The jubilee of the "Bremen Cotton Exchange" takes place at a time, when
all economic conditions are in dire confusion. Never before, was the
economic life, embracing all countries, so finely spun, as in our
modern times, and now, the net is torn in untold places. The old
Europe, predominant for over two thousand years in all spheres, lies
bleeding from serious wounds, and the question is, what part will it
play in the future, what will be its fate? Finally lost is the dominant
position in the region of Finance. No longer does it reap the interests
and means, which originated from the economic assistance it gave to
countries in other parts of the globe. On the contrary, Europe, itself,
has to pay interests, and within Europe, between the different
countries, obstructions and impediments are heaped upon each other, to
surmount them, is a work for "giants"! The only consolation is, that it
is not the first time that Europe and our own Germany were in sore
distress. In all previous cases, it recuperated, and rose, like a
Phoenix, from the rejuvenating fire. The plague and other dread
epidemics have devastated towns and countries, wars have destroyed
peoples and their culture. Final ruin we see, only in cases, where
discord and lack of reason have permanently come to reign.
The continued depreciation of currency in the affected countries, is
one of the causes of the many grievances. No remedy has yet been
discovered for it, but it must be apparent to everybody, that the most
precious treasure possessed by man, is not GOLD, but "WORK"!
Work alone, however, is not in all circumstances a protection against
misery. The possibility must exist to use it correctly in exchange for
other goods. The overthrow of all to which we have been accustomed, is
likely to cloud our vision, but, ultimately, we have to acknowledge
that men and nations depend upon each other, and that, in the exchange
of our earthly goods, life and the pleasures of life can be found for
each individual.
Amidst all this oppression and tribulation, it is a blessing to be able
to look back upon a successful past. This privilege, however, has stern
duties: to keep up the traditions of the past, to adhere to the
approved fundamental principles, to regain the lost, to strive and
build up afresh.
With this determination, the Bremen Cotton Exchange celebrates its
fiftieth anniversary.