Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 84, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 January 1918 — SHUT-DOWN ORDER IN EFFECT [ARTICLE]

SHUT-DOWN ORDER IN EFFECT

FUel Administrator <’loses Industries East of the Mississippi. To relieve the congested condition of the railroads, caused in part by the severe weather and shortage of ships /for carrying freight intended for export in the east, National Fuel Administrator Garfield has ordered a closing down of practically all industrial plants east of the Mississippi river far a five day period, beginning yesterday morning, and for every Monday for the next ten weeks. It is believed that this will result in a saving of 30,000,000 tons of coal and, while a storm of protest has gone up over the country, the order will be Obeyed. This order- so far as it affects Rensselaer means the closing of the garment factory, 'furniture factory and reduction plant during the fiveday period and all retail stores and business houses except those selling food, which may keep open until 12 o’clock, noon; drug stores, hotels and restaurants in which no intoxicating liquors are sold may operate as usual on the Mondays specified. Business and professional offices must also close on Mondays except postoffices, county anil (municipal offices, telegraph and telephone, transportation, etc. The order is the most drastic ever issued in this country and a great many people doubt its wisdom. However, it is claimed that the eastern terminals are so congested with' freight intended for export thiat it is impossible to get coal through for use olf ships in carrying this freight and food stuffs.