The evening world., 1918-01-18

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shutdown order iesued by Fuel Administrator Garfield
threatens graver damage.
1t threatens to shake the confidence Of the American people
in the competence of their Government to deal with economic
problems forced upon Il by a state Of war.
Besides cutting off their wages, this desperate action Of a Fuel
Administration that has made a failure Of it's job Is calculated to
tll the minds Of millions Of workers with apprehension instead of
with the courage the country needs there.
From the first, those to whom the nation looks for leadership
in the prosecution Of the war have urged uninterrupted, thrice
multiplied production. Industry was to be stimulated and encour-
aged; confidence and prosperity in all directions conserved.
Yet in the presence of difficulty. the first cry Of dismsy, the
first move to surrender, come from those in command.
When II 10 a choice between making a supreme effort to move
the countrys abundant supplies of coal or starving industry, the
official word goes forth, Industry must starved
Better, a thousand times, the losses and discomforts Of de-
morsized yet steadily improving coal distribution than the dis
msyins conviction forced upon the American people that admins
traitors to whom they have delegated tho highest powers re shut
fling ineompetents, who find it easier to publish official DEGREES
of privation than to bestir themselves to insure plenty.
This is what comes Of putting college presidents, bankers, law
yers and slversmiths on a job beyond the range Of their capacity OF
experience.
There have been many moments IN the past week when this fuel
starved city would have given much for a Fingy Conners-to 90 out
and handle moro coal in a forenoon than all present fuel admins
trstoro put together could get ready to move in a month.
There are plenty Of experienced coal men-operators and dealers
who don't need to be told what coal Is or how to handle II. Why
hasn't the country the trst-hnnd benefit Of their expert knowledge
and services in tackling the problem Of coal d~hstrbutionp
When Congressman Lever Of South Carolina introduced the
Food and Fuel Bill, under the provisions Of which Fuel Administrator
Garfield has exercised his extraordinary powers, among purposes of
the bill specifically stated were,
To stimulate production
To clear the channels Of distribution.
Wherein have DR.. Garfield and his forces stimulated produc-
ton or cleared tho channels of distribution by menacing the
greater part of the United States with acute industrial panic and
distress?
Congress yesterday prepared an answer to that question IN the
shape of three resolutions calling for a suspension Of the Garfield
order.
The answer Of commerce and industry in New York was collected
and presented last night with convincing emphasis by Tho Evening
World.
The answer of sane Americans all over the country i, the
demand that the order be rescnded and that DR.. Garfield and
his entire academy of coal students be promptly replaced bv m !,
Of capacity, courage and action.
The present Fuel Administration has cast discredt upon N.
Government and raised doubt as to the ability of that Government,
to protect and safeguard the nations industry.
There is the sravest danger in letting such doub, grow.