Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-07-26
Henry Ford Would
Develop Mexico
To Highest Point

Detroit, July 25-(By a. p. MaiD-
Development of Mexico industrially
and agriculturally to a point where
it will take its place as one of the
leading powers of the world is the
plan of Henry Ford.
This has been learned by The
Associated Press from sources close
to the manufacturer. Mr.. Ford, it
was learned, proposes to end forever
the internal strife in the southern
republic by putting the people to
work" as he expresses it, by maMng
it possible for the poems to obtain
educations. and by devious ways
elevating the masses in the country
to the highest possible standard.
The motor manufacturer wants to
keep the hands and minds of the
Mexican common people occupied so
they will have No time for fight
ing" This, it became known, is the
substance of Mr.. Ford's theory. one
that he hopes to carry out in the
near future by erection OF number
of factories throughout the more i'm
portant states. In short. it was said.
he hopes TO reveal to the people of
Mexico how they can help themselves.
The first step in this program may
be taken soon with establishment of
Ford Motor assembling plant in the
state of Coahuila, probably in Saltillo
Business interests of that city and
the governor of the state are known
here to be eager to bring about the
industrial development. Mr.. Ford, it
is known, would enter upon his de-
velOpment program Immediately upon
erection OF the necessary factory
buildings. Similar enterprises would
be established by Mr.. Ford in other
parts Of the country if the plan is
carried out, it was intimated.
Mr.. Ford is said to believe that
If the MeXicans once are taught the
value Of industry, better methods of
agriculture and their possibilities
individually and as a nation. the
advance of the country will Prove
to be one OF the most notable in
history.
The manufacturer is known TO Lave
an abiding faith in the people of the
NOuiti Iit lIiiOuTCtu HIS Itltd
several years ago, at Il time when
many persons in the United States
We're advising that the United States
send troops to "clean up Mexico"
At that time Mr.. Ford said;
Let me invade Mexico with fac
tories and give the people somet hing
to do. Then there Will be no more
war there
As the initial step toward carrying
out his plan Mr.. Ford for the last
few years has been training MeXicans
in his automobile factories here.
Several hundred representative work
men from the southern republic have
become skilled WOrkmen in the local
plants. Now they are ready to re-
turn to their own country ana be-
come native foremen when the wheels
in the Mexican Ford shops begin to
turn. These men, it was explained.
have learned American methods.
adopted American standards Of
living, and have seen the vision of
the new Mexico. They will pass
this enthusiasm on to their country
from this seed will sprout the end
of the Mexican peonagc system.
Mr.. Ford. it became known, pro-
poses to take into the southern re
public all the ideas that he has
worked out in this country. He
would open schools where farmers
would be taught the use of improved
agricultural implements. He would
make it possible for his workmcr to
become educated by attending school
outside of working hours and sec to
it that the children of the poorer
class had educational advantages
necessary for the welfare of the
country.s
1t was learned that Mr.. Ford he
lievcs the working people of Mexico
have been exploited. He proposes to
throw tho present system into re-
verse and turn toward development.