The suspension of shell-making at the Tredegar Iron Works was not an expression. As the British government announced early last month that no contracts in this country would be canceled on March 31, there was only one exception, and that was in favor of the Richmond branch of the American Locomotive Company, which has orders enough to run at full capacity until May 31. The allied governments have placed no contracts for more than seven months. England having arrived at the point where its plants can manufacture enough munitions to supply its allies.

That orders for shells from the United States government will soon be received by the Tredegar plant is expected. Representatives of the workmen, however, were advised last week to look for work elsewhere. As the shell department had been closed indefinitely, and it might be two or more months before work is resumed. The other departments of the big plant, however, are not affected, and are continuing operations at full capacity.

Archer Anderson, general manager of the Tredegar Corn Company, has declined to make any statement in regard to the laying-off of the large number of workmen. 