Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-01-14
WEDNESDAY. JANUARY IA, 1891.
Convsnt,on 20 DISCUSS oyster-Laws.

Convention TO Discuss Oyster-Laws.
Here is a proposition to hold conven-
ton of representatives Of Maryland. Viz
GINA, North and South Carolina, and
Georgia in Richmond TO discuss the oyster
interest
Strong and sensible laws are needed to
ssye the natural rocks from destruction
and to encourage and enlighten planters in
their work.
The people of all the States interested
are looking for light and help. They are
beginning 10 understand the magnitude OF
tie question, but they do not quite know
how 10 solve il. What is needed Is infor-
mation-information as 10 the present con-
dition of the oyster grounds; information
as 10 what agencies are at work to hinder
production; information as TO the best
methods of oyster-culture; information as
20 what laws are needed and how they can
best be procured.
On some points concerted action Of the
States will be necessary, and 1t is therefore
desirable for Virginians to know what IS
wanted and proposed in Maryland and
North Carolina, and our sister States would
no doubt like TO know what Virginia hopes
and wishes to do. A convention will bring
answers to all these questions and to many
more of equal importance. 1t is the first
step to be taken, and Mr.. e. A. OLDHAM, a
North Carolina journalist now engaged
In business in Washington, urges the Dis
patch TO insugurate the movement. We
will gladly do so. II we have encouraging
ponses TO the suggestion here made we
shall forthwith appeal to the Governor to
call the convention and then, If we are
successful, we shall ask the Chamber OF
Commerce and our brothers of the press
30 help US make all the arrangements.
Here is the letter of Mr.. OLDHAM:
wAsHHGTos. d. O., January 10, 1891
To the Rdft0r Of the Dispateh:
have jrst read your editorial paragraph In a
recent number Of your valuable paper, In which
you refer 70 the fact that Maryland and North
Carolina are as much aroused as your own state
over the condition OF the oyster-beds. lou say
that in each State thero IL the same story, un-
happily too we'll verified. Of depleted OYSTER
beds and impoverished oystermen. The laws
do not protect and scientific oyster-culture,
though much talked about In little prectlced.
Now, what are we all going 70 do about III" you
sak.
While not willing 20 admit the entire correct
ness Of the allusion TO North Carolina, where an
unusually wise policy In regard to the oyster In
terests has been inaugursted, still agree with
your inferentisl conclusion thst II Is time for
something 10 be done looking 10 an amellora-
ton Of the present unsettled and unhappy con-
dition Of the oyster Industry.
The states OF Maryland, Virginia, North Care
lima, South Carolina, and Georgia are 10 . great
or or less extent interested in the adjustment OF
this question. While the interests OF south
Carolina and Georgia have not yet attained the
Importance Of the oyster business In the more
northern states OF the southern seaboard, still
the industry IL rapidly growing in those two
States and Is sure 20 attain Dimensions o! Rreas
Importance 10 the next few yearA
Why, then, would IL not be good plan 70 agi-
tase the question OF holding st some central
point-say IN your own clty-a convention repre-
senting commissioners from the five states men
toned who can discuss this important industrial
and commercial question In It's various aspects
II seems 10 me that this Is substantially the
only way 10 arrive at solution Of the question
at Issue.
OF COURSE the conclusions arrived at by this
commission would be purely OF an advisory ma
ture, and each Legislature could act upon them
a. Il saw At
Az representative newspaper the DISPATCH
might assume the responsibility OF this move
ment and request the Governors OF Maryland,
virginia North and South Carolina, and Georgia
the representation Of each state In Congress from
among men who are inselligenly capable TO
discuss the oyster question from its various
ssandpoints.
Trusting that this suggestion may meet your
appreciation, and that 10 may be the means OF
finally disposipg Of this question, / am yours
very truly, EDWARD OLDHAM.