The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-02-22

recover.
Virginia, on account OF the idle
white man. the lazy negro and the yell
low dog" has gone downhill far too
fast, and more so than other States
because they have not these especial
ply Of fish and Game. i know we'll
from personal observation that a large
number Of the men just referred to in
our State would as soon Kill a par
fridge in July as In November or shoot
n doc in April as in December. This
In itself Is one of the strong reasons,
as already indicated. for the scarcity
worse than this, 1 really think, are
the thousands OF worthless dogs that
run at large over the State at all times
of tho year. These dogs arc half
starved, many Of them; they seek the
nests OF the partridge. tho wild turkey
young: they run the deer doing great
injury to them at certain seasons of
the Year,. often resulting In their death
months afterwards; and after all is
said and done, what good are they as
an asset or benefit TO mankind in the
Commonwealth OF Virginia?
I am reluctant to suggest drastic
laws for community which has long
been attached to old customs; but the
gradual creation of adequate and sane
laws Will be we'll received, and all the
people will appreciate the spirit In
which they are passed.
Each State knows best It's own con-
ditions. knows what laws will best
protect Its own waters. and frames It's
laws accordingly. The fish and game
OF Virginia. as we all know, have sur-
fered. as in many other States, from
indiscriminate killing by market hun
ters and thoughtless slaughter ut the
wrong time of the year.
States Greatest auestion.
There Is no greater question to-day
for the States serious consideration
than the matter OF the pollution OF our
waters. l doubt If any or you gentle
men realize that to-day this evil Is
destroying thousands and thousands OF
fish in Cow Pasture. Little Calf Pas
ture, Jackson and North Rivers and
from my own observation the shores of
one of these streams was lined with
bushels of our most valuable game
fish. Yet there has not been the slight
est move towards preventing these ap-
palling conditions.
Briefly. lot me give you an Idea OF the
most serious forms OF pollution. the re-
suits to the Ash life, and the remedy
First. Many OF the large factories
are emptying much of their refuse into
our streams, killing all the fish life
and, in many instances. tho vegetable
life. This evil is regrettable. for IL not
only contaminates the water for drink
ing purposes, but IT often destroys all
fish life. which. as we all know, IS tho
means OF supplying much food to a
large number of persons.
Second Throughout this State. az In
many other States, there are numerous
sawmills. In a few cases the owner IS
thoughtful enough TO fan the sawdust
from his mill back away from the wa
ter, SO IL VIII do no harm, and in so
doing performs great and singular
service to the people; but ] am sorry
to say that such cases are comparative
ly rare. Many owners Of sawmills care
lessly empty the sawdust into our
beautiful streams, and this Is. OF course,
serious menace TO the welfare OF our
fish
The question will be asked: How
does this harm the fish? il does not
kill the FISH directly. but II does de-
stroy their spawning beds by covering
up the sand and gravel. which arc alb
soiutely necessary for the fish In de-
posting their eggs. When this rs
gone we have also taken away mn es-
sential feature In the replenishinE OF
tho streams. and the consequence is
that when the adult fish. already there.
arc caught out. thore arc no young to
take their place. Surely this is ro-
suit very easy to see.
Discusses Pollution.
/ Tho question often comes up with
thoughtful people: What nro we no
ing TO do to get rid OF this pollution
II we stop tho factories It iNjures bust
ness and throws men out of employ
ment This Is tho one question am
asked many times. and have given It
much consideration. / do not think
mat prosecution Of viola lions. especial
! ~ or this nature. is always wise, nor
aces IL always accomplish tho desired
results am strong in tho belief that
n fair and plain statement of facts and
an appeal TO these men who own the
mlIa and factories and the largo saw
5hii interests to confer with the State
and Federal officials as to ways and
means or .abating this disastrous prac-
lice viii do moro to overcome tho un-
fortunate conditions than long suits
fought out in tho courts / find from
experience that many OF the owners
OF thoso enterprises have mover given
me matter n single thought; and when
I they are talked to frankly and intc1