New-York tribune., 1900-05-27
THE FUTURE OF FOOD FISH
INDUSTRIES CAPABLE OF AN INDEF-
INITE EXTENSION.
VIEWS OF MR.. BOWERS. THE UNITED STATES
FISH CONGRATULATIONS FROM PONDS,
RIVERS. LAKES AND THE SEA.


washington. May 2s (speciaD-As man crowds
the earth he naturally go more and more TO
the seas for food. The worlds economists declare
that there is limit TO the possible productivity
OF the earth under the most favorable conditions
OF scientific culture. To the increase in popula-
tion they clearly defined limit.
A land which formerly furnished three four
millions of savages with scanty sustenance is
now supplying seventy-fve millions OF Americans
with more meat. more bread and better shelter
and ranment than have ever been afforded before
10 any people. Few doubt that under advanced
civilization the Anglo-Saxon workman enjoys more
material comfort and has at his command more
positive enjoyment than did the English and the
Saxon kings of the early centuries of the Christian
II is to continue the present condition and TO
improve upon it that the United States Govern
has established the Agricultural Depart
rment. the Geological Survey and the Fish Com
mission. Among the purposes OF these departments
IS scientific investigation into the resources OF
the soils the minerals and the waters of this
country. Their heads directed by law to sug-
gest from time 10 time the improved methods
for exploiting the natural resources of this coun-
try and its adjacent waters for the good OF the
whole people
Among the younger Americans whom President
Mckinley recognized through appointment to re-
spozsible place George NJ. Bowers, the pres
ent Fish Commissioner, a citizen Of West Virginia
AT the time Of his appointment. some three years
years ole.
HIS SCIENTIFIC BIAS.
BY curious circumstance Mr.. Bowers's appoint
rnent was opposed by the very who now
his warmest admirers-the scientists of the coun-
try, who objected to him the ground that his
prior training had fitted him rather for executive
than scientific work. The change which has come
about has been occasioned by the fact that Mr..
Bowers has taken perhaps more practical and
active interest in the scientific work of his De-
partment than almost any of his predecessors.
II under his direction that the most COM
pietely equipped expedition for deep explo-
ration that the world has known-that of the
Fish Commission steamer Albatross-was sent in
March of 1899 in charge of the veteran scientist,
Professor Agassiz, explore the deepest and the
most interesting of the oceans waters-those of
the mid-Pacifc Ocean. In all lits.s of scientific
work pertaining TO the Fish Commission Commits
sioner Bowers has shown the deepest concern. 1t
IS only recently that Mr.. Bowers has been will
ing 10 express himself for publication. He said:
We have only within few weeks finished the
estimate Of the value Of the commercial fisheries
OF the United states Tor IS99 The sum paid for
was S40000,000. The year exceptional
this mark. As it is. however. il will be seen that
the income amounts TO a very fair i per cent re-
this basis the 81 600, ,O00O09 mark
900 does not give to the general public an
adequate idea of the value of our fisheries. The
value Of the fish actually brought into the mar
ketS Every SchOolboy IN the country who has had
any luck with the hook and line knows that Il
considerable percentage of the fish caught in the
streams and ponds OF America is utilized in home
consumption. IL il were possible estimate the
value of these. great many millions would have
TO be added TO the sum mentioned.
FISH FOR FOOD
Another consideration. and perhaps the most i'm
portant to consumers. is that fish is a very cheap
food. As rule II costs only Il fraction pound
of what beef, mutton poultry and game cost. 1t
enters into the markets and keeps down the price
of these foods. Moreover. it forms a most
pleasing and wholesome change of diet from animal
foods But the people OF the country, that
transportation is so much cheapened and so much
quicker than in times past, realizing this fact
more and more. The demand for fish food has
increased of late years
II promises to go on increasing.
but will the supply available respond TO the
demand?" was asked. The Commissioner replied:
No. state that positively. If your question
had been put In the form. Can the supply be
made respond TO the demand?' | should have
answered just emphaticay, Yes" The food
supply of the seas can be exhausted just surely
that of the land; it be cultivated and
increased in like manner. just that of the
land If proper steps not taken. it will be eX-
hausted; If they are taken, fish food and will