The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-01-09

ABOUT until we get back to Detroit" said
Mr.. Gilbert. Il don't feel AS IL | ought
70 say word at the present time"
"Will there be "A conference of automo-
bile manufacturers in Detroit or else
where" Mr.. Gilbert was asked.
Il can't discuss that" he replied.
G. w. Meers. advertising manager of
the Winton Company and a man famil-
lar with the views OF automobile builders
and dealers all over the country. had this
to say:
Plan "WrOng Economically"
"The plan is only for such as Ford
who can afford it, His last statement
showed that he had Sl3.000.000 in cash
He is able therefore to indulge in any
experiment he pleases. 1t is his own af-
fair and l am sure the world wishes him
we'll. The fact il, though. that his plan
IL wrong economically. l don't believe
that IL is good business or necessarily
good philanthropy. 1t is apt to cause dis
satisfaction among laboring men. but our
company will rely upon the good sense
OF the American workingnan We pay
more than the union rate. | am inclined
to think that Henry Ford is insuring him
self against labor troubles as well as pro-
vding for the prosperity Of his en-
ployees. This move OF his beats the I.
w. W. before 1t starts even"
q. J. J. Cole. president OF the Cole Motor
Car Company of Indianapolis. said
III
wants to amuse himself all right He can
afford II. Others can't. No. l don't look
for any labor troubles. There will be
workmen enough to 10 around for all
that pay good wages and deal fairly with
their men"
windsor 7. White. president of the
White Company Of Cleveland. had this to
say;
familiar with the concrete plan. Offhand
should say that Mr.. Ford was assuming
an immense responsibility. He purposes
to let s2.43 man earn SIS II IL human
nature to spend up to our incomes. The
$2.43 man will get the habit of spending
IS. IT hard times kink in good times
comes along or II the man loses his job.
he is apt to be unhappy and embarrassed
because he will then be thrown back upon
the reduced scale OF living.
mr. Ford will undoubtedly get the pick
or the labor market. but i don't think his
plan will disturb general labor conditions.
have a notion that the plan is an
economic mistake, but Mr. Ford has
right. to- experiment especially along such
liberal lines Even II some OF us think
he In making mistake, going too fast,
we wish him well. lam not disturbed
over the outlook and don't believe that
other manufacturers are. After few
hundreds or few thousands Of workmen
get Jobs with Ford the rest will seek en-
ployment on the usual fair terms"
Would Feel Reaction First.
Horace De Lss-r. vice-president and
general manager of the Briscoe Motor
Company OF Jackson. Mich. thought that
II there was to be reaction as a result of
the operation OF the Ford plan Mr.
Ford would be the first to feel it's effects
He is making 1t hard to retrench."
said MIR. De Lisser. II should say that
" he ever had to cut wages he would
"A I'M IN.
mobile manufacturing companies are not
in Mr.. Ford's position He practically
owns his plant and can do what he
pleases. Most of the rest of us have
stockholders that we have to please. II
we attempted to put in operation such a
plan the stockholders would never stand
for it,
George NJ. Dickson. general manager OF
the National Motor Vehicle Company OF
Indianapolis, said:
"Mr. Ford's programme will not affect
the automobile business to any exten,
worth speaking of. If "A group OF manu-.
facturers had put the Ford plan in opera.
ton the rest of us would have had tc
meet II or get out of business. But the
acts of an individual cannot change the
policies OF "A whole industry. ] take Il
that Mr.. Ford is bidding high for eff
cheney. He will so increase the eiiicienc,
of his plant by getting the cream of tn,
labor market that he will immensely In
crease his profits, However. it IL 9
dangerous experiment for Mr.. Ford him
SELF"
"KnOws what He IL About
Eugene Meyers of the executive com
mittee OF the Maxwell Motor Company O
Detroit said:
Ford generally knows what he Is
about ! have heard the plan criticised
but don't feel that ] am IN "A position
to discuss it, Ford can only take car,
OF 50 many workmen at his So Il day rate
There may be some dissatisfaction her,
and there, but | believe workmen will
seek employment as usual"
Otis u. Friend, general sales manage
for the Mitchell-Lewis Motor Compan,
of Racine Wis. said:
Mr.. Ford IL IN a field by himself. I'm
doubtedly he has figured carefully on thi
scheme and intends to make It permanent
The way look at 1t he has made all tn
money he has any use for and he nov
wants others to have Il chance 1t is no
plan which other companies can TAX
up because they are not in Fords DO
sition. ] don't think it will affect In
labor market much There are too man
mechanics who need work"