Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 February 1918 — Fuel Situation At Lafayette Desperate [ARTICLE]

Fuel Situation At Lafayette Desperate

Lafayette’s fuel situation Tuesday was described by the county fuel administrator as desperate He said that' every factory' in the city might have to close. The street car system is on the verge of suspending operations, and 'has, announced a large curtailment of its schedule. The entire line between Lafayette and Ft. Wayne may soon have to stop operation. v At Purdue university there was barely enough coal to last throughout the day, and there was considerable talk that the university might be compelled to close. At St. Elizabeth’s hospital the coal supply was very meager and the situation critical. Throughout the city there was a wild demand for fuel and the police department working 'with the street commissioner’s • wagons was kept busy day and. night commandeering coal from schoolhouses and private consumers having a large stock on hand and delivering it to needy families.. /