Morning journal and courier., 1889-03-15
THE CIGARETTE BILL.

\ It is reported that the farmers of the House will rap the 'cigarette bilr' sharply, because of it's interference with their private affairs. Under it if a farmers boy, under sixteen, drives into town or to the village store, and is instructed to buy tobacco for his father or the hired man, or anybody else, the store- keeper dare not sell to him because of the heavy penalty.
 THE SHE'LL FISH QUESTION-SOME INTEREST
 ING TESTIMONY FAvoRING THE CoMMs- sIoN's CONTINUANCE.
 The shell fish hearing was continued to- day. c. w. Hoyt was asked by H. c. Rowe if it is SO, as has been stated, that the growth of the oyster industry is due to.the shell fish commission. Witness said that deep sea cultivation of oysters was already full under way when the commission was started.
 E. P. Skinner of Andover, a former chair. man of the fishery committee, attempted to say few words in regard to the question, Major Tibbits, counsel for the commission objected. MT. Skinner wanted to know if a citizen who paid one-ninth of the entire taxes of town could not speak without ask ing lawyer who sat there with pencil in his hand. He was allowed to speak, and said that the people of his town lad signed petition in favor of abolishing 8 commis- sion which was sapping the very vitality out of the State treasury.
 Hon. John Fl. Leeds of New Haven, who was instrumental in organizing the commis- sion, was then put on by Col. Tibbits. MT. Leeds said he was induced to take more than ordinary interest in the matter because in our harbor was much ground being taken by growers, and that everything there was in discord and the courts engaged in passing on the quarrels of the oystermen.
 s.,1-1 kloo inspired confidence and put an end to the discord, and that in many respects the pres ent prosperity is due almost entirely to the commission. The industry now leads all the States of the country. It would be well to retain this commission. The general govern ment will soon give fostering aid. He de- plored the attack made on the commission, and thought it was step backward toward the old chaotic state. Personally he did not know any member of the commission Nor did he have any money invested in the oys- ter business. AS to the reduction of the commission to one, MT. Leeds said he should always be opposed to one man power. The best interests of the State masses and tax payers would be best served by the commis- sion. The cause of American legislation is want of stability. Therefore be very chary about repeating good law.
 Captain George H. Townsend of New Ha- ven, who has been in the oyster business SIT c6 1S0S ana owned the uFHG OySbeE st6amer ever used in the New Haven harbor, ex- plained how he located ground in deep water before the commission was formed, and the mixed up designations of the towns. When the commission was formed they needed the 1 commissioners, have needed them ever since, ] ana at present need them more than ever. l I-r ne lnought and knew the result 70 oyster l growers would be disastrous if tba comois. sion was abolished. And it would prevent | perhaps our putting any more money in tbe business. The commissioners are five oan- tlemen of the highest character and abiiitv.