Evening star., 1918-01-18

Garfield said, "only by increasing pro-
duction and by decreasing consump-
ton. There is an overproduction of
goods"
There is a shortage Of goods. not an
over-production," insisted Reed. He de-
clared it was unfair to permit plants
using waterpower to run while stopping
those using coal. .,
II have no authority over waterpower,"
replied Dr. Garfield. but I would like
to see all industry Of every kind close
down on the Monday holidays"
Senator Reed suggested that plants
which have coal on hand be permitted
to run as long as they have the coal.
II think / ought to go very slow in
issuing an order Of this kind" said DR..
Garfield.
Senator Reed asked. granting that
wages should be paid, what about the
reduced production.
Il think 1 have answered that in say
ing we must not further clog our rail-
roads"
Isn't it dangerous" Senator Reed
asked ito stop the factories when there
rialS?
1--WE must save the cars and therefore
must stop the pile-up of supplies for
shipment"
Loss to Wage-Earners.
Senator Reed estimated there were H.
900, 600 wage earners in industries and il
5000, 900 were thrown out of work by this
order there would be loss of $15.000.000
day If SO day were allowed for each.
He believed the production loss would run
the total to billion dollars.
"You have the same loss on Sundays
and holidays" Garfield replied.
Dr. Garfield said the car shortage was
the great trouble and insisted the order
would relieve that situation as well as
saving coal.
Chairman Reed disagreed vigorously
and declared
Il think it highly necessary that you
change this order, if you have the lib
erty to do So.'
Senator Jones of New Mexico said he
was informed that it was the purpose of
the fuel administration to purchase all
the coal mined in the five-day period.
DR.. Garfield said it only was the pur-
pose to buy the coal which otherwise
might not be purchased.
II certainly hope" added Senator Reed
after the hearing had progressed for an
hour. that you will see At to modify
this order. DR.. Garfield. Its economic ef-
feet is appalling
Il wish you would state more fully the
extent of your discussion of this order
with business men," said Senator Jones.
lie iSSult Vi ANOyCS trip To oOS-
ton and New York this week to gain in
formation from business men, railroad
officials and state fuel administrators led
us to believe that an order substantially
as that issued was necessary" answered
DR.. Garfield. DR.. Garfield explained his
recent order giving state administrators
power to divert coal. but said he did not
authorize them to take coal from one
plant and give it to another
Protests by industries against vari-
Gus rulings, he said, convinced him that
a general curtailment plan should be
put into effect.
Gould not the same end be reached
by allowing factories having coal to
operator" asked Vardaman.
Il don't think so. The factory with
fuel will be out in few days and con-
ditions would not be remedied," was
answered.
Senator Reed adjourned the hearing
at 1920 o'clock and the committeeman
then returned to the Senate.
Senator Reed was directed by the
committee to report to the Senate the
explanation and reasons given by DR..
Garfield for his orders, without making
any recommendations regarding the
Hitchcock resolution.
As DR.. Garfield came from the COM
mittee room a delegation from the
Chamber Of Commerce of the United
States intercepted him and they re-en-
tered the room for a conference.
I'VE want to find out what it all
means" said Waddill Catchings of New
York. I'VE knew nothing of the order
until we read about it in the newspapers
this morning."