The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-01-19
GARFIELD ORDER
IS LESS DRASTIC
Than OUTLINED
IN FIRST DRAFT
Many Exemptions Being
Made and Much of OPP
position Abates
SITUATION SHOWS
AN IMPROVEMENT
Few Violations Reported,
and Coal Is Moving
Much More Freely

washington, Jan. 19.--Reports to
the fuel administration today show
ed transportation congestion
throughout the east being cleared
and bunker coal being unloaded in
Increasingly large quantities. Few
empty cars, however, have begun to
move back yet to the coal mines.
Serious consideration was given
Iby Fuel Administrator Garfield to-
day to the request of theaters that
they be permitted to close on Thurs
days rather than on Mondays. 1t
was indicated that the change might
be made.
Although much of the confusion
attending the enforcement Of the
| fuel administrators five day clos
| ing order continued IL was evident
| that its application would be far less
| drastic than first believed.
A list of interpretations in specific
cases which probably will be given
general application was being pre-
| pared by fuel officials from which
| minor exemptions may result to sup
plement special rulings made yes
| terday. In addition it was announ-
ced that food administrators may be-
expected to make further exemp-
tions in the case Of food producing
plants and related Industries. Food
Administrator Hoover yesterday in
terpreted the closing order to mean
that no check would be put on the
manufacturing or distribution of any
essential food product.
Backed by vigorous defense Of the
president, who yesterday gave his
full support to the closing order as
imperative to release coal to move
supplies to the American army and |
the allies. DR.. Garfield today gave
his attention to the situation at At |
iantic ports.
In the face OF Presiden Wilson's |
statement that the order was issued |
with his full knowledge and ap-
provaI and another explanation from /
DIR. Garfield declaring that the rail-
road congestion is threatening the Il
food supply, vigorous opposition in
congress apparently has spent It
self.
Few violations have been noted by
fuel officials and these. It was be-
lieved were due to misunderstand-
fngs. In some cases even state
fuel administrators have not under
stood the order.
Bunker Coal Arrives
Enough bunker coal viii reach the
docks within the next three or four
0hg - II Wn@ 5aAlAs 10 Supply hAl SHIPS
now awaiting fuel BunkerinE, how
ever, depends very largely on hand
ling facilities after the coal is un-
loaded on the docks.
Fuel administration officials pre-
dicted IL would be at least a. week
before coal mines began 20 receive
empty cars in numbers necessary 70
keep production at a maximum.
Confusion resulting from diversion
OF coal AZ destinations is slowing up
the movement Of empty care back
10 the mine districts.
IL was made clear today that in
1ustries producing materials on
which munitions plants are depen-
dent are expected from provisionsl
of the closing order. This applica-
lion will permit the operation of
all mines producing met
llE and ore.
The fuel administration today {
ruled that lumber producing con- c
,erns working on orders for the I
feet CORPORATION and for 4
he aircraft production board are
sxempt
Fuel administration officials saia
he tone Of teleRrau1s coming wac 4
.ntireiv different from those of vng- y
ardmw and thai most ~ them aftha~ 9
.pprovea the governments action ~
wrEeesad willingness to co-opnrata.A u 8