The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-06-03
HENRY CLEMS'
 WEEKLY LETTER

One of our foremost bankers re- turned from Europe with very dis couraging views regarding economic conditions over there. Such views are but natural to those who have been forced to endure beyond words, and their people are more or less under the influence of nervous exha ustion; so that at this time hopefuiness is not to be expected. But this state of mind is only transitory The re- cuperative abilities of the three greatest European nations are not fully realized. When peace has been signed, when unrest subsidies, when industry revives, dropping spirits will vanish; and the hopes of a new and better era will stimulate men into fresh energy and enterprise. The surest cure for postwar maladies will be work. The world is weary Of bloodshed and waste; it hungers for productivity, and this country can de- vote itself to no more benefcent pur- pose than aiding resumption with all the financial and industrial support that we can safely put forth. In helping Europe on sound and gen erous lines we shall be helping our selves. We have an abundance of all the food and raw material needed across the Atlantic, and If we lend wisely and liberally Europe will be able to pay us the more promptly.
 Our Place in the World
 The United States is today beyond question the strongest nation in the world. We have reached our ma turity, though far from our full de- velopment. We need a freer inter
 
 out the world. We want more of the
 fruits of civilization; and if we are to possess these things, we should we must be prepared to take our proper place in the forefront of the family of nations, ready for the re- responsibilities that such legitimate ends imply. We must sustain the weak; doing our part for maintaining international order, and giving the helping hand to those about to em- bark upon the stormy seas of self government and democracy. George Washington's memorable advice about avoiding foreign entanglements applied very closely when we first be- 1 gan to walk in paths of freedom; but | they do not apply in the same degree | under modern circumstances. Re | responsibilities of this character have | too long fallen upon a single nation; Great Britain already having a much heavier burden of this character than she can be expected to carry without ! mourning jealousy if she adds to it. | Why should we not act as disinterest- l ed guide and stabilizer to wretched l Armenia and disorganized Turkey :? No one will deny that our supervision over Cuba and the Philippines has ! been beneficial to all concerned, de- l spite our mistakes. We have shirked l such responsibilities too long. Let us take our proper place in world leadership on lines that will appease and not create jealousies. Such a policy would broaden our vision, at the same time diverting us from
 petty home politics end saving us from the evils of excessive self-in-
 trospection.
 Physchology as a Market Factor.
 Psychology Is playing an extraor- dinary part in the present security market. It Is a common belief that there is no sentiment in business; and in a large measure this is true
 7 confidence and depression are op- D, sing sentiments, which have had very much indeed to do with values since war began. We are just emerg- ing from the most stupendous crisis in history and extreme reactions are inevitable. In other words, the pen