Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-07-16
AM IGNORANT
AND DIDEAL|ST'
FORDSHOUTS
Defies Own Lawyers in
Court and Admits Truth
of Tribune Claim.

things that Henry Ford thought
and that his peace secretary, The
odore Delavigne, wrote for him,
were again the topic of examina-
ton when Mr.. Ford resumed the
witness stand today.
The witness, who is suing the
Chicago Daily Tribune for $1,000
600 on a charge of libel, was ex-
amined by Elliott G. Stevenson,
senior counsel for the Tribune.
Mr.. Stevenson quoted the phrase
same old scare crows" and asked
ed his familiar reply, "Delavigne
wrote that" He added that the
scare crows" were the profession
al agitators for preparedness.
Denies He Was q Murderer.
Your position was that they
were advocating preparedness in
order to profit by munitions"
"Over-preparedness, yes"
"Oh, you are still talking OF
'over-preparedness. 1 think you
defined that yesterday as anything
in addition to what We had in 1915
or 1916" reminded the lawyer. He
then referred to the use of the
word murderer" as applied By
Mr.. Ford to professional soldiers
and those who make money out Of
war.
well, you were a murderer in
1917" suggested Mr.. Stevenson.
"Oh, no." replied the witness
quickly, that was during the
war"
What Is q "BalIy.HOT
In the course Of one of the Della
vigne articles, for which Mr.. Ford
takes full responsibility, the term
'sbally-ho" was used. Mr.. Ford,
being questioned, hazorded the
guess that It meant "blackguard.
Mr.. Stevenson elucidated:
"It means a shouter advertising
g. show or exhibition" said he.
'It means a barker put in AL
fred Lucking, senior counsel for
Mr.. Ford.
Have 1t your way, Mr.. Luck
ing" said Mr.. Stevenson; Its all
the same"
Admits He is Ignorant Idealist.7
What do you understand by the
word treason p" asked Mr.. Steven
son. continuing the examination.
Anything against the govern
ment," said Mr.. Ford.
Mr.. Stevenson precipitated tor
rent of objections by asking the
meaning of the word traitor" in
the course of which Mr.. Ford inter-
posed:
'TIl admit I'm an Ignorant IDEAL
ist.'"
'Why, Mr.. Ford" said Mr.. Stew
enson In surprise. 'if you admit
that, shall not have to ask you
any more questions along that
line"
"Iu admit It If it will close this
talk. 1t is for the jury to decide
nothing for the jury to decide. The
settles it."
PREDATORY to this outburst by the
witness who was plainly nettled by
the examination, Mr.. Stevenson ex-
planned to the court:
your honor, the alleged libeious
editorial In the Tribune referred to
Mr.. Ford as an ignorant tdealist.'
The questions are to show that he
Is in fact ignorant. and If he Is an
Idealist. and does not know the
of commonly used words.
Re Is plainly an ignorant idealist,
1t was at this point that
the manufacturer burst out with
his angry admission, which. de-
spite efforts of his lawyers, he re-
peated.
Ouizzed on O. 8. Position.
The Tribune lawyer seemed con-
tent with Mr.. FoFd's declaration and
asked him a number of questions as
tC what he knew of the size. equip
nent and distribution of the Amer
ican army in 1915 and 1915, the wit
ness having said yesterday that he
considered the force at that time
for defense.
ado yea know how many troops
we're in the Philippines? ?"
mo"
'In Alaskan
''Ne."
'In Porto Riee?"
me"
"By the way, what are the Feia-
ions between the United States and
Porto Rico?"
Judge Tucker suggested that this !
inc had been followed far enough. |
"But this man sets himself up as |
In educator, and wanted to go to |
he United States senate"
Mr.. Ford interrupted to sayi
"I can get a man in five minutes |
o tell me those things"
Gould you get one if yeH we're !
iReaking in the senator" asked MF. /
Stevenson,
Counsel and the Judge became ia
Feived in a controversy over side |
and the question was not !
answered.
Refuses to Repeat Admission.
Mr.. Stevenson started to ask |
Iuestions about history but was /
topped by Judge Tucker Whe said
hat subject had been sufficiently
covered.
alright" said the lawyer, now
eCa8ttRued aa Ragg ,&jAR.l