OCR Text |
Show uu EPIDEMIC CUTS DOICIOUTPOT Pronounced reduction in the output of coal during the week of October 12, as a result of the rapid spread of Spanish inlluenza, was reported to the United States Fuel administration by production managers in various sections sec-tions of the country, notably in Maryland, Mary-land, Virginia, West AMrgina. Tenne-see, Tenne-see, Kentucky, Central Pennsylvania, and Alabama. The mst serious report canio from the Cumberland -Piedmont district, where, because of the prevalence of tho inlluenza together with scarcity of physicians and nurses, many of the smaller coal mines are coaiDlelelv ldle while the larger ones are practically only half manned. The report from this district estimated that the output of coal from the district probably will be! cut to 50 per cent of its former weekly i rate. The report declares that "the' rapidity of the progress of the disease and fatal results hnve the population awestruck. Norton, Va., reported that many mines in that district have been compelled com-pelled to cut operations to half time. Birmingham, Ala., sent word that the epidemic is spreading rapidly causing a reduction in the output estimated at 15 per cent. Knoxvillo. Tenn., estimated the cut in production, due to Influenza, in that district, at 25 per cent. Hazard. Ky., placed the production loss lu that region at from 30- to 40 per cent From Charleston, W. Va., St was reported re-ported that the disease is spreading with serious effect, Some of the mines in that territory are producing only one-fourth of their normal out-put, but others are doing better. The average production loss, is estimated at about 20 per cent. Central Pennsylvania, a bituminous district of the greatest Importance, will feel the effects of the scourge by a reduced production of about 70,000 tons, or more than 5 per cent of Its maximum of output, according to reports re-ports from Altoona, Pa. On the other hand the Connellsville and Westmoreland Westmore-land districts in Pennsylvania are so far not seriously affected. Production managers in Ohio and West Virginia report that the prevalence preval-ence of Influenza among railroad employes em-ployes is hampering the movement of cars. |