Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1919-12-09

Twin take some time TO adjust the coun-
TRY TO a normal basis and that, there
fore, certain restrictions VIII have To be
placed on the consumption OF bitumi-
nous coal and of light, heat and pow
er derived thertfrom. so that urgent
domestic needs may be cared for, The
necessary foodsluffs produced and real
! ly essential light power and heat sup
piled. Already in many parts OF. the
country restrictions as 90 the use OF
coal land coke for lighting and heating
purposes and for the production OF cleo
/ trlcity and power for such purposes
! have been adopted.
The force OF the application OF the re-
strictions will be felt hardest in the
eastern section OF the country, where
/ the pinch Of the coal shortage has not
( been experienced In the Middle West,
the South and some sections Of the
Southwest virtually the same restric-
tlons applied locally or by the regional
directors Of the railroads have been IN
effect for nearly two weeks.
Change In Regulations.
As originally applied in the Southern
States. restaurants, drug stores and ho-
tells having cigar stands were unable 10
sell cigars and cigarettes after o'clock
In the afternoon, even though lhey
were permitted 20 burn lights for other
purposes. That regulation was held to
be necessary TO prevent discrimination
AGAINST tobacco dealers who had to
close. but after the first few days OF
the "lightless nights" the order was
modified and places Of business not re-
quired to close could dispose OF cigars
and cigarettes. Soda fountains in drug
stores could not be operated and near
beer" saloons could sell only sand
witches and milk If they remained
open.
The use Of candles and kerosene
lamps in stores in order to remain open
for business after O'Clock has been
frowned upon in many cities by the
heads Of the local fire departments who,
in calling attention TO the great hazards,
especially to those due to careless plac-
ing of candles and improper handling
Of oil lamps, referred merchants TO the
fact that in many instances fire insur-
ance policies were vitiated by such
practices
Upon the orders as interpreted by
the regional directors in the south, on
instructions from Washington, It de-
wolves upon the managers or superin-
tendenls OF office buildings to shut Off
the lights for the offices, instead Of
leaving such action to the occupants OF
the buildings.
Restrictions on Industries.
Restrictions placed upon manufac-
turing plants as outlined in the order
will cause confusion and interpreted
tion for them probably viii be forth
coming from railroad officials. Under
the heading Of Power From Bitumi-
nous Coal" the restrictions read:
mo manufacturing plant or factory
shall be furnished bitumnous coal or
coke. or heat, light or power from
coal or coke furnished by /
Or through the United States fuel all
for operation in excess af
three days a week on the basis Of !
present working hours"
Under the heading Of heat from |
bituminous coal" the order reads
IN manufacturing plants or plants |
coming under power curtailment rules |
heat 10 6S degrees) will be allowed |
only during that time prescribed for
use OF power"
Under the heading Of light from |
coal" the order reads;
Manufacturing plants shall be al
lowed to use lights only during the
same time prescribed for the use OF
power"
From these restrictions II would ap-
pear that plants and factories obtain
Ing coal from the railroad administra-
lion or power, heat and light from 1
public utilities getting coal from the