The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-07-06
WHERE SHALL WE FISH?
CERTAINTY NOT ~ MAITLAND.
The ouestion OF the Boundary Iiue Between
the Two States Will Soon be Settled.
a New Boat for the Committee.

The question ne TO The defining Of the bounda-
~ line between Maryland and Virginia which
is Just about TO be taken up by special COM
mittees from thelegisatures Of the two States.
is one of old date and has frequently given
riso TO controversies between the two govern
ments. The matter put on a new aspect in
1871 when az the investigation Of Governor
Jackson, of Maryland both states appointed
commissioner and had survey Of the
grounds made by United States Coast Sur
yey officer The commission made its report
in due time. but 10 action was taken by the
two legislatures
Governor titzhugh Lee In his message to the
virginia Legislature ia December. 1850. refers
O. the action OF the commission. and make a
number OF recommendations The message
contains the following with regard 10 the
Maryland and Tguia boundary line
1he TIES which bind gother Virginia and
Maryland in lasting affection 10 mutual
interest, ln past mem0rie- il present fellow
snip and in future hopes make the limo
which separates them 30 slender. when traced
On commOnnole ground, that 10 is not sur
lTsiug no times geographical limits grow dim
and the lawful powers W zach confused.
The act passed by the Virginia Legislature
threw open certain oyster grounds Tor plant
known as Hog Island Flats" ln accordance
with law these lands were assigned 60 g. T.
Lewis. IT, VIII Boz remembered tlat o COM
mission consisting of three distin-
cusAed disntere5ted citizens Messrs.
Black. jenkins and Beck-had REM
dered o decision as 20 tho boundary line.
which to-day is binding on both States.
heir definition Of the proper division line IN
this part OF tho Potomac river has been su5-
cepublo of more than one construction.
THr GOVERNOR OF uAnY1AsD.
In order 20 get tho exact meaning of their
award Governor jackson. of Maryland, adj
dressed q communication proposing that ]
should unite with him DO request o. the
United states Coast Survey OAico Tor the de-
tu. of au officer OF that department who
would, 90 tho presence ~ o commissioner
from each State. locate the line. which lu his
opinion should represent the intention or
those making the award 10 1877. The report
of this gentleman has been received and de-
fines tho boundary line as running along tho
low Water mark ou the Virginia shore. follow
ing the fluctuations of that shore The test
Of the award of 1877 directs that tins line
should be run from Leadloud o. headand.
Ia the former case the disputed territory Is
thrown within tho Jurisdiction Of Maryland,
and iu the latter within that ~ Virginia.
The decision Of the .ultcd states Coast sur
vey officer would not Do binding on Virginia
under any circumstances until ratified by
legislative action. and, 1t is, therefore, 70 be-
regretted that Governor Jackson should have
issued proclamation which would modest
any citizen iu the rights conferred upon HIM
bv Virginia Jaw until her Legislature whose
action With that of the Legislature Of lbs
state. could consider the subject and finally
DISPOSE Of DO feel that this General AS
aemblv. as well as tho corresponding body of
Maryland. now soon % assemble wall Jointly
qrrive nj q solution of the question 40 issue
which win satisfactorily protect 90 al con-
cerned theinterest OF their respective States.
and NOT leave q ripple of rage uuon single
wave O.. the great river flowing between them.
Virginia by legislation has solemnly asserted
her right 90 this water To is my duty. there
FORE as her Executive 70 protect tho proper
~ Of those who have leased 10 under Jaw