The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-17
Action Had Been Expected

MT. Ford called reporters to his office yesterday and announced his resignation He did not surprise well informed citizens action was a shock. MT. Ford said with obvious pleasure that lie was glad to take the new place. There was, however a trace of regret in his voice when he referred to the fact that by June 1 he was compelled to leave Birmingham He has recently completed handsome home across the street from the Gordon Craw- ford residence, in Hanover Circle. When he referred to other local attachments he said that it required some force to make him see that Portland was the best place for him.
 Why leave now?' he was asked "when you are just getting strengthened out?'
 My boy" he answered, .in the street railway business you never get straight ened out"
 MT. Ford is to take charge of a more extensive property than the local com pany. His company controls the electric and public utility companies of Portland, Augusta, Bath, Biddeford, Old Orchard and other cities connected in Maine with 20 miles of street railway. which is al- most as large as the Alabama Great Southern mileage and considerably more extensive than the local concern. In ad- dition, he has two hydro-electric concerns of large interests.
 MT Ford came here in 1906 as presi- dent and general manager of the Birming- ham Railway, Light and Power company, succeeding Robert Jemison, Sr Before coming here he was in New York as pres ident of the American Cities Light and Power company. which was subsequently, succeeded by the present company. which was later purchased by the United Gas
 
 Has Had Many Trials
 During the administration of MT. Ford he has gone through many trials and worries. He has handled two alleged strikes. He has put through many im- portant deals with the city as party 10 contracts and he has handled his work nere with unusual adroitness and ability. I ne was elected president of the Cham per or Commerce. the Board of Trade. .ne Library association and other public organizations that carried with them un- usual prominence. His company, in the meantime has expanded rapidly and many improvements have been made.
 resignation as president of the Birmingham Railway, Light ana Powar company will he rendered next week ;, MT. Ford announced yesterday. .I have no idea or opinion as to whom t,, . company will engage to take my blach have been offered place as vice nres- iueHt dHO 8eneTai manager Of the Chm berland County Light and Power com pany at Portland, Me. The ofrer was so attractive and the opportunities SO great that I could not refrain from ac- cepting. l must wind up my affairs and leave here by June 1, in order to be in Maine as quickly as possible. h
 "I cannot leave Birmingham with out trace of genuine regret. It re- quired some tiVe for me to make up my mind to leave. but could not re- sist the offer made me. I have many friends here. fhis Is a great city and it in going to be greater. I have always liked Birmingham and althorgh I am leaving cannot do so without saying how deeply was inclined to pass up this offer from Maine and stay here
 'The people of this city have been as kind to me as they could to any pub- lie untility corporation official that was ever here believe. I have host of friends in this city, all of whom dis like very much to be separated from.
 No Local Men Going
 '4 haye no intimation as to whom