The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-03

f in the city of Detroit. and one who had been most vehement in his de- nunciation of Edsel Ford, asked me through a second party to furnish Eim with a man from my depart ment qualified to do a certain work in connection with his office. I sent word to him that I had man specially fitted to do the work he wanted done; that he was crip- pie and so not able for active serv- ice, hut specially anxious to do his bit; that his present salary was so much. and that I thought he would prove himself worth that amount and more to him. His answer was this noisy critic of Edsel Ford T don't want your man If I have to pay him a salary. There are plenty of rich mems sons in this town who can afford to do this work for nothing. and as it will carry exemption from military duty, they would jump at the job" Com ment Is unnecessary, and if couched in suitable language might not be considered fit to print.
 Attitude of Son
 Toward the close of the year 1918 I sat with committee in Ed sel Ford's office working out a snonuS system which meant the dis tribution among the employees on January l of the following year a large sum of money-approxim ten millions. of dollars. In the midst of the conference the superintendent of the shop-who chanced to be one of the committee-was called out of the room. He returned in few min- utes looking very grave I've have Just been notified" he said. that on account of the coal shortage our out side electrical supply will be cut off tomorrow. We are short of fuel our selves. It is my opinion that we will 9be compelled to shut down in day or two for an indefinite period I guess this puts an end to our con- ference. There's not much use for us to sit here and plan how to give away s1oooo,OOo with an indefinite shutdown confronting us."
 f All the more reason why we should go on with our work" was Edsers answer, flor if there Is a prospect of closing down the plant the men will only need the bonus all the more.'
 Illustrations could be multiplied indefinitely of the ability. courage, justice and generosity of the House of Ford as 1t Is represented in the
 
 man who has come in contact with Edsel Ford who does not have for him a real affection and admiration He Is the kind of man that men want to see succeed for there is in him the kind of spirit that guides private wealth in channels that makes for social and industrial bet torment.
 CHAPTER XIX
 The Son and His Fathers Shoes
 What will become of the House of Ford when it's founder passes out? Will the son be able to fill his fath- CTS shoes?
 The sons of the creators of vast fortunes and the builders of colossal industries do not always inherit the mental equipment and develop the moral character necessary to the con- duct of the business established by their fathers.} Fortunes tend to self destruction by destroying those who inherit them. Great wealth is fre- quently dissipated in the second and third generations. A great industry often begins to disintegrate with the death of it's founder. unless he Is wise enough to provide that strangers the benefit of his heirs.
 In some instances the son does in- herit the ability of his father. Two notable examples of this are to. be found in the House of Morgan and the House of Rockefeller. and feel quite safe in predicting that Edsel Ford will take his place along with the younger Morgan and Rockefeller as an able successor to . gifted father.
 Nothing to Fear
 The House of Ford has nothing to fear in the second generation. The son of Henry Ford is we'll equipped, both as to character and ability, for the management of tho colossal in dustry that will ultimately come un- der his control. I do not mean to say that the shoes of the father will prove