The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1913-09-19
4 BRIEF REVIEW OF
OYSTER LEGISLATION.
By James S. Shepherd, of This County, Demo-
cratic Candidate for State Senate Interest
ing Data on the Oyster Question-of Vital
Interest to Oystermen.

schools, as well as to the malnue-
nance of the State Fishery Force,
is also beyond doubt, evidenced by
having averaged annually for the
past twelve years the sum of S.
6S1.40 paid to schools. and So
5000 paid to the oyster fund. max
ing a total in that period of $1O2,-
26526.
The foregoing facts and figures
should be convincing, and doubtless
will be SO regarded by the public,
that oystermen have rights that
should be protected and guaranteed
to them by law. The solution of
the situation, or conditions, col
fronting the oystermen must be
worked out with the cooperation Of
all parties interested, and every
aid possible should be given the
peoples Representatives that they
may secure the most advantageous
laws for them.
Now, upon what theory Oh for
what reasons do I claim or ask ytur
support in this campaign? What
have done in support of the ON
Use l now make, that, if elected,
will use my best efforts to restore
to you all rights, guaranteed you
by our laws, and to which you are.
in my humble judgment. entitled.
On March %. 1902, as member
of the House of Delegates, | voted
against the "Haman" oyster law,
which was then defeated by vote
of 43 to 40. Delegates Baker and
Hackett also voted in the negative.
Mr.. Linthicum, having been ill at
the time, did not vote. Sen. Apple
garth also materially aided in de-
feating the bill in the Senate.
(See Journal, House of Delegates,
p. 1889
introduced General Oyster
Bill (No. 345) in the House on
March 10, 1902, which subsequently
passed, with amendments, by
vote of 80 to 4; 43 Democrats and
81 Republicans voting in the affir-
native. (See Journal, House of
Delegates, p. 1901.)
1t can, therefore, be reasonably
assumed, that the decisive vote, al
most unanimous, by which the bill
passed the House, indicated there
was very great merit in it's provi-
sions, and was considered at the
time to be such as would go far
towards relieving the apprehension
that the supply of oysters would
become exhausted.
This bill contained an oyster cul-
ture, or farming, feature, designed
to replenish the depleted bottoms
for the use of the public. 1t pro-
vided an appropriation by the
>stass-of $3.50 annually, which
appropriation or revenue was to
have been derived largely from
tax of 81 per acre, per annum, upon
the then owners of five-acre lots,
thereby removing the burden from
the tax payers generally.
My acts upon this important ques-
ton, as upon all other legislation,
Is a matter of Notwithstanding I
could not avoid, if desired, and l
do not so desire. BY this, as your
representative in 1902, you must
Judge my future.
In addition to this, submit my
record of a lifetime in this county,
together with an official life of
many years. That have made mis-
takes there can be no doubt, and,
in all probability, I shall again make
them. Who has not done so?
Further, wish to frankly state
that regard the discharge of the
duties Of Senator very seriously in
deed, and. il elected, my sole aim
will be the discharge of my duties
faithfully to the people of my ccun-
ty and State.
Confident that nv associates up.
on the Democratic ticket are in full
accord with the views above eX.
pressed, and will. if elected, repre-
sent the people Of Dorchester COON
ty IN all 'egis :ation to the rest OF
their, ability. submit my candidacy
and earnestly asf your support
Respectfully,
Jas. S. Shepherd.