The weekly Alaska citizen., 1918-01-21
RAISING A TEMPEST

The order issued Wednesday night by the fuel administration closing all industries throughout the eastern section of the country, with the exception of those producing food, has evidently created the biggest sensation of the past year. From all information re- ceived 1t is apparent that the action has aroused a great storm of protest
 It was to be expected that the great manufacturing interests would object to the order, as the time lost would undoubtedly cut deep into profits, even though operations should be suspended but short time. That it would produce considerable adverse criti- cism from many others not directly affected is also natural, as the stoppage of the manu- facture of vital articles at this time is with out doubt serious, and even possibly dan gerous, expedient.
 The purpose of the order, as we under stand it, is two-fod The first is to relieve the fuel famine which has been the cause of much suffering in congested centers of popu- lation. The second purpose is to relieve con- gested railroad conditions by the release of thousands of cars which are now loaded with coal for hundreds of towns and which fill many miles of badly needed auxiliary tracks
 We believe that it would accomplish these two things. Hundreds of thousands of tons of coal would be saved by the cessation of work. The pressure of traffic would also be relieved by the temporary cessation of ship ments from the factories Motive power used for moving the output of these industries are badly needed Thus the fuel saved com bined with the fuel moved to its destinations would form considerable reserve supply ,o1, ohoI ho 1,o til the crisis is over.
 It is granted by everyone that the present shortage of fuel supplies is dangerous It is also agreed that the shortage exists only in storages of supply, and not at the mines. There is sufficient coal mined and loaded on cars to furnish ample supplies for all uses. With every severe cold spell, there comes pre- dictions of cessation of numerous manu- featuring plants. In fact, some of these plants have been forced to close temporarily at least once during the past six weeks. It has thus been demonstrated that the fuel famine must be broken up. The entire coun- try seems to be unit in this.
 The measure proposed by the fuel admin istration is so far the only remedy which has been offered. But the cure seems almost as dangerous as the disease To stop the in- dustrial life of the nation for even five days is a procedure of questionable wisdom. It should only be used as measure of last re- sort, and there seems to be reasonable doubt as to whether or not the country has reached that stage which requires such he roic treatment
 National Fuel Administrator Garfield, while being the actual as well as the nominal leader of the national fuel administration, is directly responsible to the President for his actions, and has probably consulted freely with MT. Wilson before taking such drastic action Although the senate has requested the suspension of the order for few days, it will probably rest with the President to decide what final action shall be taken.
 Either this or some other action must be taken soon, for it is imperative that the present critical fuel conditions be relieved. In making its protests, the opposition may sug- gest milder treatment for the trouble which will have equally desirable results.