The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-07-11
FORD's EUROPEAN INVASION
(St. Paul DispatCh)

y raul OIEDdGCIJ
It is perhaps natural that European automobile makers
should not be overjoyed to learn that Henry Ford has a
program for the considerable expansion of his manufac-
turing activities on the continent. The antagonism to
this project which Is finding expression. however, is not
limited to competitors in the automobile industry nor is
fear Of . formidable rival alone at the bottom of it.
What has alarmed manufacturers generally in Europe
Is Mr.. Ford's announcement that he will introduce the
American wage standard in his foreign factories. He
mas asked tn" international labor office of the League
OF Nations to determine how much he must pay his work
men In Europe to give them the same standard of living
as those ne employs in the United States. and a Boston
phhanthropist has offered to stand the expense of this
study.
The criticism and protest which this announcement has
aroused in Europe is quite transparent. Mr.. Ford is be-
ing accused of "disrupting labor conditions" BY this is
meant that ne will set q pace in wage increases, If car
ried out. which others may be forced to follow. The Eu-
r0peans fears OF AmeMEanizaton are taking the form of
q very particular fright at Fordization. which seems to
justify the worst alarm that has been felt over Ameri-
It might be supposed that his European competitors
would be pleased because M. Ford proposes to accept a
voluntary handicap OF greater labor cost. The fact that
they are not pleased may perhaps indicate a deep in
ternal premonition that 1t will be they and not Mr.. Ford
who In the end will be forced to yield, to reorganize their
businesses. to wage the battle on enemy ground. What
really frightens them is the possibility Of having to play
the game according to the American rules Of mass pro-
duction. marvellous mechanical efficiency. high wages
but low unit costs of finished product. It is small won
der that they do not relish the conflict.
Assuming the gradual transformation Of Europe to q
ing. one OF the main props would be knocked out from
under American protective policy, for the tariff in theory
at least exists to equalize costs Of production ct home and
abroad. But that Is something for the distant future. In
the meantime Mr.. Ford probably is not concerning him
sell unduly over these criticisms OF his venture. He en-
countered something similar when he announced his
- gay IN America, and today. according to a recent pub
ucation Of the bureau Of labor statistics at Washington
z large percentage Of American cities Is paying nearly
that much for the lowest basic wage, that OF common
street labor.
Again, the committee on recent economic changes in
tne uniced states has only . month since had this TO say
concerning the high wage economy: THE widening gap
between wages and the cost Of living-wsees increasing
wnle the cost OF living was stationary-may be assumed
70 nave contributed definitely TO the degree OF prosperity
which has characterized the period rs q whole. with ris-
ms wages and relatively stable prices We have become
consumers OF Whist we produce to an extent never be-
fore realized"
+ the Europeans are worrying over the effect on lin
tensive production" they should be easily treasured by
tee TACT that along With higher wages and fewer hours
cssased p pr cent from ie12 to ls2s. The American In
dustria! worker Is turning out 90 per cent more today
than ne Was toward the close Of the Nfneteenth century.
-: Ford Is preparing q bitter. pill. but perhaps Europe
yM I'VE 70 Dc grateful tor It. Such viii be the result u
there. IS u America, Il causes the producess 70 become
nAn eo0onOS e ~ n6nGt1i01 c6tDuk.