New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-20
Sugar, Milk and Coal Sup
plies Dwindle-No
Relief Near
Strict Economy
Urged on People
Allies and Cantonments to
Get First of the New
Sugar Crop

New York City, now that hsr first
thrill at the nations entrance into the
var has worn off. is beginning to re-
xlize that the conflict will mean some
thing more than the display of service
flags. subscribing TO Liberty loans and
Kidding a thunderous farewell to de-
parting troops.
Her experience with the sugar, coal
snd milk shortages within the last few
days have made her realize that war
may mean actual privation; will GER
tainly demand strict economy and self
denial. For the first time in her spend
thrift life New York is faced by the
problem Of shortages in necessities,
with no immediate relief in sight.
The sugar supply OF the city con-
tinued to dwindle yesterday. The last
Of the old crop is almost gone. Before
the city may enjoy any of the new crop,
Just coming in, the pressing needs OF
our allies must be filled by the re-
fneries, and the army cantonments
must be supplied. After that the de-
mands of civilians will be heard, not
before.
Grocers Selling Last of Supply
Leading grocery stores in the city
yesterday were selling the last OF their
- 81 nOnpA
There will be no advance beyond this
price, according to the grocers. who
say that their only effort will be 70
see that all the people get an equal
share.
Strict economy, DR.. Henry Moskowitz
said yesterday, would tide the city over
without hardship until the new crop is
placed on the markets. So strict must /
this saving be, however. that most of
the candy manufactures in town prob /
ably will shut down within the next
few days for lack OF material.
This suspension oi work may be per |
manent, unless the candy manufactur-
ers obey implicitly the directions Of
| the food administration at Washing
|ton. officials of this body said yester-
day that unless the factories followed
their orders for sugar conservation
their output would be curtailed. and II
necessary, cut off entirely.
Herbert Hoover, head Of the food
administration, issued another appeal
10 the people Of the United States yes
ierday urging complete cooperation
With the government in its efforts to
save sugar. II is necessary, he said,
| for the per capita consumption each
year TO be cut from its present average
cf ninety pounds to siXty-seven pounds,
If the Allies are TO be supplied. This
will entail saving of about seven
ounces per person each week.
Coal Problem Still Serious
The coal problem in the city con-
tinues serious, but one step was taken
toward its solution yesterday. Reeve
Schley was appointed fuel dictator of
New York County by the State Fuel
Administrator, Albert II. Wiggin, and
Twill begin at once an inquiry into the
reason for the present shortage.
Mr.. Schley has announced his inten.
ton Of proceeding at once against all
lfesponsible persons. All dealers who
imsy be boarding up coal in the hope
! Of selling later at better price have
been warned that they run the risk OF
having their entire store confscated, 1t
was stated. !
| He has appointed a committee of
fnsnciers who will try to ind out wnat
has become of the immense surplus
Of coal that has been shipped to the
eitv during 1917-about 100000 tons
inore than the city received in 1915.
The war, while not directly response
Ible for the milk shortage, nevertheless
furnished the conditions which inspired
the milk wagon drivers to strike. The
Irity's supply yesterday was 9o,ooo
Iouarts short, and the strike, confined SO
Ifar to the Borden company, threatens
Ito spread further.
| Ofhcers of the Borden company and
Headers in the newly formed MIX
drivers Union met last night at the
Hotel Continental, to discuss the situa-
lion. and. if possible. reach an agree
Iment. At ] o'clock this morning the
employers and employees were stun IN
conference, with little indication OF
any immediate decision.
The strike has practically crippled
1.-The Borden delivery system. seventy
Irer cent of the men wer out yesterday
r0rnlnE. anu hlOob Va
norted TO the company had, by. the
! fternoon, transferred their allegiance
"a the strikers. The union now threat
,ns unless its demands are met, TO
ali out the drivers Of the Alexander
VCampbeU Milk Company on Sunday
Ind. later, those of other large con-
lCcrns.
Egg Spectators Pinched
Out OF the gloomy prospect OF short
l,res in necessities there appears only
lone ray of light Reports from Chicago
Lay that spectators in cold storage
lggs have suddenly discovered that they
Have more on their hsnds than they
vnow what 10 do with. Favorable
I,utumn weather has made eggs more
plentiful than usual, and the specula.
Itors who placed large quantities OF
legrs in cold storage in the spring now
End that they can dispose OF them only
al loss Of $500 n carload. In order
that they may not lose all Of the money
lihev have staked or their gamble they
arc appealing TO the government for
aid.
| The food situation here IN detail
Icsd Uooper's nelU tDdrring 10 re-