The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-07-08

Views OF Indianapolis Jewish leAders oW
Ford's retrac.ion and statements by noteo
lawyers on Page 1. Section 2.
NEW YORK, July 8--The long
and bitter fight between publica-
tions sponsored by Henry Ford on
the one hand, and the Jewry Of the
world on the other, came to an
abrupt and unexpected end today.
A signed statement by Ford, made
public here, withdrew all charges
against Jews made In his publica~
tions, expressed regret that they
had been published, and explained
that the motor magnate had been
unaware Of what was being printed
in his publications.
The statement came like treaty
Of peace. 1t was followed closely by
announcement In Detroit by Will
liam H. Gallagher, attorney for
Aaron Sapiro, that the latter's
$1,000,000 libel suit against Ford
probably would be withdrawn.
Louis Marshall, president of the
American Jewish Committee who
received the original signed copy Of
Ford's statement, issued a concilia-
tory statement through the United
Press from his summer home at
Saranac Lake, N. Y.
Learns of Enmity
public by Arthur Brisbane, who re-
ceived one copy of 1t. said:
ITO. my great regret, have
learned that the Jewish people gen.
orally, and particularly those Of
this country, not only resent these
publications as promoting anti
Semitism, but regard me as their
enemy.
Trusted friends with whom I
have conferred recently have as
sured me in all sincerity that in
their opinion the character Of the
charges and insinuations made
against the Jews, both individually
and collectively, contained in many
articles circulated periodically in
The Dearborn Independent and re-
printed In the pamphlets mem
toned, justifieS the righteous inoig.
nation entertained by Jews every~
where toward me.
This has led me to direct NV
personal attention to this subject.
to ascertain the exact nature of
these articles.
Aware of Virtues
Had appreciated even the
general nature, to say nothing of
the details, of these utterances u
would have forbidden their circula-
ton without moments hesitation H
because fully am aware of the
virtues Of the Jewish people as a
whole, Of what they and their
ancestors have done for civilization
and for mankind, toward the de-
velopment Of commerce and in
dustry, of their sobriety and
diligence, their benevolence and
their unselfish interest In the public
welfare. a
"Of course, there are black shear.
IN every flock, as there are amona|
men Of all races, creeds and ma
tionalities, who are at times evil
doers. 1t is wrong. however, tov
judge a people by a few individuals.
and therefore join In condemnina
unreservedly all wholesale denuncia,~
tions and attacks.
Those who know me can bear
witness that 1t is not in my nature
to infiict insult upon and occasion
pain to anybody, and that II has
been my effort to free myself from
prejudice. Because Of that, I franks
ly confess that have been greatly
shocked as a result of my study and
examination of the files Of the
Dearborn Independent and Of the
pamphlets mentioned.
Asks Forgiveness.
IT deer1 1t my duty as an honor~
able man to make amends for the
wrong done the Jews as fellowmen
and brothers. by asking their fore
giveness for the harm I unintentions
ally have committed, by retractinQlA
so far as lies within my power the.
offensive charges laid at their door,
and by giving them the unqualified&
assurance that henceforth they may
look to me for friendship and good
will.
I'm the multitude of my activities,
1t has been impossible for me TO de-
vote personal attention TO their
management or to KEEP informed as
to their contents. 1t inevitably has.
therefore, followed that the conduct
and policies Of these publications
had to be delegated to men whom I
placed in charge Of them and upon
whom relied implicitly.
e"Finally, let me add that this
statement is made on my own ini@
tiative and wholly In the interest OF
right and justice and in accordance
with what I regard as my solemn
duty as a man and as a citizen