The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-09-08
HENRY CLEWS'
 WEEKLY LETTER

su @SEAE1 AN ' &sA
 Tho most significant development of the week was the setback to the radical labor element and the re- sumption of more conservative lead ership. It is not to be supposed that labor has surrendered it's ambitions or is disposed to relinquish any of the advantages it now possesses; but its willingness at President Wilson's re- quest to refrain from strikes at this time, and 10 aid rather than hinder a reduction in the cost of living, is of itself an important change for the better. It marks a. new and hopeful trend in the labor movement; an in cHnation to establish tbe rule of req son instead of the rule of force. Labor has already made very large gains in the direction of higher wages and shorter hours. which 1t is now com monplace to say have been an import ant factor in raising the cost of liv- ing. Recognition of these facts had doubtless much to do with labOr's ac- ton; and, having gone thus far, the policy of reducing output must also give place to a new pONCy, that of in CreasinG the output. Both President
 
 tho risk of personal popularity, plainly told their people that the sal vation of the world today was work, that the only cure for high prices was to produce, and that the best antidOte for worldwide distemper and unrest was industry and thrift. The United States suffered less and gained more through the war than any other ma ton. We can, therefore, well afford to set other nations a good example. Great Britain, France. Belgium and even Germany are making a rapid return Co the normal; @ result that may hp gained sooner than expected. If capital and labor will simply pull together. the United States can easily lead the world in the great work of universal restoration.
 Our Foreign Commercial Relations.
 As a sequence to the war the United States has entered not only into closer political relations with the out side world, but also into much more intimate commercial relations. 1e is consequently of particular interest to watch tho recent growth of our for ciEn trade. During the seven months ending July our exports were S4,- S,OOO,GO Of this amount S1.-
 
 pire, including $1,343.OOO,OO 10 the United Kingdom Our next best GUS toner was France, which took s5S3.- 100000. followed by Italy, which bought to the extent of $272, 100000, Belgium $24O,OOO. 900, and Japan S215, 5,OOO,o0O. Cermany's purchases were limited to $21,OOO.OOO. owing to war restrictions, but she was evil dently largely supplied indirectly by American shipments to Holland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, which combined reported a significant in- crease of $37O. 100000. Our total imports for the seven months were $1. .954, 900. 900, of which S5gO, ,OOO, 900 came from the British Empire. Can- ada alone took merchandise valued at s256, 6,0O0.00O and Cuba $273, 100000. From Brazil we received s105, 5,0OO,- 900, from Japan S1s1,OO ,OOO, from France only $46,OOO,OOO. from taly s1 5,0OO,OOO, and from Belgium S1,- 20O,OOO These figures show not only where our commercial interests are greatest, but also the recent inability of Europe to pay it's debts in goods.
 Solving the Railroad Problem.
 Attention is again focusing on the railroad situation, the bills introduced by Senator Cummins and Representa- tive Plumb having forced the subject into the arena of public discussion. Both bills will meet with much oppo- sitiOn because of their radical fea- lures. and neither can pass in their present form They will serve. how ever, to hasten action on the railroad problem, which is becoming more ana more urgent. Since transporta- ton is the arterial system of com- mcrce, the degeneration brought on by war must be overcome without de- lay. if the country is to escape a ser ious crisis through growing losses and , ineficienCy. There are a few self evident facts in railroading that can l not be ignored. The country does | not want government ownership, but | does want better service. This cannot ' be obtained unless the roads are en- abled to earn enough over expenses 10 attract funds for replenishment, i expansion and improvement, which | necessarily means a fair return on i capital invested. Owing to high 1 wages and high costs of material, | none of these things is now possible. ! Better net earnings must @ attained. | either through economy. higher rates | or increased traffic. Higher wages ! now would be simply yuinOus to the | roads; and users. owners and work CTS would inevitably suffer i'll conse- | quences- Railroad labor today is. in