Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1907-09-20
CHAIRMAN LEE
DEFENDS BOARD.

hon. w. Mcdonald Lee, chairman of
the State Board of Fisheries, is in the
city on his way to Hampton, where the
board meets to-day. When seen last
night and asked for a statement con-
corning the criticisms of the board for
running short of funds before the fiscal
year is over, Mr.. Lee said:
1.-The Board of Fisheries did not in
tend making reply to the newspaper
articles relating to its lack of funds
and the Governors use of the Commo-
dore Maury, but 1 see after ten days
absence along the Maryland line, that
some papers and correspondents are
inclined to interpret the incident as a
criticism of the Governor by the board,
and his reply in the light of answering
that criticism. Both are without the
slightest foundation. During this adj
ministration the Governor and the board
have freely advised with each other,
keeping in touch on all pertinent matters.
''In this connection the Governor ex-
presses himself to the effect that no
board in the State has his confidence or
close friendship to greater extent than
has the Board of Fisheries.
eat the beginning of the Exposition
the board offered the use of the Maury
to Governor Swanson, who accepted,
saying that the attendant expense
would be paid out of fund at his COM
mand when through with its service,
notwithstanding the fact that he is
commander-in-chief of the States navy
and could use the boats at volition with
out reimbursement. His entertainments
aboard the boat were novel and evoked
favorable comment, at the same time
saving much to the State because less
expensive than like occasions ashore.
''The recent visit of the chairman of
the board to Richmond was at request
of the Governor, to figure on these ex-
penses, since the boat would not be
further needed by him. A gratuitous
Interpretation of this by a reporter of
an evening paper led to unwarranted
representations and publicity.
Like SNOWFALL, it has augmented
as it proceeded. Some of the state.
, ments concerning the management OF
; the boats are misleading and reflect
upon the board
This is by no means the first time
in the nine years existence of the
: board that the 5000 appropriation
has been consumed before the end Of
the fiscal year, but in each instance
as in this, provision has been made by
the members and the work of patrol
ling has not ceased.
The activity of the present boarC
is matter of public note. With large
ly increased police force, necessitateC
by increased numbers engaged in tn,
oyster industry, and their new method.
OF operating; with old boats run down
needing extensive repairs, and not OF
the type for ready sale; the compul
sorry addition to the navy of three gaso.
lene boats to grapple with ones of like
type(a condition which has arisen only
within the past two years. and increas.
ing enormously and watch boats
for the James River; with a new steam.
er worth nearly double in the market
the price it cost of greater ability and
running expense than any two combi-
ed of the old navy, and no extra pro-
vision made for it's operating in the
hurry hours of the last legislature; the
great advance in machine shop charges
and grub bills this jamestown year.
the board has not hesitated to tell
every one with whom they were deal
ing that 1t was short OF funds and was
necessarily economizing when criticized
for not doing this thing or that thing.
The board foresaw twelve months ago
largely this condition, and was not un-
prepared for it.
THAT $50, 700 to-day will not run a
growing business as it did eight or even
fouryears ago, any fair mind will admit.
THAT the deficiency or necessary ex.
cess of expenditure will reach $40, 900,
as published, is another error. 1t will
not be half of that sum, nor equal the
increased revenue derived from the in.
dustry this year over last year, largely
raised because we had new boat that
could patrol quickly and go in rough
weather.
"Anent the comment ;about partie.
travelling on the States boats, w,
, wish to say that, following custom G
believe) of former boards, any Vir
ginian going our way was welcomed
but at no cost to the State. But twic,
In eighteen months have families O
members of the board taken a cruise
and then the State was reimbursed b,
, the members. In some other instance
when accompanying us on our rounds
guests have not only paid for thei
own meals but meals for the boat
crew and coal bills, the latter a gain t,
the State.
THE chairman and secretary have
during the past year personally REIN
Dursed the State to a considerable ex
tent for Virginians who have lunche,
on board. This personal allusion i
compelled because of intimations in tn
press. Courtesies extended Virginian
nave cost the State absolutely nothinS
during our incumbency.
THE report to-day from Norfolk t
the effect that the rocks are unguarde,
is entirely in error. The Accoma,
Stated as tied up) has just returne,
from policing the Potomac. and is prob
ably now on her way to the seaside
The Pocomoke is to-day on the Poto