Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1905-09-20
OYSTERMEN ARE ORGANIZED
Formed Local Branch of Oyster
mems Protective Associ-
alton Here.
STRONG SPEECHES BY DUBOIS.
MOSS AND OTHERS.
Local Organization Will Send Dele
gates To State Convention
In Baltimore.

A branch of the Oystermen's Protec
tive Association, an organization form
ed for the purpose of protecting the
interests of those engaged in any
branch of the oyster traffic from hurt
ful legislation, was formed here last
night through the efforts of w Tricketi
Giles, of Baltimore city, the secretary
OF the general body. About a hundred
persons were present, the majority OF
whom had some connection with the
oyster business.
The meeting was called TO order by
Charles A. Dubois and Mr.. Giles
stated the objects of the organization
IN clear and forcible manner. He
said that the efforts to pass the Haman
bill, which provided for the leasing OF
the oyster bottoms, would be renewed
at the coming session of the Legisla.
ture and unless organization was met
with organization its chances of pas
sage were good. For that reason the
Oystermen's Protective Association
had been formed and it now had ff.
teen branches in the different sections
of tidewater Maryland Each branch
Will shortly elect representatives who
Will meet and devise some plan for
the protection of the oysters, which
Haman bill
Mr.. Dubois, in his opening speech.
said that the oyster question, the pro.
lection of the oyster beds and the
proper laws to be enacted and carried
out, is grave and most important
one to the entire state. and especially TO
Annapolis and Anne arundel county.
Well do / remember the grand times OF
the past when the oyster beds furnish.
ed means for our people to make
merry and provide for their families.
l remember in those days it used ta
be said when n child was born in An
napolis, III il was a girl its fan was
turned towards the Naval Academy.
II boy he was given a pair of oyster
tongs. If our oyster beds are protect.
ed by proper laws these grand times
will come again and although we may
not have an estate or money to hand
down to our sons we can give him our
oyster rakes and say: $50 and make
your living as we have done before
you
Mr.. James w. Owens spoke at length
OF the necessity of organization, the
danger from trusts and Capitalization
of capital, and of the danger living
in the so-called Haman bill if passed
by the Legislature. Mr.. Owens has
for years watched closely all oyster
Legislation and his speech last night
showed that he is familiar with all
matters pertaining to oysters and their
cultivation and protection. Mr..
Owens was followed by Mr. Robert
Moss, who denounced in no measured
terms the Haman bill, saying that
what it proposed was rot, nonsence
and deception and is intended only to
get the oyster bottoms into the hands
and control of corporations, monopo-
lists and capitalists.
1t is generally conceded that unless
the oyster interests come together on
some protective measure the Haman
bill will receive large support from
those who consider it the only way to
save the oysters. If, however. the
oystermen are solidly back of strong
measure which does not provide for
the leasing of the bars there is an ex-
cellont chance that tho fair minded
delegates will IsuppoIt it. After Mr..
Giles talk last night, the local branch
organized by the election Of officers as
follows: President, Charles W. Mar
tin; vice president, Robert E.. Tyler;
secretary treasurer, J. q. Wheatley
A large number of charter members
were then enrolled and the meeting adj
jourrsa. Meetings of the local branch
wiz take place on the first Saturday
IN each month and members can be
enrolled at any time by the secretary
treasurer