Evening journal., 1916-04-08
SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1916.
dnPONT CONPkNY COMMENDED.


T the editorial columns OF the Norfolk virginian-
Pilot, one Of the leading newspapers in the South
find under the caption "Hopewe and Yorktown" +"
fhe following words of commendation OF ihe L. l. du-
Pont de Nemours Company OF this city:
Instead OF being blamed the officials OF the dupont
Powder Company should be commended for the state
mens issued in regard 10 their future plans in con-
necon with the plants they operating at Hopewel
and that they about TO establish York river. II
would have been criminal almost for these officials to
withhold the note Of caution they have sounded against
speculation based illusory prospects. They know
that the magnitude Of their present activities Is not
permanent that period is determnable by the dura-
tion Of war in Europe the present gigantic scale
aud that when that stimulant to their business shall
have ceased 10 exist the output OF their products will
be reduced 20 normal proportions involving heavy
nilments in production and reduction in labor forces
the James river plant and other subsidiary estab
lsmenis nov IN full blast under pressure OF an ex-
tfaordinary demand
It would not have been honest for the duPonts 10
suppress facts which bear directly a situation
fraught with good or m to thousands OF persons. SO
Tar the imitation OF land values and around Hope
well has been predicated conditions of population
and wage distribution they are. taking account
OF the possibility of their discontnuance prior TO the
attainment by the city of strength to stand alone
At Yorktown and WILLIAMSBURG booms have been
started the mere supposition that extensive works
were to be erected and an immense industry 10 be in
augurated.
Those in the counses OF the dupont corporation
might have reaped profit for themselves by withhold
ing Information from the public and sharing the bene
nfs OF promoting land speculation. Instead, they have
declared the truth and investors in real have
been given the light which found correct judg-
ment
Hopewel has advantages a manufacturing center
which, II properly improved should enable the COM
munityS to prosper and progress without dependence
single industry. Already the foundations OF
city have been laid and energy wisely directed may
attract other enterprises Of sustaining dimensions,
though the powder mills should to be a
tructfying factor
The case on the lower Peninsula between the York
and the James Is different. There caution has been
sounded in advance OF the moderate purposes the du-
Points have in view and therefore the OF the
opportunity for local development be accurately
taken and those who buy property in that locality will
have only themselves to blame II they pay prices not
warranted by existing conditions those reasonably
be looked for
The Nirginan Pilot might have added that it is part
OF the fixed policy of the DUPONT Company to protect
the.inyestirg public. far may be able do so,
against those who seek its unprecedented pros
pority OF today for ihe promotion OF selfish and inn
ends. While spectators in real estate situated
near DUPONT plants may resent such announcements
made by the company with respect TO future
values at Hopewell and yorktown. the public cannot
fail to appreciate them and the protective purpose
DERIVING them.