The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-01-08
(w Henry Gews1

The year opens with an eXtraordin- Arily conflicting outlook. For those who really enjoy living on the shady side of the street, there is plenty of company, The pessimist can readily dwell upon anarchy in Russia; upon Germany's momentary military sue cesses; upon the terrible cost of the war; upon the economic and political uphcavals and upon numerous other depressing factors. And yet every healthy minded, thoughtful American refuses to be downhearted. On the contrary, he is more confident than ever in an Allied victory, He believes that tho enemy is nearing the end of his powers that he is unable to held his winnings, and Is marching to in SSitable collapse v-Nlen our armies r~SArch France Gci -.Iany is gradually b4Saking down financially, economic ally and politically, She is threaten ed with revolution. and only the CO., heston of her military machine, which Is fighting for its very life, holds the fabric together. How long the auto- crats may hold out cannot be fore toIds but it is certain that dissensions within, coupled with opposition of the whole civilized world without, will have but one end sud that is igno- minious defeat, Blinded by empty victories and false leadership Ger many seems utterly unable to read the handwriting on the E-all- CiviliZa- tion outside of Germany, however, re- cogntzes that 1t cannot live, if Ger many's ideals and purposes prevail The war may continue for weeks, ol months Nevertheless, the real foun- dation for hope on tho Allies side has never been so clear and strong as to- day, At present the brunt of the struggle falls on Britain and France Beth are enduring the sIrsl444 infinitely better than ever anticipated; and both show an UnconqUerabie spirit and 2 steady rising of morale, while that o1 the enemy is declining, Both of these countries are bearing the strain with surprising ability; and there is nc doubt that they will be able to hold on until American soldiers reach France in sufficient force to over whe1m the foe Perhaps this will hap pen in the coming spring; and, if fatE should postpone the grand decision prostration of the enemy will be fal greater than if wise counsels induced an earlier yielding to the inevitable Back of these considerations, Whicf are sound reasons for hope, is the be lief growing daily that the world f surely facing new and a better era than tho ono now so rapidly passing away
 The more confident tone in the se- curity markets which began with tho announcement of government contro or the railroads made further progres The advance in railroad shares wa. well sustained, extending with more or less posftfveness into the industri als, some of which scored very con. siderable advances. The railroad cris is is probably now ct it's most acute stage, the severe cold spell having seri ously added to the difficulties of op eration- The latter are now beins met, as they should be, by a central ized power; and before long consider ale, relief will undoubtedly be forth. coming. Singleness in operation however, will not be sufficient Int great problem of how the roads art tc meet expenses and pay reason able profit, without which they car secure no additional capital, still de mands solution Whether the road. will be allowed to increase theil charges, as they ought to be, ol whether the government will be ob-