The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-05-17
AMERICAN WOMEN HAVE POWER TO
 REDUCE H. C. L.
Must Teach Young That Frugality Has Become a
 Virtue. -

As a result of government meas ures that have made it possible for popular sentiment regarding the high cost of living to register itself in re- form efforts as well as in vigorous protests, prices have been reduced in certain places. Even though the overall campaign may carry with it the half-comic spirit that Americans so often reveal in masking real feel ing, it has made thousands think and has given encouragement to .he wearing of old clothes. Agitation that is accompanied by object lessons usually makes a strong appeal and certainly all who read the signs of the times must realize that the na- tional patience has reached it's limita- tions.
 Since prices began to rise, the De- partment of Justice has hunted the profiteers and has sought to thwart all who would grossly traffic in com modities made scarce by the scourge of recent war. Results are of neces- sity slow but there is now evidence that the persistent work of months is to result in widespread benefits.
 In the nationwide campaign to re- duce prices, women can wield the preponderance of power, for it is esti- mated that to the majority is entrust- ed the responsibility of administering the family budget. It has been said that three quarters of the average income in the United States are usu- ally expended by women. Therefore, it is possible for wives and mothers sisters and daughters everywhere in the land to buy with a new and deter mined discrimination which declines to accept prices that manifestIy are systematic denial now, splendid results may be assured later and it is evident that thousands are now practicing thrift in ways not hitherto even considered
 The time has come when the happy go-1ucky American habit of unquestioningly purchasing whatever happens to catch the fancy or to be fashionable must be changed. The world in ferment is bringing to the surface many national characteristics which should be eliminated, if the future of the country is to be made stable. Democracy has for it's aim the making of the world a better place to live i'll and to accomplish this great work the fundamentals must be firm. Lasting prosperity can not be built on a foundation of extrava- gance, chance and sef-indnlgence. Persons of all classes must be for
 
 build not only for the day, but for many tomorrows.
 Lessons of the War.
 The lessons of the war teach us that wealth has become an exceed ingly uncertain and elusive posses sion- In the past, much was heard about the nouyeau riche class, but now there is a. large nouveau pauvre class in the. United States as we'll as in Europe. Long settled incomes have shrunk and taxes have eaten old estates. The land flowing with oil and stocked with precious metal no longer offers promise of wealth for all. That business opportunities were never greater than they are today no one will question, but success in all commercial lines depends on econ omy as we'll as efficiency.
 Nothing debauches the public mind more than wastefulness, which is always a result of reckless spending The time has come when the youns must be taught that fruEaitE is one