Mr. Ford's Plans

In reply to a query from The Wall Street Journal, Henry Ford stated that, despite his recent purchases of coal properties, timber lands and water power sites, his cash balances still exceeded $200,000,000, and that he had no need or intention of borrowing money in Wall Street. Mr. Ford's latest form of expansion has been to install coking ovens in his new coal properties, in order to sell their numerous byproducts, especially illuminating gas.

In addition, continued rumors indicate that the Detroit super-manufacturer is intent upon acquiring railroad lines which will link up his present road, the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton, with the South Atlantic coast; stories center especially upon the Virginia Railroad, and Detroit interests said to be allied with Mr. Ford are reported to be securing options for a new line between Gilbert and Huntington, which would link up with Ironton at one end and the Virginia Railroad on the other. This right-of-way is largely held by the Pond Creek Coal Company, which Mr. Ford acquired recently.