The Dermott news., 1918-07-04
Governor Urges Use of
the Fordson Tractor.

mefS OF Arkansas, Governor br0uRn
Saturday explained the Ford plans for
the distribution of Fordson tractors at
cost. and urged their use in this state.
Following is the governors statement:
I'm response to my appeal for an al
lotment Of Fordson tractors for distri-
button, without profit, in Arkansas.
Henry Ford & Son of Detroit. Mich.
have allotted number of these ma
chimes to be distributed on the same
basis as has been done in other states.
In some instances the matter of dis
tribution has been left to the State
Council of Defense, but it was decided
in this instance to permit organizations
already established and equipped for
handling the details to take over the
proposition. These concerns are to
place tractors allotted them at points
within the state where their immediate
use is most required at this time to aid
in better farming with the resultant
increase in food production. which is
Mr. Ford's idea.
mo thinking man will dispute the
fact that modern or labor saving i'm
plements should be put into use i'm
mediately. and it is reflection upon
US that We are complaining of labor
shortage when we can travel for days
over the state and find one horse de-
vices used everywhere. when the trsc-
tor and other labor saving devices will
take care of the work in fraction of
the time required at present. This
change must be made through educa-
tional methods. and the men appointed
for Fordson distribution in Arkansas
will give all possible assistance in this
work.
The British government several
months ago appreciated the value of
tractors as n solution to the farm labor
shortage situation and placed with
Henry Ford & Son an order for 1000
Fordsons the Canadian government
bought 1000. Both of these orders
have now been completed and the
plants entire production is being dis
tributed throughout the United States.
For preparing seed beds, heavy
hauling and harvesting. one of these
tractors will replace seven head of
mules. as they will work longer hours
and make greater speed in the row
than is possible for for 4 team.
1.-The tractor 10 light in weight,
weighing only 2,70o pounds. which
makes it possible to cross all bridges
with safety. Pulling speed is two and
three quarters miles per hour, and road
speed. when pulling one or more load
ed wagons, is six and three quarters
miles per hour. For stationary work.
a pulley is conveniently attached. saw
ing wood. ensilage cutting and other
purposes.
Kerosene is used as fuel with
which the motor develops % horse pow
er at |. 600 revolutions per minute. two
and one half gallons per acre being the
average consumption when tractor is
pulling two l4-inch plows in stiff soil
Tractors will be delivered to farm
ers at factory price of $3.50 plus freight
and delivery charges. which means
that distributors in this state will re-
ceive no profit on the transaction. their
services being donated as a patriotic
to encourage greater food |
production throughout the state.
Let me urge every purchaser of one
of these tractors that it be kept |
busy at all times. if not in your own
field. then in that of your neighbor. the
use Of which to him should be allowed
at nominal rental.
I'm view of the fact that only nom-
inal allotment will be available at this
time it behooves those who feel the
most pressing need Of these tractors to
make prompt application to the near
est distributor.
The distributor selected by Henry
Ford & Son for Chicot and Ashley
counties is the kessler- Matthews Auto
Co. Of Dermott. They have already
had applications for three Of the ma
chimes. one Of which 10 expected to ar
rive here this week.