Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-01-26

EVENl0 VI ~ WEN
The week started in the middle Of the first "hcat-
less period inausurated by order of Fuel Administra-
tori Garfield. The order, which provided for what might
be called a selectivc shutdown of industries east of the
Mississippi, went into effect on Friday morning, and as
its first provision was for Il closing down for five days
the most severe test came at the beginning of the term
Of ten weeks for which provision was made. The order
brought forth a great deal of comment, and most of
that comment was unfavorable. 1t is probable that no
other man in public life in America had poured upon
his head within SO short a time such a volume of de-
nunciation as was let loose on DIR. Garfield within the
few days following the issuance of his historic order.
The country has lived through the five days. The
work of many industries was seriously hannpercd by the
enforced delay. If DR.. Garfield is right they would have
been more seriously injured by still greater cmbarrass-
naent just a little later on when the fuel situation had
passed beyond control. And it is tho opinion of the fuel
administrator, and in this he is backed up by the prcsi-
dent, that the Improvements directly due to the order
have fully vindicated it. 1t is a fact that ships which
had been waiting for coal were supplied at a rate that
had not up to that time been possible, and from this
standpoint the situation has been greatly improved.
IS * + Il Is X
Weather conditions have worked decidedly to the
disadvantage of the industries of the country. 1t would
be difficult to imagine worse conditions than those with
which those engaged in the work of transportation have
had to contend. The populous cast, where most of the
great industrial plants Of the country are situated, have
been swept by storm after storm, and even under nor
NAL commerce. and industrial conditions it would
scarcely have been possible to handle the freight bust
ness of the country without a great deal of confusion
and delay. With the additional complications which
war conditions have imposed the situation has been alb
solutely without precedent,
-sti * * 4 X * X
AS the days have passed there has been noted some
moderation in the tone of those who have criticized
the fuel policy of the administration SO sharply. SO
far as we have noted there has been no direct confess
sion of errors on the part of any Of the critics, but al
least the tone Of the criticism has boen moderated yer,
materially. 1t is worthy of note that, while many pro.
tests were filed, while many people were convinced tina,
the needs were not as officials had believed, and tina
the actual needs were not being met in the best way
there was, nevertheless a very general disposition to OBJ
serve the order faithfully. Taking the country Owe
the American public, or at least that portion of the pub
lie which was first touched by this order, did not be
lieve it to be a wise order, and regretted that it har
been issued, but obeycd it. nevertheless, because it wa
an order issued in good faith by an accredited Office
Of their government. There were resretable feature
connected with the incident, but there has been give
q demonstration of loyalty and discipline that is fin
and inspiring.
Sharp controversies over the methods in the hal nd
ling of the business end of the war have occupied
large share of the attention of the public Throughout
the week. First in the calendar week came the un
compromising statement of the president in criticism
iof the address of Senator Chamberlain in New Yerl
Mr.. Chamberlain. had declared in his address that Their
was Reorganization and ineniciency in every depart
linent of war, work. This and other similar xtatcmcn,
the president described as distortions of the truth, an