Eduardo Délano
Eduardo Délano Rojas (died 17 March 1921) was a Chilean businessman and politician who served three terms as a member of the Chamber of Deputies. A member of the Radical Party, he represented Concepción, Talcahuano, Lautaro and Coelemu from 1894 to 1900 and Antofagasta, Taltal and Tocopilla from 1909 to 1912.
Délano was also active in the nitrate industry and served as Minister of Industry and Public Works under President Pedro Montt between 1909 and 1910.
Early life
Délano was born in Concepción, the son of Paul Hinckey Délano and Elisa Rojas Contreras. During the War of the Pacific, he served as a captain from 1879 to 1882.
He subsequently became involved in the nitrate industry in northern Chile. In 1884, he managed the Compañía Salitrera de Antofagasta and later pursued other business interests. He also served as a member of the Railway Council.
Political career
A member of the Radical Party, Délano represented Iquique as a delegate to the party's first national convention.
He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies for Concepción, Talcahuano, Lautaro and Coelemu for the 1894–1897 legislative term and was reelected for the same constituency for the 1897–1900 term. During these years, he served on the standing committee for war and naval affairs.
After several years outside Congress, Délano returned to the Chamber as the representative for Antofagasta, Taltal and Tocopilla for the 1909–1912 term. During this period, he served on the Finance Committee.
Under President Pedro Montt, Délano was appointed Minister of Industry and Public Works on 15 September 1909. During his tenure, he supported railway development, including work on Chile's longitudinal railway and plans for railway electrification. He remained in the ministry until 25 June 1910.
While serving as Minister of Industry and Public Works, Délano temporarily assumed responsibility for the Ministry of War and Navy from 20 to 31 May 1910.
Within the Radical Party, Délano remained particularly active in northern Chile. In 1921, he served as president of the party's assembly in Antofagasta.
Délano died on 17 March 1921.