New-York tribune., 1918-11-18
Automobile Maker Angered
by "Militarism" at Opera
House Fete
Declines to Bid On
Wilson Programme
"Disgusted" With Bankers,
Talks With Chaufeurs;
Loses Family

Enraged at what he termed "thc
militarism" Of those who attended the
rambs-Frisrs frolic for the United
War Campaign in the Metropolitan
Opera House last night, Henry Ford,
automobile manufacturer and the
Presidents choice for Senator from
Michigan. left the building while the
entertainment was in full swing.
In the lobby he denounced those in
charge Of the affair. and asserted: 81
never was so disgusted at anything in
ny life!"
Kisses and applause both pursued
the automobile maker as he rose from
bis seat with his wife and son and
Quilted the building only a few min
utss after he had entered.
Marshal Thomas d. Mccarthy was
directly responsible for arousing Mr..
Ford's ire. While auctioning off a pro-
gramme autographed by President Will
son be demanded $4,000 bid from
the automobile builder. and when Mr..
Ford only frowned remarked:
"Well, we are going 10 get $4,000
from you if we have to blackjack you"
Ford Gets Red in Face
The marshal grinned as he said this,
but Mr.. Ford's face grew red and he
rose, motioning to his wife and son
to follow him.
To reporters in the lobby who ques-
toned him. he said passionately, "That
house is full of bankers who want
militarism."
The Ford family did not spend more
than ten minutes in the opera house.
They arrived during the intermission
while William Collier was auctioning
the programme. Mr. Collier had only
got the bidding up to 5000 when it was
suggested that Marshal Mccarthy be
gwen chance to boost it further.
The marshal spotted the automobile
man and his family, sitting in the CEN
TIE OF the pit. about ten rows back
from the front, and Immediately sim
gled him out.
Apparently it was the word "black-
Jack that aroused Mr.. Ford. He
talked from the house, followed by
hlsSes and some shouts of "This is an
outraged" and "You did right, Mr..
Ferd"
VIII Employ Soldiers
AZ the door four members of the
foiiee Glee Club halted him and urged
nm to return, but he brushed past
mem and continued on out into the
'0ooy who're he exclaimed:
1 can take care of myself. What
'ae devil do want to go back for? ]
Wi give every man job in my factory
Wasn they return from France. Ask
nose bankers in there if they will dc
'ua' was never more disgusted in
ny life. That crowd in there wants
nilhrism.''
the confusion attendant on his
's0afture from the theatre Mr.. Fort
became separated from his wife ant
''h' He stood in the lobby until
osiock, waiting for them to appear, al
'aouSn he was informed that they hat
'aSen an automobile back to the Bel
"0n'' where the family is stopping.
Chats With Chauffeurs
'inally he strolled out into tn
'''ee'' still followed by d crowd of tn,
'"''ous. and stood chatting with sew
sai chauffeurs in front of the Oper,
A'use. Oyerhearing some one rcmarl
'a this he said loudly:
ohaaneurs are good enough for me
mats where we get our ideas FROM
F" length Marshal Mccarthy emerge
rom the building and, approachin
Or. Ford, apologized.
mat is all right answered tn
au'0mobilc maker, "but you shout
"Sve known better"
shortly after this, Mr.. Ford rejoine
- family at the Belmont. He re
sseo 70 discuss the episode