Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-22
THE STATE LINES.
THE MARYLAND-vIRcIN BOiND-
AIRY FULLY DISCUSSED.
JOINT COMMISSION IN SESSION
several Propositions Made by the
Maryland Commission. Hut Moth
ing Definite Agreed Upon--A SUM
mcr Conference Probable.


Tho Joint committees OF the virginia
and Maryland legislatures appointed TO
adjust the boundary-line between the
TWO states in the Potomac river from
the Great Falls TO its mouth held con-
ference az tho Jefferson last night. and
adjourned without accomplishing any re-
suits.
The Maryland delegation reached the
city yesterday morning. They We're met
ny members OK the Virginia commission
and extended every hospitality during
the day. ana entertained az dinner at the
Jefferson last night. Later the two com
mittecs met in a private parlor, with the
following gentlemen present:
From Senators Mushbach.
Boykin. Mason. and Fairfax; and Dele
gates smith. Of Northampton; Embrey.
and Galeher. From NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Dryden. Applegarth. and Wilkinson, ana
Delegates Jones, Carew, Gould, ana
mslcy.
senator Mushbach presided. anG made
neat speech OF welcome, saying he was
delighted 10 entertain such distinguished
guests. ana was sorry his hospitality
could not have been more signally dis
PLAYED He said the committee from Vir-
ginia was not authorized to consider any
question involving a new law, or a
change Of laws. regarding he fish. crab,
az oyster industries.
RESPONDED FOR MARYLAND.
senator Dryden responded. saying he
had been pleased with the reception ac-
corded him. and an the members OF the
Az ID
mond feeling as strangers, for, no matter
what their political faith, every man on
bis committee was born on southern soil.
and not drop of northern blood coursed
through the veins OF q man on either
committee. The people of Maryland and
Virginia We're closely united 10y ties OF
blood and otherwise. and no matter what
disputes as TO boundary might arise. the
frIendhest feelings must always exist.
Senator Little said he and his col
leagues were opposed 10 reOpening the
question n IL could be avoided, and they
we're satisfied the question they had 10
decide was clearly fixed. He did not know
This conference could accomplish any
,1inC. and intimated that q summer con-
ference was likely, or, at least, desirable.
He said there was a feeling that Mary
land depleted oyster-beds should be given
a rest by taking of some OF the time
say fifteen days of the first Of the season.
IKE wanted young oysters protected.
Neither Of these was possible without
joint legislation on the part of the two
States. He said some such law existed
as 20 the Potomac. Abiding to the crab
hing industry. Mr.. Dryden said Maryland
had as yet done nothing TO foster this
industry He said the crab noated back
ward and forward with the tide; some
times Maryland property, sometimes
Virginia property. Nirginians could chase
crabs 10 a point in sight of the monu-
ments Of Baltimore but, under Virginia
Tor ~I..as Hrl.
crab I'm Virginia waters without being
liable 10 imprisonment for not less than
one nor more than three years. He did
not believe the value Of all the crabs in
Virginia waters was equal 10 the coal
consumed by the Commemorative steam
er used 10 protect them. He thought the
repeal OF this law would wipe out all
trouble over a disputed boundary.
Senator Wilkinson, Of st. Mary's. said
10 was hoped by the Maryland delegation
manent chairman, and Mr.. Gould as sec
rotary az least temporarily.
WHAT VIRGINIA DESIRES.
Mr. Mason assured the visitors that
with both Mr.. Mushbach and himself
Maryland was a very dear state. espe-
cially Prince George county, since each
had gotten his wife there.
Mr.. Mason then went into the history
or the boundary dispute. which began IN
the latter part of the last century, ana
desired to disturb the award Virginia
simply wanted 10 learn what was meant
by headland so as 10 define the term
"headland 20 headldnd' used IN the
award and 10 learn where her 1urisdic-
lion began and where 10 ended. Mr.. Mason
said that owing 10 the illness OF MT
Walker. Of Northumberland. who was the
only member Of the Virginia delegation
who rnderstO0l the fish and oyster ques-
lions alluded TO by Senator Dryden, he
hoped these would not be discussed.
Senator Wilkinson. of Maryland, Follow
90 SIR. Mason, going somcwhat INTO me
history OF the dispute, and SAID that the
resolution under when the MAI .dt ~
rcation was acting looked 20 the settle
ment OF fishery questions, which, ne hau
observed was not the case with members
FOR Virginia He wanted the resolution
under which the Nirgnians were acuns
given broader scope. lie thought sum
ner conference of the commission pIODd-
1ly desirable.
senator Bovkin said he was opposed 10
asking the LEGISLATURE TO enlarge the
scope OF the resolution under wnlch the
committee was acting. He thought a reso-
utfon looking TO this would be defeated,
i'm the House, for there Wouiu |
be a fear that there was an III
entOn 10 take something from lhe Iloi,elt
of September. He concluded by MOVING /
mar the committee adjourn TO meet az /
some time early in June SUBJECT 10 INC
,aU of the chairmen Of the delegations.
COLONEL, HUDSON'S PROPOSITIONS. |
Colonel r. S Hudson. a commissioner on |
the mart of MARYLAND to settle certain |
other questions regarding the Maryldni |
boundarv not involved In those under the /
present commission. then read "a NUMBER
~ PROPOSITIONS, containing the opJects on |