The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-04-15
ENRY CLEWS
WEEKLY letter

ne war is now in the most critical
iod hitherto reached. Our enemy
Lies that ultimate defeat is inev-
pie unless he can win a great vic
whilh Russia is on her back and
perica not yet in full force at the
Mt. He also feels keenly the grow
loss Of man power and the de-
be of economic resources. His po-
on is desperate; his difficulties in
rying on the war are growing at a
couraging rate, and his strength
been declining more rapidly than
t Of the Allies. This is his last
hnce. Apparently it is grapple to
death. If he can break through
Allied lines, or divide the British
French, or capture Paris, he could
blong but not win the war. Can
Allies Withstand the present ter
c onslaughts against them; or will
BY be obliged to give way and make
Eir stand behind present lines? The
It answer is the quiet confidence
bwn at Allied headquarters in spite
recent reverses. Both France and
tain are making vigorous renewed
prts to carry on the struggle. AS
IL as the Allied lines bend and do
break, all is safe. There is no
lbt where victory will ultimately
Ind; but our help is sorely needed,
pnly to shorten this terrible slaugh-
The quicker the great decision
reached the better for all the
rid; and for the sake of freedom,
Btice and humanity this country
ist speed up to a still higher pitch
efforts for pushing the war.
10 say that the Liberty Loan will be
overwhelming success is not suffi-
mt. We should be able to say that
will be the greatest success on re-
I'd, and doubtless it will be; pro-
led the campaign is conducted with
RENTING vigor. About $500, 000,-
has already been subscribed. Over
nfidence, however, is extremely
hgerous; it is enervating, and tends
slackness. Our patriotism, our
Re of Justice and liberty, our ideals
free government and our belief in
right of small nations to live, will
vanish like smoke unless we back
I'm with Liberty Bonds. No great
ais and no great spiritual attain
nts can ever be secured until we
prepared in some form to pay the
ce. The whole country, and es-
eially our boys at the front who are
ttling, not only for these great
Eals, but also for themselves and
Pir homes, depend upon those at
me backing the loan.
Spring opens with a generally IA
Fable crop outlook. The position of
nter wheat is very encouraging, the
kernment report of April 1 showing
condition of 1876 per cent. compared
III 63.4 per cent. year ago. This
ggests a crop Of 50O,000,0 900
shells, against 100000 bushels a
Ar ago. Should the spring wheat
bp yield the same rate of increase,
Food Administration expects a
al wheat crop of about $50, 900, 900
shells, or eco, 900, 900 bushels more
an last year. Should the spring
heat crop yield the same rate of
crease, the Food Administration ex-
cts a total wheat crop of about
d, 600, 900 bushels, or 100000 600
shells more than last year. If these
lollations are realized, the wants
our Allies, will be well provided
E. Our rye crop promises an in
base Of 25,O00,OOO bushels over a
Fear ago. Larger crops are also ex-
oected in Canada, Great Britain nd
Ernce, so that the food problem prom
ses to- be less acute in some respects
han in 1917. The British government
a large increase in the
of sheep; and the world sup
ply of meat animals is decidedly
larger than last year, as showon in a
recent report issued by the Depart
ment of Agriculture.
General business is more and more
by the requirements Of
war. This means a steady expansion
Of government control over industry
from purchaser to consumer. The
War Board has just promulgated e
preference list of industries essentia
to war, which will be the first to b.
with fuel and raw materials
This step is taken with the double
purpose of securing materials strict!
to war purposes; and als'
to protect consumers as far as posi-
BILE from such food and fuel crises a
occurred last winter. The production
of non-essentials is being persistentl
discouraged. Shipping is coming un
der more rigid control, a bill having
been introduced into Congress givinl
the President power to fix freigh
rates, charters, dock charges, buying
terminals, etc. The coasting vessel
have now been taken over by tn
government, There is also al agita
ton on foot in Washington for cur