The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-03-08
MIGRATORY BIRDS
GIVEN PROTECTION
Bill Passed in Last Hours of Con-
gress Will Aid in Game
Conservation.

Virginians who have been interested
in the protection of game and insectiv-
orous birds. with members OF the Au-
dubon Society, are gratifed at the pas
sage OF tho Wceks-McLean bill, af-
fording Federal protection 10 migra-
tory birds. In the rush OF legislation,
and in the excitement incident to the
inauguration. the fact that this bill
was passed by the House on the last
day OF the session went almost unno-
ticed 1t had previously passed the
Senate
There was little opposition to the
measure. but its enactment is consid-
cred a victory, in view OF tho fact that
during the session Of Congress lust
ended almost no general legislation
was passed. The success Of this move
ment is felt 10 he due 10 the efforts Of
Sportsmen and others who desired the
protection OF wild life.
Protects .'Intcrstatc" thirds
The text of the bill is as follows:
IN act TO protect migratory game
and insectvorous birds iii the United
states
re IL enacted by the Senate and
House of Representatives Of the United
states of America. Ia Congress assem-
bied. That All wild geese wild swans
brant, wild duck, snipc. plover. wood
cock rail Wild pigeons, and all other
migratory game ANA insect;Noro'Is
birds which, in their Northern and
southern migrations. pass through or
do not remain permanently tho entire
year within the borders of any state
or Torritory.sshall hereafter lie deemed
70 he within the custody and protec-
tloh OF the government OF the United
states. and shall not he destroyed or
- LAT
after provided therefor.
section ! That the Department OF
| Agriculture is hereby authorized to
adopt suitable regulations to give Of
icct to tile previous section by pre-
aciIbinS and fixing closed seasons.
having due regard to the zones OF tenn
peraturc, breeding habits and times
and lilo OF migratory flight thereby
enabling The department to select and
| designate suitable districts ar differ
I Ont portions OF the country within
/ which said closed seasons II shall not
/ be lawful TO shoot or by any device
/ lfli or seize and capture migratory
/ Dirds within tho protection of this law
aud by declaring penalties by fine of
not more than 800 or Imprisonment
for ninety DAYS or both, for violation.
% such regulations
section .. = hat the Department OF
Agriculture. after the preparation OF
said regulations, shall cause the same
TO be nadS public. and shall allow n
period OF three. months In which said
regulations may he examined and con
sidered before final adoption, permit
ting when deemed proper. public
hearings thereon. and after final adop-
tul 10 cause same to be enGrosseG
ana submitted 10 the President of tho
united states for approval; provided
however, that nothing herein contnincG
snail be deemed to affect or interfere
Wl'h the local laws of the States and
territories for the protection OF non.
migratory game or other birds resi-
don't and breeding within their Dor.
ocrs nor TO promote and ronder Ell
Gent the regulations OF tho Depart
ment OF Agriculture provided npdel
this statute.
s:Secuon 4. That there IS hereby ap
pFopf! ttcd, Out or any moneys in the
Y rr i.s,Ny no. otherwise appropriated