The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1922-07-25
Says Best Solution of
Mexico's Troubles Is
To Keep People Busy

Detroit, July 25.- (By he Associat-
/ ed Press. )-Development of Mexico
industrially and agriculturally to
/ 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 AS
sociated 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 making it impossible for the poems
to obtain education, and by devious
ways elevating the masses in the
country to the highest possible stan
| dard
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 sub
stance of Mr.. Ford's theory, one that
he hopes to carry out in the near fu-
ture by erection of a number of fac
tories throughout the more import
ant 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 estab-
lished in other parts of the country
by Mr.. Ford 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 IL
dividually and as a nation, the ad
vance of the country will prove to be
one of the most notable in history.
The manufacturer is known to have
an abiding faith in the people of the
country He announced his idea sew.
eral years ago. at a time when many
persons in the United States were
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 something
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. Sew,
eral hundred representative workmen
from che southern republic have be-
come skilled workmen in the local
plants.
Now they are ready to return to
their own country and become native
foremen when the wheels in the Mex
ican 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 countrymen, the manufacturer
believes. and from thtS seed will
sprout the end of the Mexican peon-
age system.
Mr.. Ford. it became known. pro-
poses to take into the southern re-
public all the ideas that he has work
ed out in this country.
He would open schools where farm
ers would be taught the use of i'm
proved agricultural implements. He
would make it possible for his work
men to become educated by attend
ing school outside of working hours
and see to it that the children of the
poorer class had educational advan-
tages necessary for the welfare of the
country.
It was learned that Mr.. Ford be-
lieves the working people of Mexico
have been exploited. He proposes to
throw the present system into reverse
and turn toward development.