Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1893-10-14
Visit to Tangisr Island.

EDITOR ENGERPRISE-On last SQC1
urday evening, 18th inst, DR.. George
| w: LeCato and DR.. Charles Smith
addressed the voters of Tangier Is
land. Desiring in the event of their
election to have accurate knowledge
as to the legislative needs Of the oys-
termen there, and Of all who depend
upon the guarded territory, they
planned a visit to the oyster grounds
and sail along the boundary line,
in connection with their trip. Capt.
Reed, of the State Fishery Force, had
kindly offered to convey them to the
Island and the longing grounds, pro-
vided, they could accept his plan.
On the Friday night preceding their
selected date, it was necessary for
him to be at Hofrman's Wharf to
take on supplies. He would return
the same night and have them OIL
the grounds the next morning. This
plan suited all parties, but a pro-
longed calm, limited the trip to the
Island itself. Here however, the
views of the oystermen were obtain
ed, and valuable information gather
ed.
The difficulty of capturing illegal
dredgers, and the absolute need of a
steamer to guard the grounds, is seen
in the fact, that, it was $50 p. m,
when the speakers landed at the
nearest point of Tangier Island. But
a goodly crowd came from their
homes, to welcome and hear the men
who have their political interests at
heart. am far from being COM
petent judge Of political speech; I
have but little respect for the mean
ingless adiectives that always laud
the speech OF the man on our side.
because he is on our side, and forever
minify the merits of the speech on
the other side because it is made on
that side. So in my own way. SIM
ply affirm that the addresses of our
candidates were as solid, practical
and dignified as are the estimable
gentlemen that delivered them. Liv-
ing questions were discussed con-
vincingly. The difficulties in the
way of an unsatisfactory solution OF
the oyster question were presented.
and the Importance urged of having
an expression and agreement on the
part OF all the oystermen in the
county, concerning the more vital
and salient points Tor Legislative
action. If all our speakers during
the campaign are as happy in sum-
marising and applying the principles
of our platform; in comparing parties
with such fair and just discrimina-
ton; in showing that the present
form of high protective tariff is but
the highest form and rate of indi-
vidual taxation, then the people will
be intelligently instructed. no matter
how they may vote. And is not this
the surest method of securing their
votesf Such addresses must tell.
Tell in immediate effect, but more
telling in future fruitage, when the
seed-thoughts and influences have
matured
AS brave. vigilant, faithful off,
Ger, Capt. Reed holds high place in
the esteem of these people, He de-
serves their confidence. No man
could do more, and few as much as
he for their protection, with such an
inadequate equipment. These peo-
Pile need protection. AS one of them
said, their oyster-beds are both
"smoke-house and corn stack" to
them. Break up these beds and the
Island is doomed. Give Reed an
extra steamer. keep the two schoon-
ers still on duty, and then, the two
sounds will be safe from molestation.
As it is, after doing the best they can
there will be enough oysters stolen
this season to pay for building and
eQuipping two steamers-such as
would be needed.
VISITOR.