Evening star., 1909-06-06
ILLNESS GIVEN AS REASON
Hints, However, That Powder Com
pany Induced His Action.
EFFECT ON SENATOR DU POINT
Speculation in Wilmington on Prob
able Choice Of Successor in 1911.
Wilson Vice Chairman.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
WILMINGTON, Del, June 5.-The most
important political development OF the
year in Delaware became known today
when 1t was learned that T. Coleman du
Pont, president of the du Pont Powder
Company. had Withdrawn from the active
duties Of chairman Of the republican state
committee. Mayor Horace Wilson Of Will
mington has been appointed vice chair
man Of the state committee with full
power.
While 1t is given out that the reason
for du Points withdrawal from the man
agement Of the committees affairs Is be-
cause of his illness, it is stated this step
is but the forerunner Of his complete
retirement from participation in politics.
Powder Company Concerned.
1t has been understood for some time
that the officials Of the du Pont Powder
Company do not indorse T. Coleman du
points political ambitions. It is rumored.
furthermore, that pressure is being
brought to bear upon him to have HIM
abandon politics. The primary reason for
this is due to the fact. as previously an
nounced, that the institution by the gov
ernment of the present suit against the
du Pont Powder Company. for alleged
violation of the Sherman antitrust law.
is attributed to his political activity. In
this connection, it is said. the political
aspirations of Senator du Pont, a cousin
of the state chairman, have likewise play
ed a part.
most importance as having a direct bear
ing on the affairs of the powder company
with its capitalization of fifty millions.
T. Coleman du Pont has been Ill for six
months; he has not during that time at
tended to any of his duties as head
of the powder company. Although he
sent a letter to each member of the state
committee May Is, which. in effect, asked
| them to approve Of his plan to appoint a
vice chairman, the matter was kept quiet
until today. After receiving the sane
ton of the different committeeman du
Pont May % appointed Mayor Wilson te
the new position. to take effect at once.
Conference With Governor.
1t was also learned today that last
Tuesday Gov. P6nnewill and Alden r
Benson of Dover, treasurer of the republi-
can state committee and manager of the
committee headquarters here, took lunch
con with T. Coleman du Pont. It is said
the appointment of the vice chairman was
the foremost topic discussed.
When Mayor Wilson was asked tonight
about his new position he declared that
although he was given full power to act
he would not assume the initiative in the
direction of the state committees affairs
without having the Endorsement of Chair
man du Pont.
1t will be seen, therefore. that while
du Pont has seemingly withdrawn he is
still the directing head of the republican
organization in Delaware-a fact that
may result in further developments from
the standpoint of the objecting powder
company.
May Affect Senator's Chances.
1t was declared tonight that the political
status Of T. Coleman du Pont will have a
serious effect on the aspirations of Sena-
tor du Pont to succeed himself at the 1911
session of the legislature. 1t was due to
the efforts of the state chairman that his
cousin was elected to the Senate at spe-
cial session of the general assembly in
June, 1906.
This development may mean Senator