The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-04-10
BY f. l.. DOhcny
Copyright, 1924 NEA Service,

HNCHJudIlN we GOT the 'dIllOfnI;
situation well in hand, and begat
looking around for other fields.
Mexico was the nearest and mSst
attractive, for there had been many
stories Of untold quantities of oil
some of it bubbling on the very sur
face of the ground. We went down
to check these reports.
For time we spcctcd, not on
foot, as in the old days, but by com
Portable train. We went along the
eastern coast to Cardcnas, and in
vcstigatcd the oil exudes in that vi
entity. Then, accompanied by Mex
lean guides, we pushed through the
dense undcrbrush of the Jungle, fin
ally reaching Huasteca plain, where
we came upon pool Of oil.
We went on and found one natural
OIL well after another in that Jungle
country back Of Tampico.
/ Immediately obtained leases on
about l,OS 600 acres of this terri
tory, and came home to organize a
company to exploit the project. 1t
was the most prctentious I had ever
undertaken, for roads had TO be built,
pipelines, laid, railways constructed,
shops and warehouses erected, and a
myriad other details arranged. before
the mineral wealth of the interior
could be brought to the sea for ex-
port.
Charges of Revolt
Yet charges have been made that
we have instigated revolutions in
MeXico-a land where we have sunk
millions, where we would be among
the principal sufferers in time of
revolt and disorder! Nonsense. Abb
solute nonsense.
After beginning the development of
the Tampico field, we went south
and turned our attention to the
TuXpah Gcgion, which produces
lighter oil.
With this further experience be-
came expert at sensing of OIL As IA
friend once put it: ! was developing
The supreme knowledge of being
able to see into the ground
And it is in the checking of this
knowledge that | get the greatest
JOY of my oil developments. don't
have to wait for the report on the
financial end of the enterprise to get
my kick out of it; | get it in for
muIating, the plans and seeing them
carried out
1t Is success for me when a pro-
Ject Is started to find out if there is
oil where | think it is.
For I've come to believe that the
calculating of the location of oil be-
comes as exact a calculation as the |
solving of mathematical problem.
And If a man knows his business,
and has the time to select his place,
there is no reason why he should |
ever drill well in a dry hole.
Part in Politics
No man can do big business today |
without being engaged in government
affairs.
And the men who know these af-
lars must be consulted in business. |
1t is true in Mexico; it is true in
the United States; it is probably |
true the world over.
We were forced into i in our
ouslness-by the business itself.
Ours is now a business of oil and
both play an important
part in the national life, even inter
national life, as Lord Curzon pointed
out so well when he said:
The armies of the allies floated
10 victory on 4 wave of oil "
The men best trained in the af
-a1rs of government are usually those
who have been part of it. SO there
IS really no need for the public to
shake its head askance when il hears
hat eX-this-orthat official has gone
nto the employ of private business.
Public men are hired for that
which they can do for their EMPLOYER
~ company. They are supposed to
% the best they can-and they usual
y do.
OF all the men Of influence whom 7
lave employed, l haven't met any
Tot even McAdoV-who didn't do the
Utmost.
Like Physician
The employment of such men of
influence is like the employment of
physician. If they can prevent YOU
rom getting sick, you never know
ow much they have accomplished.
And there certainly is more sat
'faction in the adviser, who prevents
nd helps. than in any other.
This was the type of advice i ex-
ected to get from the late Secretary
ane--the advantage of his wisdom,
is help in making contacts, the
end Rheumatism