The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1894-07-21
THE FISHERY QUESTION.

The movement inaugurated by the AS
torian, some weeks ago, for the protec-
ton Of our salmon industries, and which
movement was so ably and promptly
seconded by our worthy mayor and the
chambers Of commerce Of both Astoria
and Portland, has evidently stirred Sem
ator Mitchell to a perception Of the i'm
portance Of the object, as appears from
the reply of Fish Commissioner McDon-
aid to a recent communication ad-
dressed him by that senator, and which
shows that Senator Mitchell has taken
hold Of the matter in his usual energetic
manner. Whether Senator Mitchell
succeeds in accomplishing anything at
the present session or not, he is entitled
to and will receive the thanks of his
constituents for his efforts in that re-
gard. Mr. Mcdonald writes as follows:
"Under the present circumstances there
Is no location on the Columbia river or
any of its tributaries where we could
count upon obtaining 100000 eggs,
much less 100,0OO,0O0, unless possibly In
the neighborhood of Astoria, where 1t
would be necessary to utilize the fall
run Of fish for the purpose of obtaining
eggs. At this place no effective work
could be done except by the hearty CO.
operation of the fishermen, and the def
rite agreement with them in advance
as to the aid that they would render.
Under the existing regulations of the
fisheries, both In Washington and Ore
gon, 1t is possible at any time FOR men
fishing to obstruct completely any river
and catch all the salmon which may en-
ter it. To incur any expenditure for a.
hatchery under these circumstances
would in my Judgment be unwise.
I'VE have hatchery on the Clack,
amas, and If this stream were unob-
structed by nets or dams we would
have obtained, by diligent use of re-
sources, probably 12.OO0,O0O or 100000
eggs. The present season we have had
TO abandon work on the stream for the
reason that dam has been erected
which is practically impossible for
salmon; and Furthermore, the net fish
ing below it is so exhaustive that thel
entire run Of salmon is taken. This
condition will arise on any river wherel
there is any considerable run of sallnonl
sufficient to make 1t an object to Under
take it, and as we can only contemplate
I;,I,, ~ x,f la foh
rivers where there is a considerable rum
of salmon, it is evident that at any time,
under the state laws of Oregon and
Washington, as they now stand, the
t.rely destroyed.
II fully realize the urgent necessity
of taking. proper steps TO improve the
salmon fishing oe the Columbia river.
The preliminary work which would JUS
tify expenditure by the general govern
ment, must nrst be done by the states.
The season of net fishing must first be
restricted. No net fishing should be
permitted and no obstruotions in the
way of dams allowed ON the tributaries
of the Columbia where the government
may establish harcheries."
The commissioner says that the man
who would be emp,oycd on the Clack-I
amas has been sent to the Sandy river
TO hold the salmon and collect the egge,
but he has found that fisherman has
erected a wheel at II point where it is
desirable to work, which renders it en-
tirely impraoticaDle. The control of the
stream can only be obtoined by paying
the person with the wheel 10 take it
away. Mr. Mcdonald continues:
"Such interfarences will arise wher-
ever we attempt to go, and parties will
be found everywhere who will make It
a business 20 interpose distractions if
the policy is once established oe paying
them. 1 would advise that any appro-
priation nldde b. the government FOR
the erection Of salmon matching stations
oil the Columbia river should tc act om-
panied by the proyi5o that no eXpen-
di.ure is TO be made on this account
until the states Of Oregon and Washing
ton have esto o5lish ed such regulations in
regard to the fisheries AMI sucn cxemp-
tion in reference to the streams as may
be in the judgment Of the United States
fish commissioner necessary. 1t is prob
able that we might be able to select
certain streams tributary to the Col
umbia in which there is at present a
sufficient run of salmon for our pur-
poses, and should the states by law
absolutely prohibit the use of nets in
such streams, or even the erection Of
any distractions whatever we could at
a comparatively moderate expense in
the establishment of stations for the
collection Of eggs, do an immense and
productive work for the Columbia river.
I should say that an appropriation of
$4,000 would be sufficient for the estab-
lishment Of such stations, but do not
think it wise to incur any such expen-
diture until the states interested have
done their duty in the matter, and by
the exemption of certain streams rem
dered it possible to make such an ex-
penditure productive when incurred"