The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-01-21
N. Y. STORES TO
PAY EMPLOYEES
THEIR FULL PAY

New York, Jan. 9.-Irdications
point to the conclusion that not only
will practically all retail merchandise
stores, big and little, in New York
close Monday but that in many, and
probably the great majority of cases
employees will be paid for the hall
day, the arrangements shouldering
the full loss.
Definite announcement of intention
to close was made yesterday by a
number of stores, but the greater
number, including practically all of
the big department stores, withheld
their statements until today because
of the possibility of a modification of
the fuel administrators order and to
get official rulings on several knottY
problems which are presented by DR.
Garfields edict
One matter which caused delay in
announcement of decision was a
counter proposition which was put up
to the federal fuel administration that
seven hour day, from 10 to 5, six
days week, be substituted for the
Monday closing order. Direct word
was received from P. B. Moves yester-
day evening, however, that it is the
desire of the national administrator
that the closing be uniform and that
the one day week plan be followed
rather than any abbreviation Of hours
of business
Word came from Washington also
that while the Interpretation by the
retailers that the five day closing or
der did not include such establish
ments was correct, the order does ap-
ply to such places of business on the
Monday within these five days, max
ing 10 Mondays in all on which it is
| intended retail merchandise stores
| shall close.
One of the problems on which de-
partment store managers still are
seeking enlightenment is the clause of
exceptions in the Garfield order as af-
| fecting stores of thei~ c1ass. Several
| department stores of New York have
grocery departments, for instance, and
| grocery and other food distributing
establishments are permitted under
| the Washington order to remain open
| until noon. In several cases also de-
partment stores have drug depart
ments, and drug stores are to be per-
mitted to operate all day.
| What is to be done in cases of this
nature and other perplexities will be
answered today, when a definite de-
cision will be reached by all stores on
all points involved.
A distinct feeling of optimism pre-
vailed yesterday throughout the
Broadway and Fifth avenue retail
shopping districts. Store managers
who Thursday were worried and ap-
peared somewhat stunned by the
shock of the unexpected closing order
yesterday were restored to normal
cheerfulness.
There was an almost unanimou
reluctance to discuss publicly the pol
icy regarding payment of employees
for the holidays but privately enough
was said to indicate a general desire
to give employees every consideration
possible and it is certain that many
stores will pay full wages for the five
day weeks.
Owing to the various problems in
volved and the other points mentioned
no announcement was made following
a meeting yesterday of the Retail Dry
Goods Association, which includes six
teen large department stores employ
ing an aggregate of $4,000 persons
| Another meeting of the association will
be held this morning. The same situa-
ton existed at Wanamaker's and 9th
err stores which are not members OF
this organization.
Three of the largest firms operating
mems clothing and furnishings stores
in New York and employing several
hundred persons-Rogers Poet & Co.
Brooks Bros. and Brokaw Bros
definitely announced yesterday that
unless there is modification of the or
der they will close Monday and also
that they will pay employees full time
Speaking for his own firm, Howard
c. Brokaw president of Brokaw Bros.
said: I'VE want to do everything pos
sible to aid in the war and to that
end will cheerfully obey any officia
order, not only in the letter but il
the spirit as well. As for not paying
our employees, that never for an in
slant has been taken into considera.
ton; of course we will pay them, the
same as we would for any other holi.
day"
AT T1nany'S II was announced that
the manufacturing department yester-
day was "closed tight as drum" The
retail establishment will close Monday
and every Monday for the nine weeks
thereafter, it was announced. Other
jewellers took a similar stand.
Retail shoe dealers, fur stores and
speciality shops will act Individually
and not through their various trade
organizations. The sentiment fol
strict obedience to the Monday clos
ing order was SO general that all
places included in these classes may
, be expected to keep their doors locked
Monday unless new orders are issued
The antagonism of the Federal F'ue
Administration to the suggestion that
retail stores be operated on re-
stricted hour basis six days a week
instea dof closing Mondays during the
conservation period was conveyed tc
E. L. Howe, secretary of the Ma
tional Dry Goods association, by P
B. Noyes of DR.. Garield's oce, with
whom he held telephone converse
ton yesterday.