Evening star., 1922-02-11
LONG DELAY IF FORD.
Offer IS ACCEPTED.
Six Months to Year Needed to
Give Clear Title, Believes
Committee.

Despite the most expeditions action
by Congress, 1t will take the federal
government at least six months and
more-probably year-to get ready
to turn over the Muscle Shoals nj
trate plants, power stations and ws-
ter dams to Henry Ford, il his offer is
finally accepted, purchasing and leas-
| Ing tho entire property for 100 years.
This was the decision of members of
the House military affairs committee.
which has been hearing War Depart
ment officials upon the Ford proposal.
Questions were raised at the hear
| ing by committeeman which. in the
opinion of some with long experience
In legal matters. would necessarily
have to be solved by the courts. ire
spective Of congressional action, un-
Thase involved the delivery of clear
titles to Mr.. Ford of government
owned properties connected with the
Muscle Shoals project. but which are
located on lands privately owned and
whose owners claim they have legal
options for the purchase Of the build
ings which they intend to exercise.
1t was the opinion Of some commit
tee members after hearing the testi-
mony of Col. John Hull. acting Judge
advocate general of the Army, that
TIC 6ONCEuuSHI "Ou1U DC compelled 10
Institute condemnation proceedings
before 1t could obtain the necessary
titles to the lands for Mr.. Ford, and
in doing this meet the owners, who
would perhaps test their rights In the
courts.
Sees Need Of Condemnation.
Col. Hull said 1t was his opinion
that the contractual obligations were
non n-enforceable" and null and
VntA ~ l.
presented. either by the Alabama
Power Company representatives., or
omcials OF the air nitrates corpora
tion. both of whom claim optional
privileges and have informed Secre-
tary Weeks that they intend to exer-
properties are dispoeei OF to private
concerns. Ar the chief law ofiicer Of
the Army, the colonel sAid later that
"the first thing to do." in the event
Congress voted authority to Mr..
Weeks to enter into the contract with
DENIM"
Requests to present their argu-
nIents to the committee in defense
Of their claims have been made to
Chairman Kahn by both companies.
Representatives of the Alabama Paw
er Company present at today's meet
ings declared the committee would
be convinced of the justice of their
claims when their spokesmen were
heard next week.
VIII Recall Col. Hull.
When Col. Hull was excused late yes
terday, Chairman Kahn adjourned the
hearings until Monday. when w. B.
Mayo and J. w. Worthington will be
heard as representatives Of Mr.. Ford.
Col. Hull. however, was requested to ap-
pear Monday to answer further ques-
tions regarding the legal status Of prop
critics involved In the contract.
Representative Greene Of Vermont de-
veloped during examination Of Col Hull
that there was mo permanent guarantee
that: Mr.. Ford will be under the surveil-
lance Of farmers," In SO far as-the pres
ent language OF his offer provided.
I'm the manufacture of fertilizer" Mr..
Greene said, "he agrees to operate under
| a board composed in part OF farmers
| organisation officials. In the event those
| organisations fail to perpetuate them
selves for the next 100 years who would
] take their places, on the board?;'
Col. Hull replied that undoubtedly the
vacancies would be filled, but added that
! the government would have to take tae
question to the farmers for settlement u
| TENNESSEE TO BE HEARD.