Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-03-24
Secretary Of War Must Settle The
Controversy Between Fishermen
and Fort Authorities.
FISHERMEN TO CONTINUE BUSINESS
Colonel Harrison, Commanding Of
fcer at Fort Monroe, Has Written
Full Statement of the Trouble and
Forwarded it to the Authorities in
Washington.

With The view to allowing Secre-
tary of War William II. Taft to have
all the facts IN the case and to
have the head of the army pass
upon the matter at issue, Colonel
George f. E. Harrison has for
WarNed to Washington full state
ment OF the controversy between
the fishermen and the authorities at
Fort Monroe.
When the fishermen interested In
the matter appeared before the
commanding officer at the fort to
discuss the final acceptance of the
terms for fishing in North Beach,
Colonel Harrison surprised them
by announcing that he has determin-
ed to have Secretary OF War Taft
know all the facts. He therefore
told the feshermen' to continue fish
Ing until further orders. He said
as soon as he can receive the re-
port OF the Secretary OF War he
will Inform the fishermen of the
final decision.
The opinion prevails that Secre-
tary CT War Taft will probably rat
ify the action of Colonel Harrison
Or he may possibly direct that all
fshing shall cease in North Greek
and that no cabins be allowed on
the government property.
Colonel Harrison told the four
concerns Interested that he Is Will
Ding, personally, to allow the fishing
provided the agreement sent to them
several days ago Is accepted. How
ever, he will not take further steps
unil the War Department has care
fully looked into the matter and
passed upon 1t.
The fishermen were jubilant over
the result, claiming that it practi-
cally meant a victory for them in
tho fight not to supply TO officers
and enlisted men shad at smaller
cost than they bring in the north.
ern market Just when the final
decision will be reached cannot
be forecasted. but the fishermen say
That the outlook for them is mucn
brighter.
The action Of the Daily Press in
publishing the order of the COM
manding officer" said a fisherman
last night, has resulted In great
good for us. 1t probably means
that we will not have to sell our
goods for less than they are worth
We have no fear of the Secretary
of War refusing to allow further
fishing in North Beach"
From n reliable source it was
learned yesterday that the decision
to demand the concessions from the
fishermen was arrived at by the
military authorities last January.
At that time number of the firms
met with the officers and offered 10
supply the shad at 35 cents for
row 30 cents for bucks through
the entire season. The military all
thorities refused to pay the price,
claiming that 90 cents was enough.
Another interesting fact was brought
out yesterday when 1t was learned
by the fishermen that the post ex.
change, which Is the official store
on the reservation, expected to p,lr.
chase the ghad at 20 cents and dis
pose of them for 35 cents for row
and 80 cents for bcucks.
The end of the interesting contest
Is awaited with interest
A friend Of Colonel Harrison said
yesterday that when all the facts
DIN the controversy are made public
1t will he seen that the coIonei IS
not asking too much of the fisher.
men.