New-York tribune., 1918-03-23
Trade Officials Announce
Restrictions Affecting
Many Commodities
Means Saving Of
1,5OO, 900 Tons
Metals, Foodstufs and Lux
uries Purchasable Here
Denied Entrance

WASHINGTON. March 22.-The first
LIST of Imports to be prohibited en-
trance into this country to conserve
tonnage for prosecuting the war was
made public tonight by the War Trade
Board. under authority of President
wilson's proclamation of February 4.
which put all imports under license.
By denying permits for the impor-
.a.ion Of certain metals, foodstufrs
and Injuries, which can be obtained
here or can be sacrificed to the
greater need OF putting ships into
war business. the board expects to add
10000 deadweight tons to the fleet
carrying men and munitions to Europe.
To-night's list of eighty-two articles
or classes OF articles constitutes only
those least essential, concerning which
there was little argument. Lists to
follow will touch various interests
more closely, and will not be issued
until after consultation with the trades
affected, so there will be minimum
Of dsorganization and loss.
Allies Advice Taken
The experience of the Allies has
been utilized in devising the system Of
restrictions. Pyrites constitute the
largest single item on the list. contrib
uting 207 600 to the total tonnage. Only
those foodstuffs were listed which can
be dispensed with. and in MANY cases
arat url,r.1v y
country Of origin, obviating a further
drain upon tonnage to transport sub
stitutes.
BreadstufFs. except wheat and wheat
-four; all fruits. except bananas and
pineapples; all nuts and all vegetables.
except lentils. beans and peas, are on
the list. Luxuries which the public
must forego include jewelry, art works,
dice. billiard balls, poker chips, musi-
cal Instruments. perfumery and feath-
ers
Prohibition on the importation of ar
ticles listed is not absolute. even for
sea borne traffic. owing to certain con-
ditlons OF commerce which will perm ].
importation at times without hindrance
to the war programme. Return cargoa5
from Europe may bring prohibited ar
tlcles. provided they can be loaded ex-
peditlously and there is cargo space.
Prohibited articles also can be import
ed by rail from Canada or Mexico when
originating in those countries or in
others where such goods are being IL
censed for import
Effective After April Is
The restrictions are not effective on
FOODS shipped prior.to April Is. United
itates consuls have been instructed not
D issue consular invoices on ard after
spril 15 for the articles mentioned in
tie list. without first being furnished
with the number of the import license
o. being given other evidence of the
isssance of such license The obligation
Of furnishing proof is placed on the I'M
porer.
II discussing the list, officials
stressed the fact that it was aimed at
no country, but touched all alike which
exported any of these articles to
Sone of the prohibitions will scarce
try. as they affect imports of which
only snail percentages come from over
seas. enc per cent Of the imported
agrcult'ral implements come in ships.
twas pointed out, and the prohibition
VIII meal little or nothing to the con-
samlng plblic, but will save an ap-
pTeciable amount Of shipping space.
;sany OF t,e prohibited articles are Of
eaiky nature compared with their abb
soiute Wela aht, SO that the conserva-
Ton actual. will be greater than the
cures ncie4te The elimination Of