Mysterious "Robinsons"

Even pinch-dollar voyagers who count the cost of a first class passage must admit that last week the S. S. Majestic gave surplus value for her $265 minimum first class fare. The bonus was in the form of a spry though greying couple who appeared on the passenger list as "Mr. and Mrs, John Robinson." On the third night out John Robinson mounted the Majesties concert platform and cried genially: "Look here, you people, I am Henry Ford and I will show you how to amuse yourselves in the proper way. What about old-fashioned dances?"

Among those who heard this enticing question was Cinemactor Adolphe Menjou, he of the cynically lifted eyebrow and curling, sophisticated lips. Would exquisite Mr. Menjou respond to you-folksy Mr. Ford? Fortunately Cinemasophisticate Menjou has such wholesome tastes as a penchant for garlic. Therefore, when Henry and Mrs. Ford led off in a lancers, Mr. Menjou followed, with his fiancee, Cinemactress Kathryn Carver, whom he will shortly espouse in Europe. Naturally the smart folk of the Majestic followed gaily the lead of Motor Man Ford when he proceeded to waltz, polka, mazurka and Virginia reel. Tales of these dancings and prancings flashed ahead of the Majestic and spiced English comment and curiosity about Celebrity Ford, until his arrival became London's most toasting-hot teatime news.

Debarking at Southampton, Mr. and Mrs. Ford were met by local Mayor Mrs. L. M. Welch who had come to urge that the Motor Man should build a factory on a site which he already owns in Southampton.

Gushed Mrs. Welch, "You know, Mrs. Ford, we women must stand together."

"We certainly must," said Mrs. Ford crisply, "but Mr. Ford must decide about the site. I have nothing to do with that."

Interviewed, Henry Ford said: "I want the English in their homes. I think Britain still has to learn that the secret of industrial success is to do a better job and do it with machinery and do it more cheaply. Machinery will win every time. ... I shall certainly make some business inquiries. I have long thought that England was the best place from which to serve world trade [in automobiles], but the imposition of tariffs and other obstacles have made it difficult for me to put my opinions to the test, so really I am over here to find out why these restrictions are imposed and whether there is any opportunity of overcoming them."

Chatting further, Mr. Ford reaffirmed his support of Presidential candidate Herbert Hoover. Asked whether he would motor through England in a Ford, he replied: "The last time I traveled in this country I went about in a Rolls Royce. What's more, I took it back to the United States and used it for some years."

Next day, although the Fords put up at the smart Carlton hotel, London, Mr. Ford began his pleasure motoring through England by taking a three penny London bus ride.