The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-16
MYSTERY FEATURE OF FORO'S BOOM F0R PRESIDENCY
Friends of Manufacturer Carry Forward Campaign
 Throughout Nation

CHICAGO, April 15.-Althoug h moving along just now in a quiet and mysterious way the Ford presi- dential boom is expected to be for mally launched with loud report on or about the first of June.
 Friends of Henry Ford have been busy for several weeks testing the popularity of the multi millionaire automobile manufacturer in all parts of the country. This is being accom- plished principally by means of pledge cards. The card eirculators claim that they have established the existence of strong Ford-fo -Presi : dent sentiment among the nation $ wage-earners.
 This Ford boom apparently is be- ing managed with the utmost pre- cision and efficiency. Every precau- tion is being taken to insure success, and the Ford packers are anxious not to start off something with great deal of preliminary chatter which will end in fizzle as have other presidential booms. They realize that if Ford, who is politically in experienced. is to be elected, it will have to be accomplished by the peo- pie themselves and not by party managers who prefer to shunt Ford onto a sidetrack.
 Ford League Busy.
 The extent of this sentiment. the boosting Ford, its origin and the Identity of it's principal packers; however, are difficult to determinel The Ford Presidential league, which has established national headquar- ters here, appears to be very busy but is saying practically nothing.
 Only an occasional surface break in this policy of silence indicates the widespreads sscope of the movement and these to all outward appearances have been spontaneous outbursts in dependent of any national program. More than $500 sNebraskans recently signed petition requesting the see- retary of state to place Ford's name on the ballot a s presidential candi- date of the progressive party. Ford organizations. the first Of which ap peared among Ford's fellow towns men a Dearborn. Mich, have also drawn public attention at such wide ly separated points as Hartford Conn, Indianapolis. and Hiawatha. Kan, but most of the Ford-for President workers appear anxious to shun publicity.
 The American Economic league is reported to be circulating petitions similar to that filed in Nebraska, in Idaho. Kansas, Minnesota. Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota and else where.
 O o O Expect Ford to Respond.
 Gentlemen who interview callers at the spacious offices of the Ford league here don't care to be quoted on their activities, but it is learned that they expect Ford, who has thus far given no indication that he seeks the White House. to respond to the public ciamor' as soon as he can be shown that it exists. There is little likelihood. they say that the repub- licans will nominate Ford. but the democrats may. and if they don't, 1t is claimed Ford will be induced to run on a third party ticket.
 Polling of some large factories has obtained pledge cards from more than 50 per cent of the workers, it is said and the results of these guarded tests of sentiment are high ly encouraging. For the present however, the figures and deductions from these tests are being kept a secret.
 But in about six weeks, the Ford for President leaders hope. the time will be ripe to show Ford and the whole country that large propor- tion of the voters want him as the nations chief executive. This will come in the form of public an- nounccment, it is understood, which is predicted may change the face of the entire political situation. Until then the Ford packers will continue to maintain their profound silence.