Arizona republican., 1918-01-24
FOOD, FUEL AND
 MUNITIONS ONLY MOVING IN EAST
(Continued from Page One)

tContinOeu rom Page One) over most of the east today the lack of new snow fall enabled the railroads to make slight improvement in the traf- fic situation. The flow of coal east ward was somewhat greater, and the | supply of empty cars to mining regions l was larger. Nowhere was there any near approach to normal conditions, | however, and railroad administration | officials pointed out that the full effect | of low coal production and distribution | would be felt for several days.
 The number of ships awaiting bunk l CT coal at Atlantic ports was smaller. | but freezing of coal in the cars still hampered dumping and ice in harbors interfered with lighterage.
 Temperatures Are Low
 Temperatures ranged not far from the zero mark over much of the coun- try tonight, but warmer weather was in prospect later in the week, and when it comes railroad officials look for much improvement in transportation.
 The embargo put into effect today will not apply to shipments of muni- tinons or other war supplies specifical- ly approved by the war or navy de- partments, and the shipping board. The traffic directors of these depart ments will furnish to railroads definite information on shipments which they wish to move promptly.
 Telegram of inquiry from the middle west concerning reports of embargoes were answered with the information that although embargoes there have not been officially sanctioned by gov ernment administration authorities. To- cal railroad officials have power to decline to accept freight destined for embargoed points or lines. Scores of these minor embargoes may be de- clared without the specific approval of the railroad administration and indica- tions were that many would be put into effect tomorrow.
 The contemplated zone system of coal distribution is based on a plan prepared some months ago by Francis s. Peabody, chairman of the coal cona- mittee of the Council of National De- fense. The plan is to have each pro- ducing district serve a prescribed ter ritory as near to the mines as possible, so as to do away with cross-hauling | and make transportation more eco- 1 homie. Fuel administration officials estimate that at least 20 per cent or present hauling can be dispensed with when the scheme is working properly.
 Coming CompIicates Problem l Many contracts will not expire until April and if zoning is established some 1 provision will have to be made to care | for them. It is likely that an effort will be made to shift contracts in such a manner that the interests both of the seller and the consumer will be con- served.
 Many of the less essential industries, it was indicated today. will find it hard to get coal supplies for many weeks to come. They are permitted to burn fuel they have on hand, except on Mon days, but continued enforcement of a preferred list of consumers authomat- ically cuts off shipments to them.
 Fuel administration officials could
 not say today just what has been the effect of the five-day closing other
 than that more ships have been SUD- piled with bunker coal and that com piaints from household consumers of a
 lack of coal have been fewer.
 The supply of empty cars to the
 Pennsylvania anthracite regions was
 nearly normal, though the central
 Pennsylvania bituminous district go,
 only about half it's usual number. CaI
 shortage compelled Indiana mines te
 work at 70 per cent capacity.
 About fifty mines in the Pocahontas
 field of West Virginia and Virginif suspended work. West Virginia got
 about two- thirds it's normal car SUD-
 ply and the Pittsburg district about half. Loading in the latter field wal about sixty per cent normal
 Coal supplies in Ohio and Indiana for domestic and commercial purpose.
 were reported very low but prospect!
 were said to be bright for improvement within day or two. The movement tt Michigan and Chicago was far bette than in previous days and meat ant 5 livestock moved eastward in consider able quantities today.
 The dumping of coal at tidewate was particularly retarded today a
 Hampton Roads, whose southern lati tude heretofore has rendered thawini apparatus unnecessary. Weather con ditions at Norfolk were reported todd. , as worse than for many years and l number of ships were held up for laci t of coal.