The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-07-19
THREAT OF new BARS In MAINE
SERIOES PROJECT TO RESTRICT
THE CARRYING OF FIREARMS.
One section Of Game PreserNers W0uiu
Forbid Their Being Taken Into tho
Woods I'm Close SeasOn-7t Won't $50
Through without strong Opposition
SpOrtSmen's Meeting Discusses II.

KINEo, Me, July 49, The Maine Sports
mems Fish and Game Association has been
tersely described to The sun correspond
ent by prominent member, as an organlza-
ton that gets what it wants In the way
of game legislation at the State House.
The law making il necessary for guides
to be licensed and for non-residents TO
employ guides while in the woods, and the
nonresident hunters tax law adopted
last year, were first made public at the
annual summer meeting Of the association.
In fact, the origin of every important in
novation and restriction may be directly
traced to it, Visitors to the State who
have regarded the association rather as
Joke are now beginning to realize that
the association does get what 1t wants at
the State house"
Naturally, therefore, the interest in the
proceedings of these annual meetings has
extended until it embraces all who visit
the northern section of the State. The
principal topic discussed at the meeting
of the association here this week is among
the most important the association has
ever had before it because it directly al
fects all who visit the State for woodland
pleasures 1t is Restrictions on carrying
firearms into the woods in close season and
prohibition from December to June l.
When proposal to make this restriction
came up two years ago visitors did not re-
gard it seriously. The idea seemed then
too preposterous to be true But the per-
sistency with which the subject has kept
bobbing up and its final appearance before
the Fish and Game association as the prin-
cipal topic for discussion. removes all posi-
bility of doubt regarding the intention OF
those who are behind the movement.
At first 1t was said that the lumbermen
were behind the agitators, fearing forest
fires, but during the last year or so this
argument has been lost sight Of and the
proposal now appears backed by the Com
mission of Inland Fisheries and Game,
through its chairman, Leroy I. Carleton,
and the Fish and Game association through
its secretary, Col. f. c. Farrington, 1t is
apparent, however, that opposition will not
be confined, as in the past, mainly to those
outside the State.
Charmf Carleton brought the matter
forma' .,efore the association in his adj
dress. The prohibition of taking fire.
arms into the woods in close season am
entirely In favor Of" he said. Briefly, I
see no necessity for carrying firearms
then and no good reasons have been set
forth why they should be carried"
Col E. C.. Harrington, the secretary,
said that the time was not far distant
when 1t would be necessary to restrict
the carrying Of firearms into the woods.
and other speakers conceded with his view.
Ex-Gov. Lewellyn Powers, however 4,
opposed the proposal very strongly. Il
believe" he said that the right of the
people to bear arms is guaranteed by the
Constitution, and | doubt very much the
wisdom of attempting TO prohibit it, 1t has
been shown that forest fires are rarely
if ever started from this cause, and believe
very little harm is done in the way of KILN Z
game"
Major Victor W. MacFarlane, formerly
of Chicago, but now residing at Green
vile, followed Gov. Powers with an impas-
stoned argument.
ut is time to stop he said "The as
sociaton has gone far enough at present.
1t is time TO have the present laws enforce d
and to see If they are proper and just. 10
my mind this question borders on what
Is known as individual rights and it means
but one thing: the man who would go into
the woods and would not kill would be
barred out and that man who intends To
kill woulu slaughter ruthessly Let this
agitation which has been going on year
after year, and which eliminated last