Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-01-21
oYsreR-INDUsTRY MAss-MEETINe.
Ringing Resolutions Adopted Demanding
Reform in tho Oyster Law.

R1AKy,s. MATHEWS Co., Va, Jan. II. 1891.
Alta mass meeting OF representative citi:
zens interested in the "oyster industry
held at "Blake's," in Mathews county, on
January 16, 1891, i. r. Thompson, ESQ.,, was
chosen chairman and Isaac III. Diggs, Esq,
secretary.
The following preamble and resolutions
were unanimously adopted:
Whereas tho .oyster industry" Is the CHER
means of support tor large ms,orny =. ., On,
dustryn and protecting the "oyeter are Delne
| aettated and discussed; and whereas We ned IN.
duIged In the vain hope that appropriate ana
permanent legislation would have been enacted
at the last session Of the General Assembly; and
sill further had anticipated until recently tne'
ther0 would be an extra session OF tne Legisia.
turo. and the Joint Oyster Committee mlBh!
mako q report and have action thereon; anu
whereas the "oyster industry" is 80 rapidly
failing natural oyster-rocks being depleted ana
tax On up aud used for planting grounds sgeinst
the laws Of the state; uneertsin tenure 70 me
between "plautipg-grQnnds" ana "natursI-
rocksn the total failure OF the present law !"
meet the present emergencies ana new oe-
mands now existing 10 etmulste, ehoouLnBe'
and promote the "oyster industry "; now thcre-
RssoIved, 1. That legislation on the "oyster IN.
dustry" ehould be Of fixed and permanent
2. That the natural oyster-rocks should not be
sold or rented out, but be retained. to be used
and enjoyed by the whole people al virginia
under such restrictions ss may be provideo py
law
3. That all planting grounds be surveyed and
require a reasonable price per acre per annum
from the occupants, and give lease on saiu
grounds not to exceed itfteen years
T. That the property In planted oysters Is OF
different character from other property; the
penalties for stealing planted oysters should DO
stringent and severe.
plan ting grounds should DO encouraged by le-
gislation, and we recommend tue planting
grounds used for depositing shells DC exempt
from rent for two Year, ana the money inVes.ou
10 shells: be exempt from taxation Tor Two
years. as frequently the experiment OF deposit
ing il failure and total loss TO the planter
8. Define by legislation what 10 "natural
oyster-rock," and let that be strictly ana rgiuIy
enforced so THAT further entertainments on the
"naturaI oyster-rocks by inspectors in assign
ing planting grounds may be stopped.
:. That dredging be prohibited as now pro-
a That legislation should be had on the "pa-
tent oyster longs" .
.. That We respectfully but earnestly ask for
teringp of Gwynn's Island In Chesapeake bay.
Last summer the 0yeteT-Tocks on Gwynns 10
land were worked and literally ruined, ana II
permitted 20 be worked again the coming sum
mer they will be entirely destroyed. TO have
these natural oyster-rocks ruined and destroyed
will be a sad blow on US and our families. have
we a remedy7 Can his Rxceliency the Gov
ernor OF Virginia give US any RELIEF from
summer oystering"7
10. we deem IL unnecessary 70 state our views
about the financial feau In law 70 bs passed,
except to say we are willing 10 pay reasonable
taxes 20 be fixed by law.
il, That we do not intend TO dictate TO the
Governor Of Virginia about having an extra ees-
sion Of the Legislature; yet We 90 nope, shouid
there be an extra session, that an oyster lay viii
be passed and settle the very many vexsd ques-
lions now agitating the public mind and pro-
ducing litigatlons in our courts
10 That copy Of this preamble and these
resolutions be sent TO his Excellency L. w. NC
Kinney, Governor Of Virginia. with the hope, "
nossible. 70 aid us In any way and specially call
his attention TO our grievance on "summer oys-
tering" which ,cas repealed In the oyster Dill he
refused 10 approve at the last session OF the Gene
raj Assembly.
I3 That We request the Richmond papers and
all en- papers in Tidewater TO publish this pre-
amblo and these resolutions.
B.. F. THOMSON, Chairman.
Isaac II. Digs, Secretary.