The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-06

economic r0yal1SC.
He was born, like Franklin d.
Roosevelt, with silver spoon IN
his mouth. That silver spoon
ladled out $2,2o7, 900 when his
father died, and Alfred Pritchard
has been able to roll 1t up to o
round $5O,O0O,OOO. (ROoseveIt's
father left only &500,00Os virtually
all enjoyed BY Mrs. James Roose-
welt, not Franklin).
Sloan had all the advantages
Of a careful, unextravagant
schooling. Educationally, he was a
polished product Of planned econ
omy, against the Roosevelt brand
of which he and his dupont COLI
leagues have kicked so violently.
Born in frugal New England
nearly 81 years ago, his father
sent him to the Massachusetts
Institute Of Technology, most
careful engineering school In the
country, joined Delta Epsilon fra
ternity, which had not yet OBJ
tanned the prominence since given
1t by Chief Justice Hughes, and
did one other thing which was to
influence his entire life.
College Contacts
At M. L. T. he met the du-
Points. Pierre 8. dupont, later to
be head Of General Motors, was
in a class ahead Of him. Pierre's
brother Irenee was two classes be-
hind him, while the younger
brother, Lammot, now head Of
General Motors, followed three
classes after that.
This, and some other fortuitous
circumstances, fixed Alfred Prit-
chard Sloan for life.
After graduation Alfred went to
work for his father, who was a
large owner Of the Hyatt Roller
Bearing company In New Haven,
where Alfred was given the job
Of manufacturing billiard balls.
Later came the development of
automobile roller-bearings and
the Hyatt company grew large and
prosperous. In 1916 it became
so important to the motor indus
try that 1t was bought out by w.
G. Durant, then the big shot of
General Motors.
Sloan continued with Durant,
and when Durant was taken over
by the duPonts in 1920, Sloan
transferred his allegiance to his
old classmates as smoothly as the
roller-bearings he once produced.
DUPONT Waterman
Thence began an association
which has continued to this day
and Is one of the most important
factors in the present strike. In
all things pertaining to General
Motors-in fact. 1t could almost
be said in all things-Alfred P.
Sloan and the DUPONT family are
as one.
Sometimes there are slight
differences Of opinion. Sloan
Is milder, more reasonable, less
ruthless than the duPonts. But
II there is any real difference,
Sloan's views become subservi-
emit to theirs.
Sloan first was vice-president
under Pierre 8. dupont, head Of
General Motors. When Pierre
stepped out in 1928, Sloan took
his place as president, while Lam
mot DUPONT stepped up as chair
man Of the board.
Sloan has remained at the helm
Of the giant motor company not
so much because of his ability to
pioneer new and better automo-
biles-as is the case with Chry-
sler-but as a financial operator, a
salesman and primarily as watch
man for the dupont interests.
Ichabod Sloan
Sloan is gaunt, lanky, six feet
tall and as thin as a rail. His
sparseness Is accumulated by a
high choke collar and double
breasted suit. His hands are long
and bony.
He is modest, self-effacing, but
with his modesty he combines
membership in some Of the ritzi-
est clubs in the U. s. A. He
belongs to 10 but seldom visits
any of them. From his salary
and bonuses, which totaled $374,-
sos in 1895, he can afford to pay
dues.
Sloan is a tireless worker. He
never is In a hurry and yet he
never stops. He Is indefatigable
and colorless. He has no hobbies,
no books, no tobacco, no liquor,
no exercise. He tried golf once
but gave it up.
Likeable
You can't help liking Alfred p.
Sloan. There Is nothing sensa-
tional about him. nothing out of
the ordinary. He would never
put you to sleep, nor would he
keep you awake. On automobile
questions he takes his cues either
from Chrysler or the duPonts.
Yet you can't help being i'm
pressed with the fact that he is
reasonable and--withi nhis own
rather limited circle-fair.
In fact, you can't help being
a little sorry for him.
When Sloan became head Of
General Motors he sent a letter