Comparison

The difference between identical twins is a subject of scientific study but differences between ordinary brothers are so common that even the public ignores them. Yet last week Detroiters found much interest in comparing two brothers, one Henry, aged 70, the other William, aged 62. Both raised on a Michigan farm, both now residents of Detroit's suburb Dearborn, both surnamed Ford. The data :

Appearance: Henry: tall, angular, grey-haired. William: strikingly similar.

Social Characteristics: Henry: shy, reserved, a thorough individualist who shuns the public, father of one son. William: father of three children, a mixer, member of many lodges, organizer of Dearborn's fire department and traffic system, once the town's president-chief of police (dual office), fond of distributing nickels and dimes to children, generally known as "Bill'' or "Uncle Bill," who, content with life, has said he would not change places with Henry. Business: Henry: an unsuccessful inventor at 40, owner and operator of the largest automobile business in the U. S. at 60. William: opened "William Ford Tractor Sales" when Henry began manufacturing tractors, prospered selling tractors and farm implements, ten years ago moved to larger quarters in Highland Park, employed 40 men. Present Economic Status: Henry: not worth so much as he once was, but still worth so many hundred millions that a regiment of unemployed accountants would find work figuring out how many. William : a petitioner in bankruptcy ; the liabilities of his company $412,900; its assets, none; his own assets, the red brick house he lives in near Dearborn's Main Street, a few shares of stock (which he offers to pledge to meet the claims of creditors), real estate in Livingston County, Mich., not one automobile. Detroiters who made this comparison did not find it odious, either to William or to Henry. They knew that Depression had been too much for William's business, that also an individualist, but in a different way, he would not ask help from Henry, would probably not accept it if offered. Last week Detroit's Union Guardian Trust Co. was named trustee over Brother William's unhappy business. Both brothers replied to all newshawks' inquiries with impeccable good taste: said nothing.

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