The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-23
I. 1. WATSON'S
 WEEKLY LETTER

Strength and activity has con- tinued in the stock market, inter rupted by considerable trregularity at times, probably due to readJust- ment of loans and shifting of ac- counts, 4 tendency has developed to speculate more extensively in the railroad list-something that seems elnineutly wise in view of the broad elevation in the industrial list; and we suggest that buying opportunities be sought in standard railroad issues like Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, New York Central, Atchison, Chesa- peake x Ohio, Reading, Northern Pacific. Illinois Central, Southern Railway preferred and Louisville x Nashville. Low priced rails are in greater demand in the hope of relief through Washington Legislation It is rllrnored that q large and wealthy source is taking an optimistic inter- est in New Haven, and that buying Is also found for account of persons who believe that investment holdings of this company in terminals in dustrics and trolleys will increase through the rise in prices, and also through higher fares that would seem to be inevitable for trolleys and traction lines throughout the coun- LTN. 8S st TtSffAb bA tAAN All ~''- now being conducted.
 Consolidation of the railroads of the United States into regional systems as suggested hy Washington political circles Is strongly opposed by President Lovett of the Union Pa cifc Railroad.
 The price of copper metal has again advanced. Steel trade reports are optimistic. Resumption of gen cral trade with Germany has already begun. Loans are said to be under negotiat ton by Berlin. Rumors Of worldwide oil consultations accom- pany the strength in the oil shares Increasing investment is reported in securities generally. The President and the Senate are engaged in struggle over ratification of the peace treaty that Is bringing out startling features. Strikes are spread ing in the shipping trade. The pro- hfbition forces have been winning in Congress. Large railroads are re- ported ready to form. an equipment trust corporation, and this may re- suit in equipment orders soon- EX- pert estimates now put the asset value behind U. s. Steel common at s267 a. share. The Merchants As sociation of New York expects high prices and wares to continue, with A labor shortage later. The foreign exchange markets in q demoralized condition. Stock Exchange governors found 1t necessary, on account or business pressure, to order the Ex- change to close on Saturday, July 1s-
 '"Tyhe country is rapidly attaining it's stride for the long contest with foreign rivals for the worlds bus1- ness" says the Guaranty Trust CO fin a late circular. ''Disturbing fac tors are gradually being eliminated, or are being regarded no longer with apDrehensipn. Producers and trad ers are coming to a clearer under standing of the worlds needs and of the part America is to play in sztfsrying them Basic industries are taking the long expected turn toward enlarged output, crop conditions con tiuue excellent, and there are eVl- deuces of growing confidence The Mechanaes' & Metals National bank, in an article along the same lines saws in part: ''whatever the meth ods are by which the world ulti- rr7a.ely socks to correct its present dis,ocation, they will be helped or hindered according to the ability ana willingness of people to produce ana save Economy on the part Of the rank and file of the worlds people economy and undimdnished work ia the solution to the worlds greatest fnd