The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-25
CONFLICT WITH
OYSTER PIRATES
Prisoner Taken Away from In
spector by Armed Men.
SAID TO BE MARYLANDERS
The Oyster Board Appealed to, and
One or More Oyster Police .Boats
Will Be Sent to Scene-Chair-
man of Examining Surgeons.
Especial Dispatch to The Times.)

NEWPORT NEWS, VA, Sept. "a
The first actual conflict between the
State authorizes and the oystermen oc
Cured in the James River at Blount
Point about ten miles north OF this
place, yesterday, when a large number
of armed oyster pirates rescued one
of their number from Oyster Inspector
Sinclair, who had arrested him for
violation Of the oyster law. Mr.. Sim
clair has appealed to the Board OF
Fisheries for al and protection.
The attractions of the law by unli-
censed oystermen have been fragrant.
and the inspector has been kept work
ing night and day trying to enforce the
provisions of the law. Yesterday about
noon he arrested an oysterman in whose
boat ne found oysters of all sizes.
He was preparing to convey the pris-
oner to Warwick county for TRIAL when
he was surrounded by the boats OF the
mans companions. Probably seventy
five men armed with Winchesters and
pistols surrounded his canoe and de-
manded the release of their comrade.
RELEASED THE PRISONER
The situation was very serious. for
Sinclair was accompanied only by a
small boy. The men were threatening
and made it very plain that unless the
prisoner was released they would make
trouble. Under the circumstances there
was nothing for him to do but let the
man go.
When their comrade had been re-
leased the men told the inspector that
they were prepared for trouble. ami
that they proposed to take oysters in
any way they pleased. bidding defiance
to Virginia oyster laws and inspectors
alike.
All the men were engag ed in rough
ing oysters. and We're below the Gull
line. The inspector Is of the opinion
that they were Marylanders, as all were
unlicensed.
APPEALED TO BOARD.
He Immediately appealed to Secretary
Seth Miller. of the Board of Fisheries
for protection, advising him of the sit
uation. and also insisting that unless
the unlawful ravages upon the oyster
beds We're stopped the industry in this
State would be brought to an end.
1t is very likely that one or more of
the oyster police boats will be placed
at Inspector Sinclair's disposal. These
boats are manned with crews supplied
with Winchesters, and most OF the boats
have rapid-fire guns. If the Maryland
ers resist there may be some exciting
| times in the river shortly.
BOY DROWNED.
| On last Saturday. Frank Crawlay, ar
| employee of the ship-yard borrowed a
boat from Max White a German. &c
| go fishing. He left his clothes with
! White. putting on overalls. Yesterday
| afternoon the boat was washed ashore
at Finch's Wharf, and it is thought he
was drowned
a CLOSE CONTEST
The fight for the appointment of sue
cessor for the late Dr. J. H Peck
| as chairman of the examining Board OF
| Surgeons at the Soldiers Home is elicit
| ing much interest. The following Dem
| ocrats are applicants for the position
| Drs. J. W. Hope. ". P. Isley. W. ~
| Picker. and George X. Vanderslice; alst
| the following Republicans: Drs Wor
| thington. Boutelle and Charles
| Mr.. Bowden, OF Norfolk is now If
| Washington in the interests of having
| the position filled by a Republican. L
seems most likely, however. that Hon
H L. Maynard will have the appoint
ment. and that it will be a Democrat
The two aspirants who have devel
| oped more strength and have put fortf
| most efforts are Drs. Hope and Isley
| DR.. Hope has very strongest poll.
| teal backing in the county. but It wa:
| stated this afternoon that DIR. Isley hat
| the endorsement of the woodward Club
I an aggregation which championed The
course of Maynard in this county dur
ing the recent campaign.