Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-05-30

From the Washington Star.
The Committee on Police Of the Council of
the Legislative Assembly, yesterday, gave a
hearing to all interested for or against the bill
now pending for the preservation of shad and
herring in the Potomac river.
Mr.. J. W. Reed, for the gill-netters, said
they had come to protest against the passage of
the bill, which would interfere with their lights
and prevent them from providing bread tor
their families. III stated that Mr.. Fauucc, Mr..
Gibson, Mr.. Knight, Mr.. Stewart, and others,
use senes varying from five to seven miles in
length, and destroy more spawn IN one haul
than those using traps do in tweuty-four hours.
The traps used are stationary and do very little
harm. The trappcrs commence working about
the 10th Of May, and finish about the middle
of July while the seine haulers commence the
first OF March and work until the first of j une.
There had never been any law to prevent them
from carrying on this business, and he could see
no reason why there should be any now. There
are but five or six men who fish with traps
above Fort Washington, and not above one
dozen altogether 10 the river, and they do not
average above $4,000 fish in tweny-tour hours
altogether. They supply the markets and fish
dealers with fresh fish in few hours after the
catch.
Mr. Lomax ION the same side) explained that
they made their living by fishing, and not only
fish for shad aud herring, but Tor perch, cat
fish, and other kinds that they can catch, and
be wished to know what they arc to do with the
few herring and shad which come into their
nets while fishing for perch; were they to throw
them away instead of bringing them to market
fresh and in good condition?
Mr.. Raynor, on the same side, asked that
action be deferred until those opposed could
present a petition with the signatures Of a
large number which they would do if permitted.
Mr.. Geo. L. Chandler, dealer in the mar
ket, said the bill, if passed, would seriously af-
feet his interests 10 a pecunlary manner yet
he would willingly sacrifice his interest for the
sake of giving the fish chance to increase in
our river. He disclaimed any idea of a desire
to Cypress or interfere with the rights of the
trappers or ginet men. The laws of Mary
land and Virginia prohibit the use Of fishing
shores after the first Of June, and traps and
gill nets are included in the provisions Of these
laws. lie stated that Mr.. Knight, who has
the shore near the Long bridge, and who is
more interested in fishing later in the season,
is willing to stop if others will do the same.
He had no doubt that trap fishing did great
Damage anu snooio pe stoppeu al'el 'ne ISL
of June.
Mr.. VIM A. Stewart, representing the seine
interests, said the only object they have 10
view is the preservation of shad and herring.
He disclaimed the assertion that this step had
been taken by the seine men 10 spirit of OPP
preston to the trap and gil-net men. He
thought there is now as much need of this
proposed law as there is for the game laws
and that it will work for the interest Of all con
cerncd in the fishing interests, dealers as wei
as fishermen He thought shad just as unf!
to eat after the first of June as rabbits anc
cartridges.
No others being inclined to give their views
Mr.. Browne announced that the committee
would give both sides of the question an i'm
partial consideration before taking any action.