Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1894-04-05

tEhule. OQ all OF LneS6 boats were
dark forms moving about the decks,
while the rattlipg chains and halliards
gave out an uucanny sound. Some of
the vessels were gliding down stream,
ready for work.
On board the tug all was quiet. The
sheriff's deputies were scattered about
the craft, talking over the work of the
early morn. Much had been said, and
many threats made, and 1t was by no
means certain that there might not be
trouble. But the Sheriff had picked
good men, and there was no doubt but
that duty would be performed, no
matter how disagreeable or unpleas-
ant 1t might be. On the little steamer
plowed Its way, turning out of the
stream into the broader expanse of
waters of the bay. The wind was
blowing lively, and there was little
sea op, but the Maurice" proceeded
without faltering, every moment
carrying the officials nearer to the
scene of action.
AS the pale gray morning light be.
gan to show itself, the tug was at a
point about opposite the old familiar
Fortescue House. All around as far
as the eye could reach there were
countless vessels, the crews upon them
hustling to get them in shape for work
at the first moment-sun rise.
A score or more of these boats were
anchored upon the grounds In dispute,
and the indications were that these
boats would rake the beds ever of the
Rigarian owners. AS the ''Maurice"
steamed in aud about the craft, the
men upon the vessels eyed the little
tug with considerable wonder, and
conld be seen asking each other ques-
tions, and pointing In a significant
manner to the steamer.
Along about five o'clock, Capt.
james Candy and Capt. James Camp
bell, OF Newport, came on board the
tug. A little later Captain Luther
Bateman also boarded the tug. These
gentlemen represented the Riparian
owners, and Immediately directed the
| Sheriff as to the boundaries of the
grounds which they claimed by virtue
! of purchase from the State. The en-.
tire Fortescue beach front was set up
in stakes showing plainly the lines.
The boats manouvered about within
these lines for some time, although
they were not dredging. There seemed
to be an uncertainty as to what to do
Evidently these men had came to
work upon the grounds, but there
was not sufficient number to war.
rant wholesale raid. 1t was a long
time before any attempt was made to
heave dredge. Most of the boats
had gone off northwest to what Is
known as new beds" Some few
boats remained on the Riparian
grounds. Finally there was a splash.
and the officials on the tug perceived
dredge going over the side of the
''Elvnia English" Capt. Andrew Vail
being In command. In few moments
several other boats cast their dredges,
and the moment had come for the
Sheriff to act.
Would there be clash? Would the
the authority of the Sheriff be denied
The Sheriff directed Captain Shaw
to put his boat near the English, y
and the two boats were soon in hail.
ing distance. Captain Vail was at the
wheel, while the Sheriff leaned out OF
the window of the pilot house, He
ceurteously asked Captain Vail if he
did not think he ought to go off the
grounds, and not fish the oysters uu-
til this disputed question was settled
In Court. Captain Vail thought he
should continue to dredge. He said
that was what he was paying license
for. The Sheriff demonstrated with
him, but Captain Vail was obdurate.
The Sheriff was extremely kind, but
kindness ceased to be virtue, and
the Sheriff plainly intimated that If
the Captain did not desist he would be
obliged to arrest him and bring him
on the tug. Captain Vail angrily re-
sponded that If any one came aboard
of his boat he would throw them into
the bay. This did not frighten the
Sheriff, and he continued explaining
the situation to Oapt. Vail, until finally
that gentleman thought he Guild go
off the grounds, provided no one else
dredged there. He went off, and did
not show up again during the day.
Other vessels rounded to by the
Sheriff, were as follows:
Sloop, 20. M. Howell" 4Os; sch.
MARY A. Rogers" ia; sloor, Edna
& zadok," 14I; sloop, "Quickstep," /"
$40; sob. Forest O. Howell" 439, and