The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-05-28
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WatSOn'S
Weekly
Letter
Observation-Disclosures

Josh Billings used to say: when
IA man duz a good turn just for the
phun ov the thing he haz got a crate
deal more virteW in him than he IL
aware ov.''
Even if some of the good natured
citizens of this vicinity have had the
fun of contributing nickels, quarters
and dollars to the charming solicita-
tons of the very active Red Cross
girls, they will have the after self
satisfaction that they have done one
of the finest deeds of their young lives
in giving to this great cause, so wide
spread, so full of good and so ably
managed from its. most capable head,
Mr.. Henry P. Dawson, down to the
youngest lieutenant and solicitor. And
if any additional incentive were need
ed-in this case there is MOTTO con-
tribute to the glorious Red Cross work,
which came on Thursday of last week
that German airmen have bombed
British hospitals behind the lines,
killing and wounding hundreds, not
only Red Cross nurses but patients"
this news of itself would inspire a
more hearty response to the call Of
humanity through the splendid or
ganization.
We realize that the Germans are
still fighting and that reactions will
occur in the stock market; but we
think we'll of Corn Products, Allis-
Chalmers, American Cotton Oil and
u. S. Steel common toCks, which look
especially attractive to us around
present prices. While New Haven
has advanced sharply in the past few
weeks, and conservation suggests eau
ton, the stock appeals to US as pur-
chase on reactions. Where special
reasons exist for higher prices in GER
tain securities, advances frequently
occur even with the general list mark
ing time awaiting further incentive.
A factor importance leading to ex-
pectations of cheerful stock move
ments, is that an active financing
market is near for big corporations,
especially the Rails, and with the re-
moval from consideration next month
of war tax payments and the semi
annual disbursements of dividends
and interest there may be important
developments in this connection
''Yield'' and ''tax exemption sum-
Marie the investment requirements
at present, and g. standard basis may
be established as the needs of the
companies are taken care of. With
the Government behind the Rails,
there is little doubt that they will be
cared for. Industrial and utility cor
porations, however, will bee. compelled
to prove their positions to get ade-
quate relief. The fact that deserving
and well-managed concerns will be
taken care is reassuring. New war
revenue requirements will probably
not assume concrete form for some
time, but their certainty will of course
make for conservative financial and
market operations. According to
financial gossip, other appointments
of the same character arel likely to
follow those of Messrs. Hughes,
Schwab and Ryan-something that
would be welcomed in Wall Street
circles.
AS a while, the general market ap-
pears to be following natural lines.
After a broad and important rise
there has been the hesitation usually
seen on account of desire to secure
speculative profits. Realizing is being
ments. Prices move irregularly, but
find support on declines, which are
checked after moderate movements
by replacement of holdings and en-
listing of new active investment in
terests. The foundation apparently
continues to be good, and evidence OF
noteworthy absorption during reces-
sions Is not lacking in standard is
sues. The higher levels reached OF
course bring with them the suggestion
of more frequent recessions in prices
The st. Paul stockholders meeting
has been adjourned like those of Other
large roads, in order to await the de-
tails of the new contracts arranged
by the government, which is rounding
out its policy of meeting expenses BY
more liberal allowances. No change
has as yet been made in the fixed price
of copper metal, which is interpreted
in some quarters as meaning that pro
duction volume is fairly satisfactory
Anaconda is one of the copper com
,panies in a position better than man,
others to make a good profit out o
current rates. owing to its diversified
ton of products. Estimates of Ana
conda's copper ore reserves run a
high as 10000, 900 tons, with cope
content near 8 per cent The Suprem
Court has declared that the Unite,
Shoe Machinery Co. is not an illega
combination, something that inspire
hope that somewhat similar actio,
may be taken in other trust case
pending. Publication of the plans 70
the International Mercantile Marin
disposal of English ships has stimu
lated speculative interest in the ship
ping group of stocks, which are ex
pected to continue active and promi
nent. Central Western bankers ar
reporting the best crop outlook in
decade. U. S. Steel May earnings ar
expected to be the largest in an
month since the war began.