The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-17
lNDIANA'S KLONDIKE.
Letter to the Land Owners from the
Commissioners of Fisheries.
nc the Editor Of the 1ndiananolis journal:

To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journals
In beginning this letter 1 wish to express
my high appreciation OF the support given
me by the newspapers generally and yours
in particular in my attempts to enforce the
present fish laws.
This doubtless arises from their desire to
see all laws enforced and also from the
knowledge of newspaper men concerning
the value of our fisheries. 1 desire through
the columns of your paper to present few
thoughts to the land owners of Indiana
concerning future fish legislation / realize
that no law can be effective that does not
command their respect and approval. 1
also realize that any law that gives the
farmer and land owner chance is the best
for all, for they have rights that are of
primary Importance. further realize that
fish law, like any other good law, should
have large measure of common justice
In it. still further realize that our present
laws are in some ways oppressive and do
not command the hearty support of those
who should most heartily support them.
This arises not from any wrong intention
upon the part Of the legislators but from
the fact that all fish legislation is compare
lively in it's infancy. The time is not long
ago when we had no fish laws, because we
needed none; our streams and lakes were
full of fish, But the increase of population
has created a greater demand for tlSh, and
to meet it there has sprung up a reckless
class OF people that defy all law. The great
mass of people, busy with other matters,
nave permitted this lawleSS element to de-
plete our streams and lakes until there is
hardly anything left of our once large stock
of fishes. Law-abiding people can find
neither profit nor pleasure in fishing. Our
and forests, and the people Of all the States
are beginning to realize that they have lost
an immense amount of revenue and great
source of recreation for their young people.
BY referring to the reports of my prede-
ceSsOrS, which are based uPon careful eSti-
mates, find that the waters of Indiana,
If properly protected, are capable of pro-
ducng annually $1,000 worth of fish.
This is a very large amount, and one who
has not studied the question will be dis
posed to doubt it. To show that l have
been conservative in my estimate l will
say that 1 have put it less than any other
whose estimate l have seen. l have OBJ
tanned the above amount by multiplying
the number of acres of water in the State
by the producing value of an average acre.
l have purposely kept the amount very low
that l may not be deemed unreasonable;
Shall this great source of food supply and
wealth be permitted to become extinct for
the lack of attention? All other States are
waking up to the Importance of their fish
cries and taking active steps to replenish
and protect them except Indiana. Maine
has four hatcheries and is spending annual
ly $4,000 Massachusetts spends $1,000.
New York, with no more nor better fishing
territory than, Indiana, spends annually
1854 1884, Pennsylvania $4,000, Michigan $780,
co., Illinois $1,000 and Wisconsin $4,000.
These are important facts when We con-
slider that Indiana is one of the best States
in the Union for fish production. The men
who are making laws for these other States
are far-seeing men. They are beginning to
realize that they have a source of wealth
and pleasure that must be foStered. l do
not believe the thoughtful and progressive
Hoosiers will be content to sleep on in
Rip Van Wrinkle nap and allow all the other
States to leave us behind in progressive
legislation.
1t will do no good to find fault with past
legislation. We can learn wisdom from past
mistakes, but we can't obtain comfort from
them. 1 did not accept the office of COM
missioner because of any profit in the office
Git costs me far more than | get out of it,,
nor in the interest of a few sportsmen. l
am seeking the interests of the people of
the State / wish to bring Indiana into line
with other progressive States. l desire the
aid, counsel and support of the land own
ers.
/ have no pet theories nor hobbies. The
workings of the fish laws in the past two
years. They know wherein those laws are
oppressive and work harm. l shall be
thankful to any one for a word of advice
as to how the laws may be amended and
corrected. A postal card or letter giving
helpful suggestion will be most thankfully
received Anonymous letters and mere Sar-
castle complaints will go promptly into the
waste basket l desire to present some
should like to represent the enlightened
public sentiment of the State.
Z. r. SWEENEY, Commissioner.
Columbus Ind, Aug. 16.