Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1899-08-25

all states of the west. Thus it was,
when the office of the state fish commits
sioner of North Dakota was first created,
but faithful and thoughtfully active, I
witnessed, as a natural result. a change
for the better in the gradual increase
ment in the allotments to our state
waters until of late years the supply
comes in carload lots. This liberality
on the part of the considerable u. S. fish
commissioner calls forth from the writer
the deepest gratitude because the larger
amounts for propagation purposes is for
the direct benefit of the masses, and all
intelligent and fairminded persons who
are familiar with the facts are free to
commend the Washington fish official
for his generosity in this matter, know
ing there is no law of congress obliging
him to furnish any specific amount, or
quota, to any state.
On assuming the duties of this office,
l adopted this rule for my guidance, to-
wit: To furnish fish, though of a limited
! amount, on all orders, so all parts of the
state where a supply might be called for
should not be neglected, and at the
same time TO provide the largest amounts
to Spiritwood, Devils and Stump lakes,
the aim being to make them breeding
lakes for the culture Of fish in large
quantities. Thus far this plan seems to
work advantageously and tt give salts
faction to the community at large. The
utmost care and consideration is taken
to give the respective amounts in a fair
n equitable manner according to the
supply, SC justice may be done to all
parties. But thus far the amount of
fish received from the national govern
ment is far from sufficient for our wants
and necessities. Take for illustration
two lakes alone-Devils and Spiritwood.
The former should, it is contended by
many int lligent men, should have at
least 10000 young fish for breeding
purposes, and the latter should have
from $4,000 to 10000 for the same pur-
pose. There are many other large and
deep fresh water lakes in our state which
should have an ample supply. These
lakes have a shore line from ten to
twenty-five or more miles, with a depth,
it is claimed by those we'll informed, in
some instances of seventy to ninety feet
How can the needed fish be supplied:
AS is being done at the present time, a
fair amount in the future may prob.
ably be obtained from the federal gov.
eminent, but in order to stock our state
waters in a proper manner as to species
and quantities, a state fish hatchery
should be built and made operative
When our state finances will allow, with.
out doubt such an establishment will be
perfected and then the breeding of fish
will be commensurate with our natural
advantages, for it is.well known our eli.
mate and waters are most favorable fol
success in this branch of industry.
An interest in fish culture is on the in.
crease in North Dakota. Many Of our
leading men are studying the problem.
and are freely extending sympathetic
cooperation in the economic work
This fact holds true in particular as
regards our honored governor and Sena.
tor Hansbrough, and the people through.
out the state, in many instances, are
earnestly advocating the idea of a multi.
plication of fish through intelligent and
practical methods.
Our legislative assembly has never
made any provisions for the transporta.
ton OF fish. and the national government
rarely pays such expenses, but the rail.
way lines of North Dakota have gener.
ously carried free. of charge from year to
year all fish received for the stocking Of
our waters, and this great favor is most
highly appreciated and commended by
all public spirited citizens, as it pro.
vides the way for the securement Of the
supply, thus materially aiding in the de.
velopment of fish culture as an impor.
tant and valuable factor in the diversi.
He'd industries Of our commonwealth.
Yours truly,
w. w. BARRETT,
State Fish Commissioner.
New Rockford is building a $1,000
court house, q; 100000 school house and