Morning journal and courier., 1894-01-15
VIRGINIA OYSTER INTERESTS.


 VIRGINIA OYSTER INrKftRsTs. The Immenke Oyster Resources of the Mother of states-Greatly De- Ne1oped Hut Capable of Wonderful Devel0pment-The Richmond Con. ventlon-Addresses by Promlnent Oyster Growers and Others-An Ad- dress by Henry 0. Rowe of This City. Henry 0. Rowe of this city delivered an lddress before the convention of oyster growers and dealers and men of science held in Richmond, Va., Friday last.
 The Richmond Times says: "The oyster convention which assembled shortly after noon yesterday in the chamber of com merce spent the day in deliberation upon this great interest in SO far as it effects the state of Virginia, and the results promise very material benefits to this important in- dustry in the commonwealth. The body was composed of intelligent representatives of business and professional circles of this and several other states. While 1t was not intended that the convention should rec- ommend any decided course of action, each body or fection represented was free to take such action as it deemed best after the convention, and 1t was fully expected that the discussion of the subject should bring forth the most important facts relat- ing to the oyster question stenographic re- ports of which will be printed in pamphlet form and constitute . valuable com- pendium of information on the subject. the Chamber of Commerce, called the meeting to order at 12:30 o'clock. He said that the convention was in no sense under but he, as president of that organization, took great pleasure in welcoming the dele gates to the capital of Virginia. The oyster interest involved some $2O, ,000, ,000, and was one of great moment to the poo pie of this commonwealth. He believed that the present condition of the oyster industry of the state was largely due to the wise and just administration of ex- Governor P. W. Mckinney. It was . matter of no conseq uence how the com monwealth held this great trust. It be- hooved the people of Virginia to enjoy the great interests derived from so great c question. The convention would, he was sure, deal with the question wisely and in behalf of the welfare of the people.
 Judge Christian then introduced Mayor J. Taylor Ellyson, who made an appropri- ate address of welcome.
 At the afternoon service Governor O'Ter- rall occupied seat upon tho platform, and e1-Governor Mckinney was also present. When the proceedings were opened every chair in the beautiful assembly hall of the chamber of commerce was taken, and among the audience were 8 large number of the members of the general assembly.
 CAPTAIN BAYLOR.
 The first speaker was Captain J. B. Bay Tor of the coast survey, who recently made the survey of the oyster lands of Virginis. In his address he said: The oyster ques- ton was vital one for Virginia, where there were 50 many natural beds. Ninety five per can't. of the oysters of England were SC ecured from artificial be1 Is. In Hol- land and other foreign countries the pro. portion wss astonishingly low as compared Virginia could be divided into two sec tions, natural and designated, and if the natural beds were developed as they were in the state of Connecticut, the revenue from this source would bs surprisingly larger than at present.
 There was in Virginia 8 great area o1 bottom land, which could be utilized fol the cultivation of the oyster, If the peopl. of the districts would only develop thu natural advantages in this manner held ou to them.
 lARREN TERRITORY.
 To utilize the $40, 900 acres of barren ter ritory the state must give clear title t tho proper persons, said the speaker. It was needful that the legislature shoul legalizs the oyster industry, and mak such provisions as would give clear an undisputed titles to those who would 6 develop the territory as to bring great bsne | fits to the people. In Chesapeake bay dis | tricts there were vast areas of barren bo | toms which could be utilized if tie stat | would allow outsiders to come in and d, | velop them to the best advantage by seliin ! these lands to the highest bidders. Tn present laws prohibited such measure, | These lands could only be utilized by csI italists who would develop them. HENRY C. ROWE
 The next speaker was MT. Henry c. Row of New Haven, Conn, who for twent years has been oyster-planting in Long Is and sound. He is one of the largest an most successful oyster planters in tt world, and under methods adopted by hil the industry has been brought to 6 hig degree of developments in water heretofol thought entirely too deep for oyster plan ing and requiring special steam applianc, for securing the harvest.
 MT. Rowe in the outstart paid neat on pliment to the Lawmakers" and people Virginia. Said he: 'I have eaten the Lyl haven oysters since I have been in Ricl mond ,snd ss oysters ara considered brai food, am not surprised that your repr' sentative men are so famous and succss full"
 The greater part of his speech was d. voted to his experience and knowledge ( the oyster industry in Connecticut.
 He then explained, with many humo ous alluslons, the methods of the dril starisb, and other enemies of the oyste in his state, and the manner of fecurir oysters from deep water by steam dredge
 He complimerted highly the oyst' message of Governor Mckinney, and ou
 lined what he called the mistakes of b state.
 He advised Virginia, if she intended derive large and certain revenue fro1 her oyster grounds, to profit by the court which had been followed by Connection
 MT. Rowe's speech was listened to wit much interest and attention.
 OTHER SPEAKERS.
 Other speakers were Lieutenant Franc Winslow, formerly of the United S'ate navy, who warmly endorsed the movemer the convention had inaugurated.
 Lieutenant Winslow. in conclusion, sai that as soon as the people of the state b, came convinced that the policy of protec ing the industry was necessary, such legil lation would be adopted ss would accru to the welfare and benefit of the people C Virginia, and that the old Dominion woul resume her former place as one of the leat ing fishery states in the union.
 THE FISH COMMISSIONER.
 Hon. Marshall Mcdonald, the Unite States commissioner of 6sh and fsherie, was introduced, who spoke at some lengt and in the course of his address said: Fro, Chesapeake bay during the past fifty yeal had been taken about 400, ,000, 900 bushe of oysters. Everyone who understood th subject would agree that this amour