Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-03-02
formal reply the following colloquy en-

Mr.. waters UpledsdhtiS). we cofnc Hcic
TO deny that the AFFAIR took place In Vir-
ginia waters.
Governor O'Ferrall. I saw in the papers
the statement that the captains OF the
vessels admitted that they had been
dredging on Old Womans Marsh
Mr.. Waters: Our complaint is that the
dredgers were captured in Maryland
waters.
MIR. wilkinson: We thought 1t desirable
70 get legislation that would prevent this
thing In future.
MR.. CARRIERS VIEW.
Mr.. Carter: l would say that the action
OF our Legislature was not taken without
evidence. When the report was made to
the Maryland Legislature a number OF wit
nesses were examined and afildavits taken
which will be produced when necessary.
II the Claim Of Virginia that the fight
took place In Virginia waters Is correct
Of course we have no case. IT, however.
the fight was I'm Maryland waters four
or FIVE miles from the Virginia line Vir-
ginia Will. We think, recognize that she
has no rights IN the premises. The chief
object Of our visit. however is that
knowing you 0he Governor were inter
estcd in this matter, we hoped to pave the
way for the obvlation OF all such troubles
In the future For instance. we would
suggest recognizing that II a citizen OF
either state invaded the other State the
invaded state would have right TO pur-
sue the trcspasscr across the line.
Mr.. Tull: one OF the gentlemen who
made AFFIDAVIT IS one of our best citizens.
/ think there is no doubt that the affair
took place n. Maryland waters.
4 PERTINENT INQUIRY.
Governor OFerran: II 1t is difficult, as
claimed by some Of your people 10 de-
tcrminc the line when near II. how can
people at Crisneld see II?
Here Mr. Waters endeavored to explain
that II was ,,0esibie 'n 1-' mine the line
from CrisGeld by landmarks.
Mr. Tull. We also nave aiiidavlts from
two citizens Of Accomac. who were on
Smiths Island.
Governor O'Forran: is IL your idea that
restitution be made to the captains Of the
vessels VINO were engaged In this Illegal
dredging?
Sir Tur our idea Is that this warfare
on the border is not only disgraceful,
hut cangeIous. 1t is In the hope Of en-
toring into some agreement that viii
prevent its recurrence hat we are mere.
Mr. Carter: The Cover or's question was
10 whom should restitution be made,
whether to the owners or TO Maryland?
Mr. Waters: We would expect the YES
sells 10 be turned over TO the authorities
of Maryland.
DEFECT IN THE LAW.
Governor O'Ferral: The trouble about
our law is that for Virginian to engage
I'm Illegal dredging is a felony; for
Marylander 10 engage in Ii in our waters
is a misdemeanor. IL is a strange law.
The point. in my mind, is that you want
to restore 10 these citizens. who were
engaged in violating the law of Virginia,
their property. Is that right?
Mr. Wilkinson: We are not here 10
represent the citizens. but the state of
Maryland. We ask Virginia TO restore us
10 a position that we We're in as to pro-
pcrty that We were pledged 10 protect.
Governor O'FeITdl: Was not This in
quiry and proceeding investigated by the
captain Of the captured vessel?
Mr. Waters. / saw one OF the owners
Of the boats. I d. not think he would
countenance an Illegal act.
WHO FIRED FIRST?
Lioutcnant-Governor Kent: Have you
Information rs TO which party began the
firing?
Mr.. Waters: Yes: that it was COM
menced in Maryland waters by the Vir-
Einians.
Mr. Wilkinson: There are two branches
10 this matter One is that the State of
Maryland ASKS that If the boats were
livcred 10 Maryland. The other is that
We ask that some joint action be taRen
i'm this matter 10 prevent a recurrence.
The Virginia Le sislature might take some
action only TO be operative in the event
Of its being concurred in by the Mary
land legislature.
IN FULL SYMPATHY.
Governor O'Fcrran: There is some
question as to Pocomoke for that is in
litigation. but there Is no question as to
Tangicr. SO far as 1 am concerned l
am IN full sympathy with you as TO
concurrent legislation 10 prevent re-
cuircnCe OF troubles and 50 expressed
myself In my message on the Tangier
trouble. But this resolution Of yours
IS drastic one in the shape of an abb
solute demand upon eX parte testimony.
Mr. Wilkinson: You must remember.
Governor that this was done in "A hurry.
Mr.. Waters: II was only intended to
bring matters 10 an issue. We do not
make a demand at the cannons mouth.
LIKED THE DISPATCHES POSITION.
Mr.. Wnkinson / think that some of
the members of your Legislature miscon-
trued this matter. | read however.
am editorial in the Dispatch on the sub
ject this morning which greatly pleased
me.
Governor OFerralI here stated that he
would lay the preamble and resolution
before the General Assembly to-day. and
after a hand-shaking all around the visit
ors withdrew.
The resolution OF the Maryland Legisla-
ture contemplated that Governor Brown
should act in conjunction with the com
mittce, but he did not come 10 Richmond.
The visitors will remain here to-day. They
decline 10 talk out OF meeting except 10
repeat the assurance that the inspiration
OF the mission is entirely friendly
NICE QUESTIONS THAT ARISE.
As TO the propostion that there be con-
current legislation TO prevent troubles be-
tween the two States In the future IL is
probable that a movement VIII De made
in the Legislature to-day looking 70 that
end. The session of the Legislature eX-
pires I'm less than a week, and the drafting
of a bill TO meet the case involves the
consideration of some very nice points.
But II Is known that some OF the best law
ycrs in the General Assembly were look
ing into the matter last night. and 1t Is
thought there is yet time to perfect Il
measure that will guard all interests.
THE DEMAND FOR RESTITUTION.
Touching the demand for restitution,
II Is difficult 10 foreshadow what di-
rection that will take The information
of Governor O'Ferrall as TO the location
OF the scene OF the Tangier fight and its
details is diametrlcally opposed to that OF
the Maryland committee. OF course, II
cannot be expected that Virginia VIII
make restitution on ex Darte evidence.
Last night the impression prevailed that
the only way TO meet the restitution issue
was through n joint commission composed
OF members OF the legislatures OF the TWO
States. who shall have power to send Ior
persons and papers for the purpose OF de-
termning the question OF fact involved.
But the query arises 10 whom shail
the Virginia members report. seeing that
the Legislature viii adjourn before the
commission could get through it's work.
Further. If II be authorized that the ie-
port be made To the Board of Chesapeake
and Its Tributaries, how far shall That
body be empowered 10 act?
SPECIAL MESSAGE TO-DAY.
The Governor will to-day send special
message TO the General Assembly trans
mttireg the Maryland resolution. reciting
what transpired in the conference, ana
giving his views. and conveying the IN
formation in his possession touching the