New Britain herald., 1923-12-31
BUSINESS.

After sNdying various statistics and estimates for the last year in business,
 and reading more or less pertinent re-
 marks concerning the opinions of eN-
 perts upos it, three significant facts
 remain in the picture made up of these facts and figures and guesses.
 Business for 1928 was by no means l bad. There are few who will dispute
 this statement, although there has been a bit Of hesitancy in evidence
 which, in pre- prohibition days, would have been called a hangover from the night before. Business had not been good previously. Business men were not over-optimistic and were in- clmed to greet the advice flavorng of conservatism with open arms. Roger Babson's talk about side wise move ments, and business readjustments found a sympathetic response in the hearts Of most solid business men.
 The second aspect is that it seems to be the consensus of opinion that the outlook for 1924 is very good in- decd. There is little hesitancy in pre- dieting a better year than was 1923, although many would be perfectly satisfied if they could be assured year just as good. In this city we have heard rumors Of men leaving their work occasionally and that the factories were not taking on new men. But when these rumors were sifted it was found. generally. that there was some special reason for lay-offs and for not taking on more men just at that certain time, rather than that the situation indicated anything wrong with business.
 The most interesting, and the most significant aspect Of this impression that Is almost a conviction, formed after consideration of the business Of the past year, is that people hesi-
  lion in Europe has hurt us tremen- dously and yet the same people de- clare that A settlement Of Europo's problems would bring about an im- mediate boom in business To get 10 i tho root of the matter the same feol- ! ing is apparent in business discus sions as that which impels people to declare, with great force that the 1 United States should do its share in | theNaffairs Of the world, and yet, when ! they are pinned down 10 statement 1 as to what the United States should ! or should not do in regard 10 inter- ference with European affairs by actual participation ir q discussion or them, they arc seized by a sudden Business men of the country-and their prosperity is the country's prosperity--wan things set tied in Europe Business men here believe absolutely that American busi- ness men could give valuable help in settling those affairs. And yet lack ing a strong leader, they are not pre- pared, as a rule 10 say they are firmly convinced we should associate our selves with the nations Of Europe for fear, etc.
 At least the people or this country arc represented, actually if not theo- E on commissions that will help in untangling one great Enrop- can problem-that Of separations. There is q general. if not loudly cx- pressed, feeling of satisfaction that this is SO Business will be better x hen this and other economic matters are settled. Then, when this is found 10 be the result from this almost ten- .ative effort, new courage will come to the great mass Of people here who believe that "a little more Of the samei medicine" would be a splendid thing not only for Europe and the world, put for the United states Watch this sentiment grow.