The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-10-18
LEADERS Do NOT
DOUBT FORD HAS
HIS HAT IN RING
Manufacturer Said to Be
Counting Upon Support of
South at Democratic
Convention
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS
Washington Bureau. The Age Herald.

500 Davidson Building.
Washington, October 16.-(Spe-
cial.)-Agents Of Henry Ford, De-
troit automobile manufacturer, have
beguiled him into believing that as a
candidate for the presidency on the
democratic ticket he could sweep the
country in 1924.
This information is in the hands of
democratic and republican leaders in
Washington. Democratic leaders do
not want Henry Ford to be their
candidate. Republican leaders do not
want democrats to nominate Ford,
for there is no question but that they
fear the radical trend OF the popular
mind, especially in certain sections
of the country.
No issue is taken with the fact
that Ford Is already a tentative
candidate. When he first inserted
his picture in advertisements. open
ed an informal headquarters in Chi
cago. and employed numerous press
agents, the cat jumped out of the
tag.
@BnrlSis" Ford willing
1t is understood that Ford is con-
WINGED that he could win. He knows
that his principle trouble would be
found in the convention. To sur
mount handicaps which politicians"
would throw in his way, he intends
to enter Presidential primaries, It is
said, in all states where such pri-
maries are held.
It is understood that he counts
on winning practically every Southern
state because of his interest In
Muscle Shoals, and because of the po-
tency OF southern Senator's and rep
resentesfves asaa have esii~ted under
his banner He carries Michigan In a
sack, 1T Is claimed and II is argued
that his fat money propositions would
win fora him democratic nominations
in several of the states Of the north
west.
Should his plans meet with success.
he would be formidable in the con-
vention. he is said to be convinced
that he would win.
The Ford Assets
Democratic leaders here admit that
Ford has secured a wonderful grasp
on the aginaton OF the people. He
il regarded in. certain sections as
superman. not only in the produc-
ton of automobiles, but in all other
respects 1t is certain that he has
impressed a great many people with
the idea that he is anxious to devote
his wealth to uplifting the masses.
to making the world better place
in which to live,
His practical assets are numerous.
or the 100000 men who drive au-
tomobiies in the United States. 5000
600 drive Fords. There are 10000
Ford agencies in the country. and
there is little question but that it
would require just little pressure
to force each of them to play politics
for the time being 1t is not to be
overlooked. also. that Ford is the
richest man In the world. and that
his profits amount to 100000 per
day. This fact would win many
leaders" who are interested in r.
nances to the extent of believing
that the candidate with money SEES
cure the job.
Hnrdicaps To Success
There are also Ford liabilities. 1T
is not forgotten yet that he chartered
the oscar III, and sailed with duixo-
tic crew for the purpose of persuad-
ing the Germans ito get out OF the
trenches by Christmas" and that
aboard the Oscoar II, was Madame
Schwirmer and others, including
fastidious press agents.
There is also the s2s0oo,ooo profit
made by Ford from the manufacture
of Eagle boats for the government
in time for war. which Ford Is SAID
to have promised to return to the
government, and which the writer or
his biography declared he did re-
turn. but which, he was required by
Secretary Mellon subsequently to
admit he did not return.
Mr.. Ford's attack on the Jewish
people Of the country and his asso-
Continued ON Page Nine)