The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1911-01-14
Maryland Losing
Oyster Industry

-.nan Company, and president OF
the Maryland oyster Packers Asso-
citation, believes that if something is
not done to preserve the local oyster
industry it will be but short time
when that delectable product OF the
Chesapeake Bay VIII be thing OF the
past and Maryland, which is now rap
idly losing Its prestige with other
oyster-producing States will be out OF
the race altogether In discussing the
situation, Mr.. killian stated that there
should be immediate cooperation
among the packers and those engaged
in the industry to reclaim a business
which in the past has proven great
source OF revenue to the State and to
preserve an industry that, in addition
to its revenue, affords a living to such
a vast army OF persons looking to the
oyster business Tor livelihood.
Mr.. Killian said in part
The oyster industry in Baltimore
and the Underwater counties OF Mary
land are now suffering the self-imposed
penalty OF abusing their natural ad-
vantages and privileges Refusing
persistently to rise to action or to
heed warnings for the preservation OF
the oyster we must now consider the
great oyster sections, notably Con-
necticut and New York reporting a
record-breaking business, while Balti-
more must admit one OF the poorest
seasons on record.
Granting the fact that as natural
producer OF oysters the Chesapeake
Bay has no rival. it comes as aston
IL: TO tba ,>,,h1Ir
to be told OF the deplorabe conditions
now prevailing. This is especially so
in view OF the occasional references in
the press OF alleged statements by the
authorities in charge OF the oyster
laws to the contrary.
These statements reporting the IN
dustry as enjoying abundant supplies
OF good oysters as a result OF an ex-
cellent administration OF the Gull laws
are not confirmed by the experience
OF those in close touch wit hthe bust
ness, and they are misleading to the
public Every citizen OF Maryland is,
and should be, proud OF the oyster in
dustry. 1t is, without doubt, one OF
the greatest possibilities OF her COM
MERGE Its development has never
been properly advanced by either the
State or those engaged in the business.
That it has not shown the result of
unwise depletion before this time is
proof OF the wonderful producing
powers of the Chesapeake Bay.
Long ago laws based upon expert
ence and investigation were passed
laws that gave promise OF good re-
suits, but, unfortunately, lor the oyS-
ter, have been little needed or en-
forced, except as to the collection of
the revenue prescribed therein.
And upon the matter OF revenue 1t
would surprise the average citizen to
learn that it imposes upon the catcher
and dealer tax in excess OF that i'm
posed upon any commodity produced
or sold in the State. 1t means that
there is imposed a direct tax upon
every man and vessel engaged in the
catching OF oysters and upon every
bushel OF oysters caught exceeding in
amount the tax license on liquors.
This tax is levied for the purpose OF
protecting and increasing the growth
of oysters.
III the State got results from the
expenditure OF this money, those bur-
dened with the payment OF it would
willingly submit, for the results to be
gained would fully compensate for
the cost. That it does not get it is
apparent to every individual in any
manner engaged in the oyster industry.
The enforcement OF the Gull law has
been lax. Cargoes arriving show no
quality because, year alter year, in
stead OF protecting the small oysters
they have been used, depicting the
beds OF desirable stock. SO that our
oyster, over which we are prone to
boast. no longer shows the quality
necessary to compete with the oyster
OF New York, Connecticut and Rhode
Island, and hence we have lost pres
tige in the market OF the country. Our
goods lack demand, our prices are
necessarily lower and the profit to the
dealer, and in turn. to the catcher, is
impossible.
"LaXity on the part OF the authori-
ties II the enforcement OF the law has
met with laXty OF observance on the
part OF the catcher and user. \ great
awakening is necessary to redeem the
oyster business. 1t will require a
mighty effort and a positive demand
from the general public. 1t is Mary
lands greatest natural resource, and
if its conservation was ever needed it
is right now. 1t has been too much
matter OF politics, and too little
concern OF the people. Booming Bal
timore and the State has become a
popular movement. No better subject