This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 33 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Jan 17, 1918
Page
8
Leading business men voiced regret over drastic fuel rules and warned of hardships for labor and commerce. Most questioned the necessity of the five day closing and Monday holiday while urging a more balanced rate system to attract railroad capital and improve equipment.
George F. Washburn, president of the Massachusetts ____, warns that restrictions are harming tenants and may push many into bankruptcy. He cites rising overheads, shattered business conditions, and overwhelming complaints from tenants about lack of relief and growing financial strain.
Former New England Hardware Dealers' Association president Henry M. Sanborn says the Washington coal order is too stringent and will harm business and labor. He favored the New England fuel administrator’s methods and results but questions federal rulings.
The Boston mayor urges every good American citizen to accept any recommendation from the fuel administration and states no further comment on the matter.
The Boston Chamber president complains the sweeping order will harm laborers and cause hardships. He argues essential shipbuilding and hydro powered industries should be exempt to preserve jobs and allow continued operations as much as possible.
Thomas F. Anderson cites that over 100000 workers in shoe shops and 60000 in allied industries could face idleness amid a fuel shortage. He notes half of US shoes are produced in the region and wage losses would be severe, while local sentiment opposes closing all industries on Mondays.
Frederick C. Hood General Manager objects to a broad wartime order shutting factories. He calls it a calamity and urges targeted limits on shipments rather than a universal shutdown, arguing factories differ and railroads should be prioritized.
Governor McCall stated he has not seen official news from the fuel administration and cannot comment for publication at this time. He urged awaiting formal information before any statement.
The document notes a drastic government order impacting about 4000 employees who will be forced to loaf for a specified period. Despite dissatisfaction, the workers are expected to accept the measure as necessary and comply.
The speaker argues for increasing coal mining to boost fuel supply and ease transportation mustering. They doubt the New England Stove Manufacturers Association will protest, though warn the order could seriously affect their business.
Charles W. Henderson of New England Iron and Hardware Association states he has not discussed the measure with association officers but opposes it. He argues coal mines and railways remain and coal should reach consumers without crippling industry. public explanation is needed if the measure is wartime.
Colonel Charles Pfaff says Boston brewers received a wire volunteering to comply with an order possibly closing three days a week. He notes notifying the State fuel administrator and worries five consecutive days could ruin goods in process, hoping to negotiate the number of closure days with officials to avoid loss of perishable products.
Matthew C Brush president of the Boston Elevated Company said he knows nothing about any decision to stop service after 11 15 at night. He claimed no discussions have taken place and that the company will cooperate with Fuel Administrator Storrow once expectations are clear.
A speaker urges shared sacrifice to win the war and conserve resources. He argues shorter business hours have saved fuel and supports extending the new coal rules but suggests reconsideration if coal relief arrives. He emphasizes collective patriotism and the need to act in the interest of the common cause.
John B. Schoeffel of the Theatre Managing Association of Boston warns the new measure will force theatres to shut, deeply affecting employees. He doubts the theatrical men will oppose the ruling and expects compliance.
Bernard M Wolf a clothing merchant warns a ten week Monday holiday will hurt his business. He says Mondays were a fair day and early closing already cut his after five o’clock sales, and he fears further restrictions will handicap trade.
Henry C. Brine of the New England Dry Goods Association says the measure is drastic but necessary. He argues the holiday will only slightly affect dry goods houses as the public adapts, preferring to shop on the other five days. He concedes some business will be lost but insists most will adjust patriotically.
R M Saltonstall calls the coal shortage unfortunate and lamentable as Ipswich mills remain busy with large contracts. He notes uncertainty over how many workers will be affected by the new ruling and emphasizes the hardship it will cause.
Edward S. Underwood, president of the Lynn Chamber of Commerce, notes Lynn’s shoe factories are operating about 25 hours weekly due to coal scarcity. He expects word from Secretary William H. Day in Washington on obtaining coal for the city and forecasts limited impact on Lynn compared with other cities.
Augustus A. Hemenway, Lynn shoe manufacturer, warns that closures would hurt workers more than managers as many plants remain busy with spring orders and a shutdown would reduce business.
A reader questions the sudden implementation of an order, expresses respect for Washington and service members abroad, and notes 12 000 to 13 000 workers at General Electric awaiting 5 o'clock updates on the situation.
A Boston Brewers Board of Trade delegation representing about 18 breweries visited the State House and proposed closing breweries three days weekly to conserve coal. The move was accepted by Mr. Storrow, who praised liquor interests for backing coal conservation and the group wired fuel administrator Garfield with the plan.
Only coal vessel to reach Boston yesterday was the Hampton from Baltimore with 7400 tons of bituminous coal. She will discharge at the New Haven terminal in South Boston. Also, the steamer J H Devereaux has started from Philadelphia for Boston with 2500 tons of anthracite for the Metropolitan Coal Company.
Frank J. Hayes, president of the Miners Union and United Mine Workers, laments a coal famine in the nation and urges 450,000 members to boost production amid widespread car shortages halting full shifts. He hopes for relief and calls for cooperation to maximize daily output.
Boston fuel administrator James J. Storrow and Robert B. Stone announced new local opening and closing rules for offices, retail stores, food shops and amusements to conserve coal. Most enterprises must close three nights weekly at 6 p m with exceptions by district and type, while theatres may run until 11:30 p m on two nights.
Boston retailers are instructed by J B Noyes for Committee A of the Boston fuel committee to prioritize coal deliveries to hospitals water works essential buildings and homes while restricting supplies to apartment buildings and offices with a 48 hour or weekly limit and to obtain written approval for exceptions, as shortages continue and distribution is guided by public interest.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Board of Labor and Industries will hold a hearing at 1 Beacon Street Boston on Tuesday January 29 1918 at 11 p m. The subject is a proposed addition to the occupations forbidden for girls under eighteen years including messenger and similar roles. Commissioner Edwin Mulready signs the notice dated January 17 1918.
The fuel administration orders reduce Massachusetts workdays from 57 to 44 between Jan 18 and March 28, removing 13 days. This implies about 23 percent of ordinary working days, cutting corresponding wages unless employers voluntarily compensate for lost time.
All city and state schools will suspend sessions due to the work less Monday ruling. Public and private institutions halt classes. a possible Saturday single session may be ordered for Boston schools to make up for the lost Monday session.
Attleboro manufacturers protest federal fuel orders that halt production during the busy season. Executives from Bates & Bacon, D. E. Makepeace, C. O. Sweet & Son, McRae & Keeler, Carter Qvarnstrom Remington, and others warn of crippling losses, with Col Sidney O Bigney criticizing the policy as harmful to workers and the war effort. Over 18,000 residents rely on jewelry manufacturing and many workers are women contributing to Liberty Bonds and Red Cross drives.
Central Labor Union leaders warn the latest coal and holiday orders will cost workers hundreds in income. President Edward F. McGrady cites incompetence on fuel and priority commissions, demanding practical appointees to safeguard workers at home and support soldiers abroad.
David Brewer a long time Harvard square merchant who opened the Brewer market at 9 Brattle street in 1862 died suddenly at his home 49 Langdon street Cambridge He had sold his provision business to Conant and Stockwell and moved into real estate He is survived by his widow Sarah B Brewer
Department of Justice officials said Walter Spoermann a young German detained in Baltimore on suspicion of spying would be interned as a dangerous alien. He would not be tried as a spy as evidence does not warrant military court arraignment for his life.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.