Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 January 1918 — Saloons And Amusement Places In Many Parts of State Closed [ARTICLE]

Saloons And Amusement Places In Many Parts of State Closed

Indianapolis, Jan. 15.—The fuel shortage throughout Indiana remains acute/ In several cities schools and industries have been closed because of lack of fuel and thousands of families are suffering, severely from cold.l Every possible effort is being made by representatives of the fuel administration and municipal authorities to get coal for private famillies, but with little apparent Tesult. Places where dealers have coal are little, better off than where dealers’ bins are empty. Deep snows make it almost impossible to haul the fuel to consumers.

The most drastic action taken any place in the state to relieve the situation was in Indianapolis late today. Dr. Harry Jamqson, federal fuel administrator for the city, ordered all saloons, club houses, fraternity halls, dance halls, theatres, picture shows and pool rooms closed immediately until further notice. No exception to the order was made regardless of whethet the places affected got their heat from a central plant or had a supply of fuel on hand. The administrator ordered all electric signs of any kind shut off and show window lights turned out. Publication of thev order in local newspapers was regarded as sufficient notice to the persons affected, the administrator said. In addition, however, personal notice was being served as rapidly as possible. All schools were closed yesterday in this city. It is estimated that 3,000 families in Indianapolis are without fuel and unable to get a pound any place. Entire cars of coal on sidings a few minutes have been clerked up by persons who were unable to buy coal and before the police could be called. Three cars were emptied in less than twenty minutes in that way.