The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-03-25
I. |. WATSON'S
 WEEKLY LETTER

Developments affecting the security markets are of chara tustfying hopefuluess. Wi;h many uncertain ties vet remaining broad bullish ac- tivIties cannot continue indefinitely but tho underlying conditions are steadily improving. Imitation Is hay ing its effect on prices Of securities, which were held down by artificial restraints during the war. There is shortage of goods Of all kinds the world over. This is especially so with regard to food products for famine conditions prevail in some countries, A prolonged peace is almost certain to be the outcome of the Paris con- Eress, and this is a factor of great importance in the mind Of the ln- vestor, The important reduction in the price of steel products announced at the end of the week may sftTnulate
 building construction, motor raae buying and railroad purchases or
 equipment. Leading govern1nents are
 gradually with drawing resTlcIFe
 measures of war and allowing busi-
 ness to take 8 natural course. rms
 cannot fail to promote d return to
 normal These features arc of a, con structiya chara cter, and would seem
 to furnish a basis upon which con
 servative building may be soundly
 --aao4dsnees- THe stock market can not consistently isnOre them
 In one of his addresses on the sub fect of reconstruction, Vice President Sisson Of the Guaranty Trust Co, viz
 orouSdy calls upon Washington tO lend Its aid 10 industry. He says: Our Eovarnraent must stand behind
 American shipping, as well as Azneri- can business generally, instead Of ob- struosi-E it That is one of the most important responsibilities of victory developing upon the government And
 upon the State Department falls the
 responsibility of declaring for eign fixed policy. Q policy which will endure from Administration to Ad- ninistration- With Congress rests the responsibility of freeing business from
 tho chains Of unfair and hlIghting re- striotions-chains more deadly than enemy bayonets, II is Of the greatest importance that there should be the closest corporation between the financial industrial and agricultural sections of the country, each of which is de1endent upon the others for a large portion of ies prosperity, and each in part serving the others"
 President Teasie of the Standard OH Co. of New Jersey, who Is con ceded to be g high authority, is op- tirnistIc on general business In sup port of his attitude he points out two features of great importance, viz: There is an actual shortage Of goods ana s- surprisingly sound mercantile credit pOsition.' He believes labor will soon be in wide demand to supply the wants of the people. He combats the theory-heid by so1ne authorities that because times were good in war they will necessarily be bad in peace. Reports from abroad would seem to confirm his statement of shortage.
 Among United States concerns in a strong position to supply food exports is the National Biscuit O., which has been steadily strengthening it's resources even during the war period l Its products are standardized and well known, and the rise in the price of its stock lately has been due to an appreciation Of It's favorable condi- ton and excellent prospects. Corn Products is another we'll fortified com pany. Its common stock has been strong snd active, and we believe hfgher prices for 1t are justified. The fertilizer securities. harvester stocks and packing house shares of we'll managed organizations are also in the food groups on the New York Stock Exchange, and should not be over looked by the active investor and trader.
 There is 9 growing demand for an immediate extra session of Congress in order that adequate relief may be provided for the railroads If latest advices from Paris are to bo trusted, the peace treaty may be submitted to tho various nations sooner than an tiCiDated. The President may then
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