Evening star., 1918-01-18
New York, Philadelphia, Chi
cago and Other Industrial
Centers Close Plants.
FUEL ADMINISTRATORS
DELUGED WITH QUERIES
Lack of Definite Interpretation Of
Myraid Angles on Ruling Results
in Chaos-Plan Relief.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, January 1S-New York
today entered upon the 6ye-day period
of industrial suspension somewhat be-
wildered because of lack of authoritative
information concerning details of the
operation of the coal conservation Or
ders, but determined, nevertheless, to
accept practically whatever hardships
that may come.
For the most part the thousands OF
manufacturing plants in this vicinity
not specifically excepted by the fuel ad-
ministration's order closed down
promptly, and while some continued to
utter protests. a note Of cheerful res
ignation to the situation was observ-
able for the most part in the COM
ments of the affected manufacturers
Possibly 10000 establishments here and
in adjoining cities in northern New
Jersey complied with the order and
estimates of the number of employees
idle run over 100000.
The wage loss for the four days lay
of is estimated at more than $25,000.000
although this was only a nominal guess
for lack of information as to what
plants were continuing the wages OF
their men due 10 tho Idle period
Local fuel administrators. deluged by
thousands Of inquiries from business
men. firms and corporations. were una
BILE to make definite interpretations of
countless angles of the problem, and
much confusion resulted. Not the least
of the problems confronting the fuel
administrators was that OF enforcing
the orders. Albert H. Wiggin, state ad-
ministratcr. admitted he was not sure
who would see that the orders were
obeyed.
He declared success Of the plan rested
largely on the 'conscience" of the peo-
pie; and he was confident there would
be very little trouble in carrying out
orders.
While merchants associations and in
dustrial organizations joined in a
mighty chorus of protest before the or
der actually was promulgated at Wash
ington, there was noticeable absence
of criticism when the decree became ef-
fective. The New York Stock Exchange
decided to remain open, even if its
members had to wear overcoats and
lishments and big department stores
planned to continue business as usual,
at least for. the day.
Labor Leaders Arrange Aid.
Labor leaders. while deploring the
orders, asserted their loyalty to the
government and made arrangements to
raise funds for the relief of those
thrown out of work. A million work
ers will lose s10,000.000 during the
period in New York city alone, accord
ing to some of the estimates The
needle trades, as class. will suffer the
most from the shutdown, 1t was said,
it being estimated that fully 100000
women and girls are employed in this
work.
Others affected. according to labor
figures, are 10000 carpenters, 10000
workers in the garment trades. $4,000
machinists, 10000 cigarmakers, 10000
clerks and 1000 brewery workers.
The question of pay to employees dur
ing the days of idleness has been de-
cided in only few cases. but there is
a disposition on the part of many large
sible for the wage earners. regardless
of the additional burdens.
May Pay Idle Workers.
In Wall street sentiment was said to
be strong in some quarters for paying
The attitude of leading bankers and in
dustrial leaders was of standing by the
government without question: Men
whose personal losses undoubtedly will
be great justified the governments ac-
, ton and urged every sacrifice to carry
out the military needs of tn country.
A. H. Smith, assistant director gen.
eral of railroads, has urged the heads
Of railroads in the eastern district to
,, employ as much of the idle labor as
possible in order to help relieve the
congested condition on all roads.
Warnings have been issued by the
National Board of Fire Cnderwriters
to all owners and managers of build
ings in the city OF the increase IN the
fire hazard caused by lack of coal in
keeping the sprinkling plants in opera
ton. Unusual protective measures
have been taken by the fire depart
ment to combat the menace.
obeyed in Letter and Spirit.
| CHICAGO. January 1S.-More than
one billion dollars in capital and some
| 100000 workers are idle today in the
Chicago district. as result Of the con-
servation order of the federal fuel ad-
ministration. according to figures COM
piled by commercial bodies from the
latest census reports.
! The estimated loss of wages by work
ers in the district during the enforced
idleness for the f1ve-day period, begin
ming today, and the nine successive
Mondays. is $17.000.000.
Business men and manufacturers had
j apparently decided to observe the spirit
! as we'll as the letter of the order fol-
lowing futile efforts of yesterday to
obtain a modification of the edict The
opinion was expressed by many that
! the order IL too severe under the con-
! ditions existing in this state. but a
| large number OF those affected took the
4 position that the national administra.
] tion alone is able to judge of the needs
/ Of the situation accurately.
Coal Crisis on Decrease.
Railway oficials cited the, fact that