Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-05-16
THURSDAY. MAY 16, 1895.
Our Oyster Intcrcsts.

We print this morning the maj report
20 the Governor Of the United States Of
fcer who for three years has been en-
gagged on the Virginia oyster survey Al
the request OF this State the United
States Coast and Geodetic Survey de-
tailed Captain j. y. Baylor to survey
md map off the natural beds OF the
oyster in Virginia, and this he has
done. The maps and charts that he has
made have been printed, and hereafter
our General Assembly will be able to
1egislate on the oyster question far more
intelligently and satisfactorily than ever
before. We now know what beds, or
rocks. or shoals, are reserved Tor the
use OF all our people. and what may be
leased out for planting purposes.
The task set for Captain Baylor was
pne requiring skill. patience. and judg-
ment. He has had many controverted
points to decide; many disputed ques-
tions to give judgment on, and. we believe,
has done his duty ably and without fear,
favor. or affection.
This report shows that our oyster In
terests are improving. The States reve-
nue. last year from the oyster industry
was s25. 800 S5-about one half Of which
was net revenue, after deducting the
expenses of the oyster fleet etc. Inc
acreage Of our natural oyster-beds. or
rocks. as they are commonly called, Is
POI. ZIG $40.
In reviewing the effects Of the laws
lately passed, Captain Baylor Is led 10
polnt out their deficiencies and to sug-
rest amendments The three chief re-
Communications that he makes are;
That nonresident capitalists be ad-
mitted TO the privileges of Chesapeake
bay proper--that is, that they be al
lowed to lease plantng-grounds there
and that the State continue TO reserve all
other bays and all the sounds, rivers,
and tributaries for the exclusive use or
her own citizens.
2 That the State should authorize the
use OF labor-savng machines on plant
grounds, and attach a heavy penalty for
using them on the natural oyster-rocks.
& That the State should authorize capt.
talists to construct oyster-ponds near
lbw-water mark. giving those persons
: titles TO the property and taxing IL as
Il would other property.
There are quite number of recon-
mendations made. but these three are
OF most interest TO the general public.
All seem TO us to be In the line OF pro-
Rress. and to be justified by the expe-
rlences of other States where oyster
culture has become a great and growing
Industry.
1t is the sincere aim of Captain Baylor,
we feel sure to contribute to the de-
velopment OF the oyster country, so that
its yield shall be more profitable TO the
oyster-men and to the State, both. Being
a Virginian, and Tidcwater man. he
naturally wishes to see the oyster-sectlon
OF our State developed. With this view
he submits his recommendations, and
this done, he leaves us with the respect
and goodwill OF our people, for another
field OF duty In the United States Coast
and Geodetic Survey.
The recommendations that he makes
will be widely discussed In the oyster
country. They will have friends and
they will have foes. Which will win We
cannot know until the next session Of
the General Assembly. Meanwhile the
entire Virginia public may congratulate
itself upon the peace which reigns in
our oyster country. The oyster-pirate
has been Suppressed; the State has
been receiving some revenue from her
oyster property: planters have better-de-
fined leases and securer tenure than ever
before: the natural rocks Gree to all
citizens OF Virginia. have been marked
and mapped SO that they are known OF
all men, and we have entered upon a
progressive policy which needs but to be
continued In to bring benefits to the State
and the FISHERMAN, both.