The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-06-18

Germany is more in accordance with our desires. If Germany will renounce militarism, acknowledge her errors and show some repentance for the terrific crimes she has perpetrated she will find her recovery easier and vastly quicker than if she blindly per sists in the policy of world hatred and super-selfishneSs. As for the neutral countries of Europe, most of them have increased their wealth immense ly during the war, and are less in need of our assistance than the remainder. One good sign of world recuperation is furnished by the British trade re- turns for May; the total exports of the United Kingdom in May being f64,- 000,000, an increase of f20,O0O,000, or nearly 50 per cent; while imports were 5,OOO,0OO, an increase of 0,00o,000, or less than 10 per cent. As English foreign trade is more widely distributed than that of any other nation, these figures indicate tendency toward worldwide recovery. Payment of Loans to Our Allies. The suggestion made that our gov ernment virtually make a present to the European nations of the $9,500,- 000,000 which we have loaned to them should not be seriously enter
 
 payment easy, but nna1 settlement should be required. These nations can follow the lead of the Swedish government who are now offering $25,00O,000 20 year per cent. gold bonds in this country. The Allied countries could act on the same terms, and float large loans here, and have the bonds listed on the New York Exchange where they would no doubt find a ready market as they would be looked upon a sound in vestment. This would be a more dig nified and fitting action and more sat- isfactory to all parties concerned. Promising Business Conditions. Business at large continues promis- ing, especially in the agricultural dis tricts, which are banking upon the ex- ceptiona1 prosperity that the farmers will enjoy for at least another year. In the industrial sections the situa- ton though generally very promising is spotty The steel industry drags | somewhat and is running only about 60 to 65 per cent. Of capacity; though there is much confidence in early inn provement. The textile industries are | very active and prices are rising ow- | ing to advances in wages and raw | materials. Cotton and woolen manu-
 
 their share of the farmers money. So l are the purveyors of low priced lux uries, such as jewelry, photographs, | pianos, automobiles, etc. Machinery I builders, makers of tractors, harvest | machinery, etc, are also very optimis- tic. The oil industry needless to say Is exceedingly prosperous, and even I the copper market shows hardening | tendency. Foreign trade, though much unbalanced. is more active. ex- i ports of food and raw materials being very heavy, while imports are rising ! slightly. The shipping boom appears to be running full swing; tonnage be- | ing inadequate and rates very high. | Building recovers slowly in spite of ! the urgent demand for rental space; ! the difficulties being scarcity of money and high prices of building materials. | The labor situation is less threaten | ing. Many advances in wages have | been made to assist in meeting high costs of living; and the cultivation of better understanding on both sides | Is proving beneficial to all.
 l A More Sober Stock Market. A sharp reaction occurred on the | Stock Exchange, precipitated largely | by warnings of the Federal Reserve Board against the reckless speculation 1 which has been developing for the | last two or three weelas- Cor,eidera- ble liquidation foIloved, especially in 1 the highly inflated issues. and the technical s1tuation has been rnaxeri- ! ally improved thereby. Conditione