Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-09-20
TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER 20, 1910
NO OCCASION FOR FURTHER
TROUBLE ON OYSTER GROUNDS.

TROUBLE ON OYSTER GHOUNDo.
Although sensational rumors were
going the rounds yesterday to the eff
feet that serious trouble is liable to
occur en- the James river oyster
grounds today. this paper is inclined
10 believe that there is little founda-
ton for the reports. The situation
at this time. briefly stated, is this:
The tongers-the men who make
their living by taking oysters tom
the public rocks during the season
claim that certain private planters
have occupied portions OF the natural
rock. in violation of the State consti-
tuition. Several weeks ago. the ton
gers made a raid on private stakes
and cleared away all stakes alleged
10 be on public ground from Days
Point TO Mulberry Point. Further
raids were contemplated. but last
week Commissioner of Fisheries Lee
signed an agreement 10 have 4 resur-
vey of the rocks made, beginning to-
day, and to compel any and ell plant
ers found to be encroaching upon the
natural rocks to vacate. II is under
stood, too. that the commissioners
promised that the PLANTERS would not
work on the disputed territory pend
ing the result of the resurvey. Since
that time the tongers have made no
trorble, and the opening of the oyster
season found them all at work on
the rccks. Some of the planters have
refused TO be bound by the commits
sioners agreement and have continued
10 operate their boats on the disput-
ed grounds. The reports yesterday
said that the tongers were incensed
over this and were contemplating an-
other stake pulling. The planters.
having leased their grounds from the
duly constituted state authorities. are
demanding that tn governor aud the
commissioner of fisheries give them
the protection they have a right to
expect.
This is a business matter and as
1t seems IL is being handled in a
business like way there is no occa-
sion for further disturbance. Had the
proposed resuEvey been made several
months ago. in all probability there
would have been no threatened war
The tongers have believed for long
time that By mistake or otherwise he
commission has been leasing portions
Of the natural rock to the planters.
When the commission failed 20 take
the steps necessary TO correct the err
rers and keep planters on he rocks.
the tongers got mad and took tn
law into their own hands. This vas
hard on the planters. who hid leased
the grounds in good faith but the
tongers no doubt beliestd that thcs
we're acting within their rights. moral
~ IL not legally. But nov that t1s
-esurvey has been ordered and d
about TO be made. there Is 10 ocos'
sion fc- trouble. II the Planters az
found to be occupying The public
rocks. they viii have 20 move. Tad'
IS I'll the tongcrs can ask. and furth
ermcre hey cannot expect the me-
Ing 20 he brought about except b.
ene process Of Law. on the othr
hand. While those planters who nav
unwIuinriy leased portions Of Eftura
rock may feel aKgricved on accoun
n the trouble 10 which they viii >
pot the planters mus recognize ths
the rock should nor have been lease
to them. ard That tbcy csn insis, or
that thcy b, sivsn The time Above
~ Law 20 move