Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-09-02
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER ,, 1919
A Challenge TO the New Dispensation.


Like flash of lightning from clear
XIV came the dissenting editorial of the
Sussex Republican of Georgetown, IN its
current issue, challenging the course of the
recent Republican State primary cam
naign, the action of the State convention,
and the general attitude OF what may be
called the New Dispensation" IN the
Republican party, following the over
throw of the old Organization. As to
policies and methods, the Sussex Repub-
Hcan sees little or no difference between
those of the New Dispcnsation and
the corrupt old Organization
After setting forth its independent
attitude as newspaper, as eNemplhcd
by its long fight against Addlcks and the
du Pont corruptjonists who succeeded
him, the Sussex Republican expresses the
pleasure il felt at the probability that the
New Dispensation" would inauguratc
new era IN Republican party affairs n
Delaware But 1t was doomed TO dlsap-
pointrnent. II saws The first shock came
in the formal announcement. IN the col
urnns of the Morning News, that me one
can be considered possible candidate for
Senator unless he has received the stamp
of appreciation from Alfred ] du Pont
himself This savored so strongly Of
boss rule that the independent spirit of
the Sussex Republican was shocked 70
deep resentment and opposition Then
came the curt and summary repudiation
of the aspirations of ex-Judge Hastings,
which was so conclusive that he immediate
ly removed himself from the race for the
nomination for Senator.
Referring to Mr. Alfred !, du Pont :
lavish promises of reform IN the primary
management OF the Republican party.
which had so delighted its independent
soul. the Sussex Republican sees their
absolute reputation in the Republican
primary proceedings First it saw with
dismay a disposition TO make terms more
likelv-trades- the leaders OF the
old gang. when the time arrived to
select delegates" says the Sussex Re
publican, 'it soon became apparent that
they were not being selected by the voters
of the respective districts, but were being
set up or selected for the voters OF the
districts IN the good old way, by the lead
ers from without the districts Those who
questioned the advisabihty of such a
method, and its efficacy for harmony,
we're gwen to understand that If they want
ed TO 60 they could put UP delegates and
fight for them IN the good old way. Not
withstanding the selection OF the dele
gates, and that their action could be
largely foretold, as soon as the lists Of
delegates were filed, the hope for har-
rnonv was so strong and the desire for
united party success 50 great, that the !
party was disposed to accept the oft-re- |
peated declaration Of Mr. du Pont that |
the convention fould be unharnpered and |
left to do whdtit deemed best for the |
party"
Sad, indeed, was it 10 be rudely awaken |
ed from such roseets dream, but such |
was the fate of our Sussex contemporary
''Monday night, rs says, the work OF the /
convention was being cut out for II IL |
the good old way, ready for the o. r. Of |
the delegates IN convention assembled the /
next day Everything bore the ear1narks /
OF bossism IN every way When the real !
condition of affairs was apparent thinking |
Republicans were not only disappointed, |
but discouraged and disgusted, and more, /
they saw new menace anslng III the /
politics of Delaware that bode Ill for the /
party and the State
The ''only light IN the cloud that was
visible to the Sussex Republican was
the sturdy refusal Of Dr.. Ball TO yield to /
the dictum of the boss, when he had q
clear majority of the convention delegates |
behind him, and his insIstence upon /
putting his chances for the senatorial |
nomination TO ballot, which he did, and /
won easily But the selection of the Re /
publican State Committee, In the belief /
of the Sussex Republican, 'portends the |
continuance In the future OF the same I
dictation and manipulation present and |
apparent IN the convention. And 80 IL is /
constrained TO express this deliberate /
conviction eve do not believe ticket /
so tagged, however estImable, can win in /
this campaign 1t is convinced THE |
voters will not stand for ii Suspicion
breeds distrust, and distrust means de- |
feat at the polls Mr. Alfred du Pont has |
repeatedly declared for a Senator who |
was not controlled by any mon or set Of
men In the light Of this promise, the |
Republicans, in face Of the plain ananipu- |
lation Of the convention, have a right to
know whether his ticket is free Of the IN |
fiuence and dictation Of ny man or set of
men"
For the solving Of this problem the
Sussex Republican boldly suggests plan.
1t would have Dr. Ball, the nominee for