The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-11-09
oREGoM's FISHERIES.

The time has come for careful re-
view of the fishing interests of the
state Of Oregon. They are entitled to
It, and to the establishment of an Of
fetal regimen and oversight that shall
allay the existing disagreements and
disturbances and make for the conser-
walton of the industry in every con-
ceivable way.
There are men in the state who have
hundreds of thousands Of dollars in
vested in the enterprise, and other
men, numbering into the thousands,
who have just as definite an interest,
since It is their trade, livelihood and
sole reliance. These men, the Gamers,
packers, and fishermen. must have a
voice in the reorganization, equipment
and conduct of the fisheries, and their
experience must be devoted to safe
and profitable growth and maintenance
OF the business.
1t has been held that these men
cannot unite upon any general plan
cannot unite upon any general planfor
the ama1gamation and perpetuity Of
the business, but we doubt II this is
so. They have had to contend with
what they disapproved in the conduct
of the department, from the outside,
and from the negative stand Of men
whose conclusions were, or might be,
ignored by the officials in charge; a
condition prejudicial to their influence
and ore susceptible Of instant and
radical relief If they are merged in
the councils that govern.
We believe that the State Commits
sion should be augmented by the ap-
pointment Of at least five practical
cannerymen and two fishermen from
the organized unions in the business;
these, with the governor, secretary OF
state, state treasurer and master fish
warden, to constitute the court Of last
resort in all matters pertaining to the
industry and the craft. And we are
Of the opinion that the department
should be divided, under clear and ex-
plicit rulings, into two branches with
distinct functions: One for the propa-
CATION of the fish; the other for the
protection and policing Of the indus
try.
There must be some technical in
teIlIgence at the head Of the depart
ment. and the sooner the better. With
out disparagement of the work already
attempted and accomplished, or o.
those responsible for it, and for tht
tacit failures that are complained OF
we insist that the industry is bis
enough and valuable enough to war
rant the procedure here outlined, O
something equivalent to it.
There must be a divorce Of tn
hatcheries and the police patrol. Th
former must be placed in the hand
Of fish culturists Of recognized abilit,
and their duties so defined as to avol'
all touch with the people charged witt
the enforcement Of the fishing laws
to attain to this end, the most exact
ing care must be used in the settinj
up of the staff and the demarcatiol
of its actions under the law. AM
surely the broad field Of the practica
workers in fish, the packers ard catch
ers. is ample to furnish highly traine
and reliable recruits for this depart
ment.
The policing is absolutely in tn
hands of the state, and is a state mat
ter. first and last. 1t is vital es
sential and should be so organized a
to avoid all other responsibilities an
be left free to enforce the letter
the law, amenable in all things to tn
governing commission that appoint
the patroling agents.
There is imperative need for the re
vamping Of the entire system and tn