The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-01-07
THE OYSTER QUESTION.
LARGE NETTING OF THE OYSTER
MEN4T carr CHARLES.
state senator aud Representatives of the
Eastern shore Present-They Want
Fish Commission.

CAPE CHARLES. VA, Jan. 6.-At 4
meeting Of the oystermen OF salt water
Virginia, held here to-day. which was
largely attended and the various interests
were represented. Among those present
were Senator George ". Lecato ana
Delegates Charles Smith and :. wilkins
Matthews
Captain Orris a. Browne was made
chairman Cr the meeting and c. 9.
Savage secretary. Inc following resoiu-
ton was offered by Captain o. A Browne
and was Unanimously adopted:
Whereas, tor the past lOrty years erro-
neOus ideas from time 10 time have been
promulgated concerning the oyster IN
dustry OF this State. expensive navies
have been created, a )lisnedi sacrificed
and re-established for revenue ana pro-
lection, which has been inadequate, leg
islatiOn has been confusing ana delil-
mental 10 its interests, surveys or pubic
and private oyster beds nave been made
and not permanently marked, the leas-
ing of oyster grounds 10 planters lriv-
OiOus and insufficient, the pres at law
Is partial in placing its burdens by re-
quiring tax OF tne oyster planters 10
support a navy 10 guard the natural
oyster beds, which are practically iree
10 tOngmen. therefore. I'm order TIT the
business may be properly understood
throughout the State, that the oyster
cal footing, that tne surveys may be ault-
ably marked, that the leasing of the
oyster grounds may be properly done.
that the law may be equal ana Just IN
dealing with every interest.
Resolved. by the oystermen assembled
at Cape Charles on the 9th day Of Janu-
airy, 1896 to respectfully recommend 10
the Legislature that II Create "A board
OF Fish commissioners for the Chesapeake
bay and It's tributaries, composed OF nVe
persons. 10 be elected by the Lesisa-
ture, three OF whom shall reside N the
salt water section OF the State and TWO
shall reside above salt water.
That the board or fsh commissioners
shall have the largest powers conferred
upon II 10 deal with the oyster industry
compatible with the laws OF me state
and General Government. That the mem
bers Of the board or fish commissioners
shall be be paid their expenses OF travel
ana board when on duty. but shall have
no other compensation.
The board OF fish commissioners be
authorized TO appoint secretary at
salary Of twelve hundred dollars per
year.
That a copy OF these resolutions be
sent 10 the senator ana representatives,
of this county in the Legislature. 20 be
placed before their respective bodies FOR
their consideration and action.
The resolution was followed by an adj
dress by Hon. George W. Lecato. VINO
forcibly informed the meeting II mo
explanations We're understood with re-
greet Dy The people
Senator Lvato approved Of tie lore
going resolutions, and believed that II
would De solution OF the oyster gues-
ton. Seconding speeches were made bv
DR.. Charles Smith and Hon wilkins
Matthews, all Of which were exceedingly
interesting ana satisfactory, and a vote
or thanks was returned 10 our regresen-
tatiyes in the Legislature Tor their at
tendance az this meeting. ana there be-
ing no more business. the meeting adj
lourned.