The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-01-08
EXTRAORDINARILY CONFLICTING
 OUTLOOK IN FINANCIAL WORLD
 AT OPENING OF THE NEW YEAR
Henry Cews Says However That There Is No Need for Pessmism by Any Healthfu American Over the Situation Expresses Confidence in Allied Victory

A-oSO ~ oANO SOAAlC LOAAA OL A1I&oILC4sSa aid, remains to be seen, Congress is about to take up the railroad question seriously; and it is pleasing to note that a less prejudiced feeling prevails in the national legislature, and that the question of dealing fairly with the railroads is Q necessary patriotic ser vice, if they are to do their impera- tive duty toward winning the war. So while the situation of the railroads is at its worst, the prospects of relief were never better than today.
 President Wilson's message to Con gross on the railroad problem was eminently sound and just. He stands for the centralization of control which is essential to winning the war; for equitable treatment of all interests labor, users and oWners-and for pre- servation of the railroad system in both it's physical and financial as- poets. He pointed out the necessity fer proper compensation of the roads: also recommended that the govern ment guarantee 8 net operating rev. enue equal to the average of the three years ending June 30, 1917> The mes sage is an enlightened document; and 1A So NlA44CulI u SGO HOW SO4lS1OSS CSil do otherwise than adopt his sugges- tons If the required legislation is forthcoming, 1t will instantly arrest the deep current of distrust which was undermining the financial fabric, and caused such a startling shrinkage in railroad securities, President Will son has instituted radical change in the popular attitude towards the rail- roads, which will have the effect of restoring confidence and strengthen ing railroad credit generally.
 The advance in industrials was partly due to improvement in the rail- road outlook, which will hasten much needed outlays for cars, locomotives and other deferred improvem ents. The steel industry also benefits from the pressure of war contracts which i'm pose sVer growing demands upon that industry. The immense new ship ton Eage in course of construction will be an additionally important factor for months to come. Should the war come to a close earlier than expect ed, the demand for steel would break out in other quarters, notably in do- nestle building enterprises held up by the war, and in our foreign trade which will take on new life when peace arrives.
 | General trade continues very active, and prosperity is running at high tide in the West and South. In the East there is more or less sIackening in spots, due to economy and diversion necessitated by war, the effects of which are still felt much more severe Ir- s,, rTHI-- high prices for wheat, cotton and all agricultural products are bringing an unusual degree of prosperity to tho farmers; and efforts to increase the national output in 1918 are every where evident With prospects of in sufficient crops in other parts of the world our farmers seem sure of big prices for all they can produce during the next harvest.
 Easier money both in New York and London are among the latest fa- Vorable developments. Preparations will soon be in order for the Third Liberty Loan which is expected in February. Private financing is con- sequentfy discouraged in all direc- tions, and success of the loan need not be questioned PoStponement of the governments antitrust suits in several important industrial organiZa- tions had a stimulating effect. Anoth- CT favorable factor was the increasing firmness of government issues. do- mesric and foreign, this doubtless be- ing the result of increasingly numer- ous peace rumors.
 l At times the market showed some unsteadiness owing to profit taking after the recent advance; but the gen. eraI undertone exhibits much i'm provement.