This is RH8.0:
ftp -u localhost
Connected to localhost.
220 
rpppc1.md.hns.com FTP server (Version wu-2.6.2-8) ready.
ftp> 221 Goodbye.
From man ftp: 
       -u     Restrains ftp from attempting ``auto-authentication'' upon  ini-
              tial   connection.    If  auto-authentication  is  enabled,  ftp
              attempts to authenticate to the FTP server by sending  the  AUTH
              command,  using  whichever authentication types are locally sup-
              ported.  Once an authentication type is accepted, an authentica-
              tion  protocol  will  proceed  by  issuing  ADAT commands.  This
              option also disables auto-login.