The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-11-18
FORDIN AHUFF
LEAVES FROLIC
Doesn't Like Way Marshal Nc
Carthy Asked Him for
War Fund Gift.
OFFERS JOBS TO- ARMY
Challenges "Militarists and
Bankers" to Match His
Generosity.
OFFERS JOBS TO- ARMY

Henry Ford took offence last night at
the methods employed by Thomas d.
Mccarthy. United States Marshal. in
trying to obtain a contribution from
him for the United War Work Cam
paign fund and left his seat at the
Metropolitan Opera House amid mixed
Kisses. applause. boos, smiles and hand
shakes from the audience.
Gaining the lobby of the opera house,
Mr. Ford declared that there had been
lot of militarists and bankers" around
him. I'll give ten to every one that
they give" he said. IT gave my con-
tribution in Detroit. Furthermore. I'll
give jobs to every one of the fellows
that comes back. Go back and ask
them IL they'll do the same"
Mr.. Ford arrived at the opera house
late. The big audience that had gone
there to attend the joint Gambol and
Frolic of the Lambs and Friars was be-
ing polled in an effort to bring total
subscriptions to the fund at the AFFAIR up
to 100000. When Mr.. Ford entered
with Mrs. Ford and his son, Edsal. the
collectors still needed $4,000 to reach
their goal
Collier Good Auctioneer.
The subscription work was being di-
rected by William Collier, who has
proved good auctioneer for the Liberty
loans and charity and welfare drives In
which public men have been buttonholed
in public and held up for big subscrip-
tions ever since the war started. Mar
shall Mccarthy. who made name for
himself in previous drives. 'auctioning
of the famous plated pewter cup
awarded by the Kaiser as the prize In
an international yachting race, was
seated in George NJ Cohan's box.
In the midst OF the appeal for sub
scrptions. and at moment when sub
scriptions were coming but slowly, Mr..
Cohan stood up, announced the presence
of the Marshal, and asked Mr.. Collier II
Mr.. Mccarthy might say few words.
Go ahead" said Mr.. Collier. and the
Marshal dropped into his usual good ma
tured method OF singing out prominent
men OF his acquaintance in the audience
and asking them for contributions.
How much will you give?" queried
the Marshal half a dozen times to men
he called by names.
'Guess Who's Here"
Then Al Jolson, comedian, strolled
down one OF the aisles and interrupted
the Marshal with the query:
who do you think is in the house,"
Who" returned Marshal Mccarthy.
Henry Ford :" shouted Jolson, and
the audience gave a roar Of approval.
At the moment, Marshal Mccarthy
was endeavoring to obtain a $4,000
contribution from some one, he didn't
much care from whom,
"Can l put you down for $4,000. Mr..
Ford?" the Marshal shouted. but there
was no response from Mr.. Ford. Women
Of the stage, prominent actors and per-
sons who had helped in arranging the
big affair by this time were hurrying
about the opera house endeavoring TO
fnd Mr.. Ford and his party. One OF
the actresses succeeded and a big group
OF the workers gathered.
There is a difference OF opinion over
exactly what happened then. Certain II
is, however. that Marshal Mccarthy
good naturedly used the name OF Mr
Ford again, and asked anew II the auto
mobile builder would pledge himself for
the $4,000.
"Well, if you won't give $4,000. we
are going to get $4,000 If we have to
blackjack you" persons in the audience
quoted Mr.. Mccarthy as saying directly
to Mr.. Ford.
Later Mr.. Mccarthy denied he used
those words. He said his exclamation
was. 1--WE wouldn't use these blackjack
methods, Mr.. Ford, II it were not in a
good cause"
1t was at that moment Mr.. Ford arose
from his seat and walked out of the
opera house. The Misses and boos were
plainly heard. But as Mr.. Ford walked
up the aisle several persons reached
out and shook his hand. and some apol-
ogized that such an unpleasant incident
could have occurred. There was some
applause.
In the lobby. where he made the re-
mark about "militarists and bankers"
Mr.. Ford was surrounded by friends,
workers for the fund, and four members
of the Police Glee Club, and efforts
we're made to persuade him to return
to his seat. He refused and left as soon
as he was Joined in the lobby by Mrs.
Ford and Edsal.