The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1913-09-19
20 the Oytermen of

It becomes necessary, and very
properly SO, that I, being candi-
date for the important representa-
tive position of State Senator in the
next General Assembly of Maryland
(having received the nomination
under the Direct Primary Election
Laws). should express my views up
ON the important and vital question
OF oyster legislation. so that those
engaged in the oyster business, or
industry, may understandingly con-
slider my candidacy.
Prior to the enactment of what
Il known as the "Haman" oyster
planting or culture laws. (and at
the present time1 there has been
apprehension that the oyster sup
ply might become entirely destroy
cd, At least seriously threatened, a
feeling which has existed for more
than eighty years. 1t has been
uniformly the custom to express
this apprehension or fear in many
laws passed for the protection and
propagation of oysters for many
years past.
We find In the Acts of 1923, Chap.
81. that a planting law was passed.
IN the Acts OF 1881. Chap. PAS. when
the consumption must have been
necessarily small. we find the fol-
lowing language: Whereas, the
protection Of oysters in the waters
Of the State is a subject in which
the citizens are deeply concerned,
and 1t is justly apprehended
that oysters in the waters of the
State will be destroyed. not less
hy the unwise number carried away
than BY the destructive instruments
ussd in taking them" The in
strnments Tor taking oysters au-
thorised by this law were drag.
rake or tongs, with not more than
DIR teeth, prongs. or nails on either
stds."
ID the Acts of 1893. Chap. 254.
th&s occurs: Whereas, the de-
stenction Of oysters in the waters
e this State is seriously apprehen-
oea from the destructive instru-
ments now used in taking them"
The Act Of 1866. Chap. 1s1. en-
ilAI1Ad the leasing area from one
20 ise acres. also fixed the oyster
season from September to June 1,
Tor scraping. and without limitation
= 70 longing oysters; that is.there
mo closed season; and fixed the
= license at IS per boat.
= Was permissible in the
70 Bay only. and then with
eryations.
3turs OF conservation is
uft I tizt 10
~. o. Asing of lots or bottoms
1oe thaf 3puTpose. Indeed .onr leg
ls1Atofs5 at very early period re-
txr1e6 the necessity Of oyster or
sAell-fish propagation Of very great
anportAnce, as much so as has been
To case in recent years. The Act
81 1893. whereby the leasing OF
hottom5 was first authorised. and
nader which it was permissible to
require but, one acre to each in
1AAakan4 ayailing himself of the
DFivilege. required certain acts to
~ done under penalty OF confisca-
don or forfeiture. In these words:
Provided. however. that the
peopsr owner Of said depot (lot)
hAat keep up. from year to year.
nAd shall annually deposit, bed, or
sow thereon. q quantity Of oysters
Or other shell-fish, for improvement,
- contemplated by this Act, suffi-
etsnt to preserve the increase and
growth Of such oysters or shell-fish,
- the depot 50 selected as afore-
aAta. and the neglect or failure of
such depositing, bedding or sowing,
shall Be deemed and held to be
= non-user. and 49,. may be
adoeeed By any other citizen as
aforesaid. for the purpose Of this
Aef.s
This law (the leasing of one
Acfel continued in force until the
Act Of 1855. Chap. 1s1. which IN
creaeed the area to five acres. but
vtfh6at the forfeiture provision.
wAjeh said five-acre provision re-
aafaed the law until the oyster
wanting or leasing law OF 1906 was
enacted. under which those who had
Drsyjously acquired five-acre lots
Sero protected by receiving leases
1rum the Shell Fish Commission.
Ihs aforsgoing will, therefore.
.dsmonatrate that apprehensions
haSs. and always will. exist as to
5this important food supply.
The trend OF public sentiment
Incorporated In many States, as we'll
- ~ our National Government. in
@ laws, Is for the conservation or
protection OF our natural resources.
Among these resources may be in
eluded fish. both shell and migra-
tory.
The solution OF this important
question II q problem which should
be considered seriously and wisely,
and without undue haste; indeed,
with great elaboration, and with
due regard and consideration for
tAe inalienable rights of fishery to
which our Inhabitants are entitled.
That mistakes have been made
~ the She'll Fish Commission in
II recent survey and location OF
b0tt0ms open for lease in the wa
4srs Of Dorchester county, is UNI
questioned; that those mistakes, to
the great and lasting injury of oys-
lsemen generally, ought to be, and
Will Be, corrected. Is also beyond
Aonbt; that the movement to cor