Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1909-10-15
JAMES RIVER OYSTER
SITUATION.

The following letter 20 the Cyrtzrn
from W. Z. Lawson, Of Hampton. who
has been investigating the James river
situation for some weeks may be taken
as an intelligent and correct view of
conditions there:
Most OF the tongers have changed
their tactics. and seem anxious TO assist
in putting down the violations. I had
lots OF them to tell me the catch was
the best for several years, and that if
Mr.. Lee was continued at the head of
the Commission four more years thev
would haye plenty of oysters. and 40
forth. / find the average catch above
Gull line, three weeks after the season
opened, about 28 bushels, two men and
boy. Of course. to get this average.
had to take some boats with 40 bushels.
others with 20, %. 25, etc, but In going
over many boats found this to be a
conservative average. Price per bushel
from 20 to rs cents. Buyers very much
pleased, and declare this to be the most
satisfactory season they have had for
ten years in buying. as they get we'll
culied oysters and good measure.
| Below Gull line / find about same
conditions. Average very eonserva-
lively estimated, 25 bushels sper day.
two men and euler. Price so cents per
bushel. Large oysters caught on inside
of Nansemond ridge are bringing 81
per oushel, average catch about s bushel
to man, no euler.
There seems to be considerable de-
mand in the last two days for these
large oysters, and for the, shocking
stock below line. To sum up conditions
generally, consider them better than
have seen in the river for some time. {"
From Newport News Times-Herald.l
Editor Times-Herald:
In last Saturdays issue of the Times
Herald there was published an article
purporting to be Mr.. Richard Arm
strong's views on the oyster situation.
The writer is glad to know that con-
ditions are so favorable this season for
the planter to market hie stock at good
prices. and / think as soon as the bust
ness depression shall have passed en-
tirely. the demand will be even greater
than now.
But my object in writing this article
is to take issue with Mr.. Armstrong in
his statement that conditions are. SO
very unfavorable for the planter to get
little stock for replanting his beds.
He states that stock for replanting is
very scarce and high. especially in the
James. where the best stock comes
from. r.t.i r-.f.
cannot see how he can make any
such statement when as a matter o.
fact oyeters are better and more plenti-
ful in the James river this season than
for five years, and have been selling
from five to fifteen cents per busbe
less than last season.
AS long as the public oyster rocks OF
Virginia remain free TO the citizens of
the Commonwealthwho pay the required
licenses and obey the laws there will be
no oyster trust, and, IL there be no
trust, the oyster market will be gov
erned by supply and demand.
The supply this year is good, and
contrary to Mr.. Armstrong : statement
the demand for seed oysters is poor
therefore the market 10 lower. t'
No planter, who sprefers' James river
stock need go outtthe state to buy seed
for replanting.S
The writer has seen vessels carrying
fifteen hundred to two thousand bushels
of oysters lie near the public, rocks in
James river FIVE or six days of good
weather and 60 away unable to get
loaded, and this season the same boats
can load in one day. get better measure
and at lower prices. The reason for
this'is that the tongers arc catching
the oysters and are anxious FOR marke.
boats to take their stock. ft
l am not interested directly in the
oyster business and have notict the time
to discuss this broad question. but sim
ply ask the people to think for them
selves. inform themselves on this great
issue. which means so much to every
citizen of Tidewater. :'~s>
Respectfully