The sun., 1917-11-17
FORD JOINS US,
SHIPPING STAFF
Motor Car Manufacturer Will
Help Speed Up Vessel
Construction.
OFFERS HIS PLANT ALSO
Believes Coal Shortage Is
Weak Link in War Machinery
Urges Water Power.
OFFERS HIS PLANT ALSO

Specfdl Despdfch 10 THE SuS.
WASHINGTON. Nov. lS--Henry Ford
enlisted In war work to-day when he
joined the stan Of experts OF the Emer-
gency Fleet Corporation AS assistant to
Charles a. Peiz. vice e-president OF the
board and in charge Of the ship construc-
'tion programme.
Mr.. Ford will introduce into the con-
struction programme many of the princl-
pies or multiple construction which have
made his automobile plant in Detroit so
great success. His specially with the
Fleet Corporation will he providing
speeding up IDEAS. which have been lack
ing up to this time. according 10 many
experts in shipbuilding.
he has offered - Secretary Baker and
to Chairman Hurley OF the shipping
Board all the facilities of his plant not
now engaged in war work. The noted
motor car manufacturer. who will begin
work next week and serve without pay
VIII give the Government most of his
time.
Mr.. Ford. whose name in the business
world is synonymous with the maximum
efficiency and success. believes that the
war problems confronting this Govern
M mt have progressed sufficiently to per-
init few broad gauge suggestions as
to where Improvement is needed
Mr. Ford. Practice.
n Criticism Is u moor word TO use in &e-
terring to his Ideas. for he makes o
snrRStice o. never criticislng the Goverh.
nfehI's efforts unless he can suggest
something better. On severa, o. the
Ipajor industrial problems Mr.. Ford be-
l.eves maximum efficiency Is not being
obtained and Is convinced that he can
.oint the way TO remedy
The United States Government. Mr.
Ford thinks, Is making fewer mistakes
than the European Governments made
when they entered upon war work on
Big scale. but that this Government is
making cardinal mistakes never ;he!ess
Here they are;
The Government is making a mis-
take in not arranging for a proper in
crease Of coal production.
The Government is making "A mis-
take In not utilizing the water power
OF the country.
The Government is too rg,dly IN.
tcrpretlng rules and regulations as
applied to business enterprises espe-
cially when such enterprises have a
direct or indirect bearing on the war.
The remedy for the second and third
suggestions can be had without assist
ance. The remedy for coal troubles is
suggested by Mr.. Ford. who offers to
place all his resources In men and eQu p
ment at the disposal of the United States
for attacking the all important problem
OF getting out coal
Weak Link In Progra M me.
At the present time Mr.. Ford be-
| lieves coal shortage Is the weak link
, in the whole chain OF the nations pre-
paredness programme. There is plenty
OF coal in the mines, but there Is no
adequate scientific means for getting il
out speedily in sufficient quantities. Tho
+ question Of whether coal operators are
: really desirous of seeing a large output
poured forth is problematical. but even
! with their cooperation and good will
/ II is doubtful. IN Mr.. Fords opinion.
! whether present methods used for ex-
! tracing the coal can properly meet the
emergency Coal is now blasted or cut
! IN tho mines. hut is then taken out
! practically by hand.
/ II Mr.. Ford we're placed in charge of
| getting coal out these crude methods.
: he believes. would speedily he replaced
by systematic scientific procedure.
There are many WAYS. MIR Ford insists
, for getting coal speedily in large Quan-
titles. II could be taken out by ma
chineri by an endless belt system and
by sluicing 1t out through pipes by hy-
draulic power.
The present shortage OF coal is caus.
| ing general cramping OF Industry all
along the line. The steel industry, Mr.
Ford believes. should he half again az
efficient as II Is to suit the national wal
programme. Steel mills unable to &c,
coal are closing down in various local..
| ties
! The Youngstown sheet Steel and Tube
Company the Republic Iron and Stee
Company at Youngstown. and mills a
RufYaIo. Cleveland and Pittsburg ar.
closed. Mr.. Farrell OF the United State.
Stee, Corporation has taken the matter
up with Mr. Baruch of the War Indus
tries Board.
Mr.. FordS central Idea Is that In
stead OF attempting to curtail industries
to meet the situation caused by Goa
shortage the problem should be solved
by increasing the production Of coal