Evening star., 1918-01-17
New York Hesitates on Action,
Other Communities Protest
Gigantic Wage Loss.
RULE HITS MUNITIONS
PLANTS, U. S. WAR MILLS
Millions Made Idle by Sweeping
Regulation, While Labor Protests.
Many Promise Cooperation.
By the Associated Press.

| By the Associated Press
NEW YORK, January 17.-In the alb
! sence of the exact text of Fuel Admin
| istrator Garield's evolutionary coal
| conservation order, New York city hesi-
tated today to determine its attitude to-
ward the five-day industrial suspension
| regulations as forecast last night.
Although it was realized that New
] York and the east have been most vitally
affected by the situation which the or
der Is designed to relieve, in many quar-
ters the wisdom Of the drastic step as
outlined in advance summaries was ques-
toned; in others the order was de-
hodnced "as calamitous," unnecessary"
destructive" and "unjustiied"; in some
accepted with patriotic resignation"
In Wall street there was a brief un-
certainty at the opening of the stock
exchange. but after a general downward
movement of stocks the market became
stabilized. Losses OF from fractions to
three points registered during the de-
cline were quickly gained. There was
a similar occurrence in the cotton mar
ket, where losses amounting to $40 a
bale wer registered, but which were re-
covered In a vigorous rally.
Stock Exchange Meets.
A special meeting of the board of
governors of the Stock Exchange was
called to consider problems presented
by Administrator GaraelRs ORDER That
| A. r~B,o
II members have to wear overcoats
while trading on the floor was de-
clared certain by officers Of the board
banking authorities order the closing
of banks and trust companies.
Such action would make operation Of
| the exchange impossible
State Chamber to Meet.
President E. n. Outerbridge of the
Chamber of Commerce Of the state of
New York gave notification of meeting
late today Of the organizations special
committee on war problems for considera-
ton Of the Washington order What at
titude would be determined upon at this
meeting was awaited with much interest,
as the committee Is composed Of repre-
sentative New York bankers, tradesmen,
approval or disapproval Of the order was
expected to indicate the reception which
business generally might accord the plan.
Harry T. Peters, chairman Of the state
fuel conservation committee, said that
protests were being received from almost
every business and commercial organiza-
ton in the city.
Admit Unpreparedness.
Fuel administrators frankly admitted
they were not prepared for such a
startling announcement from Washing
ton and it would be some time before
they could familiarize themselves with
the complex details of the plan. Opin-
ion among business men and officials
as to whether results would be bene-
f1cial or otherwise was widely diverg-
ent. Many criticised the orders as un-
necessary and as furnishing no real So
luton Of the problem; while others were
inclined to the belief that stern meas
ures were needed to cope with the sit
uation and that the saving of coal, while
working hardships on thousands, would
be worth the sacrifice
In order to outline a course of action
Albert H. Wiggin. state fuel admins
traitor. called conference this morn
ing with city and county administrators
and leading coal dealers.
Affects 5000, 900 Workers.
ITS up to us to carry out our or
ders," said Reeve Schely, fuel admins
traitor for New York county, "for these
are war times. We must consider our
selves soldiers here just as much as II
we were in the trenches"
In the opinion of industrial statistic
clans approximately 100000 wage
earners in New York state will be az
fected by the temporary shut down of
industry. OF this number more than
1900 900 live and work in this CITY. The
wage loss for the fifteen days. accord
ing to conservative unofficial estimates.
will be S102.528,150.'
Many large establishments. 1t is said
are preparing to pay their employees in
full or in part. as a patriotic effort.
Small industries. unable to carry their
employees on the pay roll during the
days of idleness. will be forced to bea r
the brunt of the burden here
Issue Hurry Calls.
officials of various trade unions have
issued hurry calls for emergency meet
ings throughout the state. to consider
nd fov