i. C., sentiment playB most inn T portant part in Wall Street as well as outside of 1t There can hardly be any doubt that these railroad develop ! ments will greatly help to restore in vestment confidence in their securi- ties, many of which are attractive and offer good buying opportunities on re- actions. Speaking in praise of the government railroad control the pres ident of one of the Nations larges industrial institutions, says: ''Thk war is one that demands absolute CO., operation from all Business and the government must work hand in hand I am already beginning to feel better and that pull together idea, I ar sure, will show itself from now or as never before" Charles s. MeneI says the government control of thI . railroads will prove the salvation O the New England lines, adding: 9Th Presidents action was absolutely nee essary."
 Now that the railroad situation ha. been settled basically, attention Is be ing directed to the fact that the pro ceeds of the Liberty Loans are begin ming to be expended in a way that 1 aggressfvely stimulating many lines 0 essential business. Very little mono, has left the country. It has beel practically all turned back into Amer ican industries We think this will b reflected in greater and greater bust ness activity, which Is certain to fur nish e huge traffic for the carriers In turn, the railroads must buy heav fly of new equipment, and the rail way equipment companies, 1ncludin car and 1ocomtfve concerns, shoul enjoy increasing prosperity. Thei securities must be considered very al tracttve. Latest reports indicate ths the fixed prices for steel and coppe metal will stand. This is expected stabilize those trades The coppt shares are believed to be very muc
 oversold.
 Peace rumors are looming large 0
 the international new horizon. I'll
 Central Powers are apparently begi1
 ming to realize that they are in loi
 ing game and want to quit. The
 masters are being forced to make prt
 posals, according to various report
 but England, France ah America see
 to be committed to the agreement n'
 to negotiate with the present imperi
 German government; and 1t may