Evening journal., 1918-07-11
Garfield CHOPS OFF
Brewers COAL PILE
Radical Order Promises to
End the Industry With
in Ten Months
NEW SLOGAN FOR
ThE NATIONS "DRYS"

WASHINGTON, July H.-Fuel Admin
istraior Garfield yesterday took action
which would end the brewing Industry
within the next ten months II the coal
shortage continues, whether or moi
Congress approves the bone dry
amendment now before the Senate.
After a conference with Chairman
Baruch, Of the war industries board
Food Administrator Hoover and Vance
Mccormick, chairman OF the war Grade
board, who with Doctor Garfield com
pose the Government committee 10
charge Of curtallment Of non-war In
dustries, the fuel administrator an
nounced that all coal viii be denied 10
breweries after the materials now in
tho process OF manufacture or on hand
have been used up until the prospect
OF greater coal service Is assured.
Tho announcement made no mention
OF the situation in Congress, but de-
clared the step was in line with the
program Of curtailment on non-war In
dustries available for war purposes and
household consumption The cut means
a saving Of 100000 tons Of coal an
nually on the basis OF the brewers
requirements under normal condition.
With the brewers as the first exam
pie OF 100 per cent curiailment Doctor
Garfield also announced that the heads
OF the Government war agencies had
recommended appointment OF a new
curtailment committee, which Will
work in conjunction with the priOrities
board TO ascertain what further reduc-
tOns are 90 be made and TO take such
sctlon as may be deemed necessary to
put the nation on a war basis.
While little comment was heard last
night on the possible effect Of the ac-
tion on Congress. many expressed the
belief that it would strengthen the
head OF the prohibition forces. IL was
pointed out that II the fuel administra-
tion thought the coal situation justified
closing down the breweries as soon as
they were given time to clean up, ad-
vocates Of prohibition would have con-
servation OF fuel as new slogan to aid
their argument that manufacture OF
beer was consuming essential food
stuffs.
Many believe this plain expression Of
the Government war heads that beer
must 20, as a non-essential, would not
forestall Congress. and this belief was
based on what information could be
gained as 70 the time and manner In
which the new order would be worked
out
Food experts estimated present stocks
OF materials IN the hands OF the brew
ers. including malt already manufac-
hlred. would last under the coal allot-
ment OF so per cent now permitted
scmething like eight. nine or ten
months. Reports showed grain and mali
on hand on March amounted to about
AZ 600 900 bushels. AZ that time the
brewers were working on 30 per cent
barrcliage curtailment agreed upon vol
UNFAIRLY. July 3 the fuel administra-
tion. after a conference with various
brewing interests, announced 90 per
cent. coal reduction. and this order will
remain in force during the next eight or
For this reason the actual saving Of
coal between now and the time the
breweries 20 out OF business cannot be
accurately estimated Many brewers
have on hand more than a six months
supply.
Especial significance also was at
tached 20 the action because It was the
frst curtallment announced by the Gov
ernment. made without calling a con-
ference OF the manufacturing interests
and obtaining a voluntary agreement on
the amount Of the reduction.
The transportation situation, espe-
clally as It affects the movement TO coal
10 the domestic consumer and to sec
tIops remote from the mines, also play
ed a big part In the decision OF the fuel
administration.
At present the railroads report 200
more cars daily can be passed through
the New England gateways, provided
fhe coal can be furnished. IL Is lmpera-
tive. II was contended, that advantage
be taken Of this opportunity, because
t,vo-third Of New England's coal supply
goes by water, and after winter sets IN
shipments are greatly reduced. More
over delivery Of the New England al
lotment BY water IS seriously behind
schedule but coal for 200 additional
cars can be had only by divertlnS u
from other industries, and IL should DC
taken from non-war Industries.
In announcing appointment OF tne
new curtallment committee, when IS
eomposed OF Clarence NJ. Woolley, Ed
ward Chambers. p. B. Noyes, Theodore
F. Whitmarsh and Edwin B. Parker, OF
the priorlties board. and Prof. Edwin r.
Gay. statlstcisn. the fuel administration
said Il would study each Industry win
. view TO ascertainlng what curtailment
can be made and report TO the priori-
lies hoard from time to time, the prior
lties board IN iurn advising the various
administrative departments TO take such
action as will eifectuate its recommen-
dations."