Johnson on Ford

Three days after Henry Ford declared for President Coolidge, Senator Hiram Johnson in his turn issued a statement on Ford. It contained the chief arguments of those who disliked the Ford announcement.

"American politics presents a most interesting psychological study. Henry Ford has declared for Mr. Coolidge because, as he says, Mr. Coolidge is 'safe.' Immediately the part of the press of the country representing special privileges, which has always denounced and caricatured Mr Ford, gives him a certificate of character and with open arms welcomes him to its ranks. Perhaps the time is propitious for Emma Goldman and Bill Haywood to return, declare for Mr. Coolidge and be acclaimed by the same special privilege press. . . .

"On October 13, when Secretary Weeks had sold what Ford claimed to be a part of the Muscle Shoals project, Mr. Ford denounced in unmeasured terms the Secretary of War, and inferentially the Administration, as being under the control of private interests inimical to the farmers. . . Thereafter Congressman Madden gave to the press the outline of a measure he would introduce in Congress, apparently for the Administration, designed to give

Mr. Ford Muscle Shoals and a plant of like character to that sold by Weeks.

"The message of the President on the 6th of December was not inimical to this idea. Mr. Madden's bill was then introduced and is now pending.

"On the 19th of December Mr. Ford gives out his 'safe' interview. . . . Mr. Ford was for Mr. Wilson when Mr. Wilson was President. Mr. Ford was for Mr. Harding when Mr. Harding was President. Mr. Ford is for Mr. Coolidge while Mr. Coolidge is President. Mr. Ford is a marvelous business man."