Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-04-27
Editors Letter Box
Proposed Duty on HOLSTERS
Would Be of Great Benefit
To the Fishermen

II NAV not be generally known 10
the people of Maine what large ana
important industry the lobster fish,
ing business has grown to be; nor
what large number of worthy citl-
zens are dependent upon it for live
lihood.
There are about four thousand
licensed lobster fishermen engaged in
this branch of the business, directly
employed in the hazardous work OF
tending their traps, While at least as
many more are indirectly engaged.
With their families (and the fisher
men. as a rule, marry younc) this
would make at least thirty thousand
people who are looking to this in
dustry for a livelihood.
Money Invested
There arc. at least, FIVE million dol
lars invested; comprised of boats,
traps, pounds, cars and gear. of all
kinds This very large sum of
replace by the fishermen, for the loss
of traps and gear by the heavy
storms along the coast, makes it nee
cssary for the off-shore fishermen to
keen second set ready to put out
after a severe gale.
Competition
IT is well known that these fisher
men are in sharp competition with
the fishermen of Nova Scotia, who at
certain seasons of the year food our
markets with Holsters: it being fact.
that. with more Holsters and larger
catches they are able to exploit our
markets duty free, giving them a
great advantage over our fishermen.
We feel that our men should have at
least as good a chance as the for
cigncrs.
General Benefit
In addition to the statements al
ready made We wish to make it clear
that, in our opinion, duty on lob
stors would favorably effect general
business throughout tho State. Prob
ably nine -tenths of the Holsters
caught in the State arc consumed
outside Of Maine and better prices
would mcan-more money coming in
a greater prosperity among the
fishermen and their families and more
money put in general circulation.
Justice
AS matter Of Justice. It might be
said that our fishermen are living in
a state whore most important indus
tries are favored by protection; and
if the lumbcrmcn, the farmers and the
manufacturers are. ana continue to be
protected. why not the fishermen? In
other words it seems manifestly UNI
fair that so large an industry, opcr-
atcd by men who risk their property
and often their lives should be de-
nied an equal privilege.
The past year has been very I'M
fortunate and trying one for the shore
fishermen. The price ut times, IN com
petition with foreign Holsters, has
been so low as to make the industry
Improbable and it would seem that
the time has come for the fishermen
10 throw off their comparative indif-
ference and to join their friends and
help tho Sea and Shore Fisheries
Commission in their earnest and hon
est efforts in trying to secure the pro-
lection which so fairly belongs to
them.
There may he some difference of
opinion as to how best to approach
this matter, but it seems to us that
the forming of an association. as
proposed by Director TT. u. eric.
might have most aencfcial results.
We feel certain that cur congressman
IN Washington will do everything in
their power TO help secure the pro-
lection, so much needed and so much
deserved.
1t is known of all mon, that who
ever needs protection must make n
night to obtain it pnd if the fishermen
want share in the benefits which q
protective duty would bring them.
they must arouse themselves and no
longer appear Indifferent: but in
stead they must got together. settle
their petty differences, obcv the laws
and make valiant fcht to win.
Everybody admircs a good fighter
while gutter receives little praise.
Your friends arc ont to assist Won
VIII You ask them to heinz
Signed ELLIS r BAKEp
ROBERT 4. DAVIS.
Steuben, Nc Anr % 1909