The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-26
OPENING PEOPLES EYES

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 Stripped of an avalanche of politics with which self-speakers have show cred it; aside from the many attempts to confuse the public mind with all sorts of claims and counter-claims in face of organized obstructive efforts by those who feared their private in terests would be adversely affected by its development, Muscle Shoals stands out as a great industrial oppor- tunity awaiting the hand of an indus trial genius to utilize it for the benefit of all the people. The power is there in enormous quantity. The field for development not only for the good of the people in their industrial pursuits, but, in the event of international con- flict, for the public protection, is well- nigh unlimited. The American people are overwhelmingly in the majority for utilization of this power for the nations good, not for great private profits, nor at the expense of the na- tion's progress and prosperity.
 One phase of the situation is well worth the public censure. It is the organized and cooperative efforts of certain trusts and interests to prevent this wonderful opportunity from get ting into the hands of the only re- sponsible agency which has come for ward with the purpose, the financial means, and the ability to turn it into great national source of enrichment and protection. MT. Ford has made an offer no other has yet approached. He has succeeded in his every indus try. His operations have been not only to his personal benefit, but to the good of thousands whom he em- ploys. He has been largely responsi- ble for the recent wonderful growth and development of the Detroit district and other places where he has estab- lished his industrial operations. With in few years under the magic touch of this industrial wizard the Tennes- see Valley would be one of the great est industrial centers in the country, giving employment to thousands of workers, distributing millions of dol lars in wages, providing a supply of explosives for the nation in the event of need.
 These things are known of an men. Yet politics of questionable character and selfish interests have long opposed a most promising project for the na- tion's benefit. Even now there are scurryings around in efforts to assem- ble a competitive bid on Muscle Shoals, and there is evidence of concerted purpose to keep the property out of the hands of Henry Ford, because his potential competitors fear for their present stronghold in their respective fields. It is in the nature of a con- spiracy to prevent wholesome competi- ton, not to safeguard public property, as some obstructionists have claimed.
 The American people by thousands are asking how long their interests are to be sacrificed on the altar of private purpose through the workings of poli- ticians and profiteers. The whole con- troversy over Muscle Shoals has let In much light on the unconscionable methods of selfish interests to make the people the victims of their schemes. The people have been impressed witl the seriousness of the fight before them to protect themselves from worse than imposition. No project in con- nection with the nations development has promised more than the leasing of Muscle Shoals to Henry Ford and his associates; no enterprise from which the people would derive benefit has been so ruthlessly opposed because of the promises it held out for the public welfare at the expense of the private monopoly. The Muscle Shoals fight has made history in this country which has opened the eyes of tho people, and put them on guard against those who would exploit them.