Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1918 — GARFIELD LIFTS CLOSING ORDER [ARTICLE]

GARFIELD LIFTS CLOSING ORDER

HOLIDAY MONDAY WILL ONLY BE REVIVED IF SITUATION WARRANTS. Washington, Feb. 13.—Suspension of the Monday heatless program was announced today by Federal Fuel Administrator Garfield with the reservation that it may be put back into force before the ten weeks’ period expires if a return of bad weather brings another breakdown in railroad transportation. At the same time Dr. Garfield gave .state fuel administrators full authority to continue the closing order in territory in their jurisdiction if in their opinion circumstances demanded it. The heatless Mondays were decreed by the fuel administration on January 17, and four have been..observed in all states east of the Mississippi except those south of Virginia. The order was enforced in the south after three Mondays, but was lifted there last week. A preferential coal distribution list established by the order remains in force as does the section providing for the order’s enforcement. Fuel administration officials believe that preferential distribution together with continued operation of railroad embarges which had been promised by Director General McAdoo, will meet the fuel problem unless there is a return of extremely bad wepther. Dr. Garfield received assurances today from both Director General McAdoo and Chairman Hurley, of the shipping board, that they will redouble their efforts to get coal to the New England states from Hampton Roads. Ships which have to wait for trans-Atlantic. cargoes will be pressed into service as coal carriers.