Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-07-30
STATE HOUSE,
A Little Girls Letter
Given Prompt Attention.
And a Slayer Of Birds at
Stockton Springs Is Punished.
Inquiries About Fish and 6ams.--A Pro-
motion New Corporations.
STATE HOUSE CALENDAR.
Next Meeting Of Governor and Council
Aug. 10, at 10 A. M.

Aug, ~, at ~ A. NJ.
A letter reached the office of the
Fish and Game Commissioners at the
Capitol few days ago directed i'm A
childish hand. The Bird Man, care of
Governor Cobb, Augusta, Me-" 1t read:
Dear Sir:-Will you please come
over here and stop the bad men from
shooting all our dear robin red breasts
and swallows and chippys and takin'
the baby birds out of the nests, for the
mother birds cry orfully.
Yours truly.
HAZEL LIBBY.
Stockton Springs. Nc.
The cnild'S letter received the same
attention that would have been ac-
corded communication from the
Governor. 1t was a formal and signed
complaint from a citizen of the great
it was considered. 1t was duly entered
and recorded and referred to Commits
Sioner Carleton. Word was sent to
Game Warden Walter |. Neal. direct
ing that he investigate the complaint
and use every endcavor to obtain a
conviction if the law had been
violated.
Warden Neal went to Stockton
Springs and found by brief inquiry
that il had long been the custom of the
Italian laborers employed on the new
railroad construction to shoot and
snare all the small birds they could.
which they roasted on spits over their
open fires and considered most dainty
nIorscls. More than this, it was found
that the Italians robbed the nests, tax
ing the young birds. which were also
considered q great delicacy.
Neal and Stockton policeman soon
came across a young Italian, who was
banging away at everything he saw.
He was arrested and in his pockets
were found two robins. a blackbird,
two thrushes and some sparrows.
The arrest caused great consterna-
ton in the Italian colony. Even the
most vociferous and athletic ex-
plantations of the Interpreter for time
| fell short of impreSsng upon them
that the small birds We're not common
property but were protected by the
laws in this part of America.
The sportsman was brought before a
Justice of the peace and, coached by
his Interpreter. pleaded guilty and
| threw himself upon the mercy Of the
court.
The Court read the respondent a
serious lecture upon the enormity of
the offence. all of which was repeated
to him. losing nothing in the repetition
| by the official interpreter The Court
imposed fine of 50 for each bird and
the costs of court, amounting in all t.
! about $40. and also confiscated the
Italians fowling piece.
The fine was promptly paid. and that
night messages We're sent the whole
length of the job that 1t would cost a
months pay to shoot any more birds.
Injuries concerning hunting pros
poets i'm Maine next fall are already
being made, queries from far and wide
being directed to the office of the fish
and game commission and to the Off
Gals of the principal railroads 1t is
difficult thus far in advance of the Op-
ening of the season deer. oct. 1 moose
oct ~ to make any accurate forecast,
the success Of the hunters depends SC
much upon the Wea Their. Thus far this
wear there has been a great deal OF
rain, and a heavy rainfall would keep
| many Sportsmcn out of the woods
With weather as favorable as that OF
last fall. however Commissioners
| Carleton is of the opinion that more
hunters than ever would come to
Maine
AS for the supply of big game
whether it is increasing or decreasing
the commissioner hesitates to give an
| opinion but he makes this admission
| TT is reasonable to believe that with
the very great yearly slaughter. moose
| and deer cannot hold their own much
| longer. I do not believe thot Maine is
raising annually $4,000 deer to he shot;
| or 500 nooSe-whiCh we find has beei
| about the number killed every season
in the past few years"
The number of registered guides has
averaged about 1000 for the past eight
years. They generally have about Il
| days employment, and their compen-
| sation ranges from 81 80 to $3.50 a day
few Of the most expert receiving as
| much as s. a day.
| Whatever the conditions Of hunting
| Commissioner Carleton declares thai
| the sportsmen can get more game anC
more fun for their money in Maine thai
ANYWHERE else in America.