Evening star., 1947-09-29

Call 10 Smooth
Out Squabb|e
Fisheries Unit Urges
Cooperation Until
States Take Action
BY the Assosioied Pres,

FREDERICKSBURG, Va, Sept.
D.-The Virginia Maryland Fish.
cries Commission, expressing a
belief 1t would be mid-1s4s at least
before concurrent legislation could
be enacted to settle legally the
oystering squabble between the two
States. has called for co-operation
by Virginia and Maryland fisher.
men themselves to smooth things
out and continued observance Of
the compact of l785.
The restoration of the fisheries
OF the Potomac River Is so important
to the welfare of so many of the
citizens of Virginia and MARYLAND,
the commission said in a memorar.
dunn, that every effort must bs
made to evolve satisfactory solu.
ton.
Such a solution can only be
found after careful study of all the
facts and a willingness on the part
OF every one having an interest to
consider the general welfare of all
our people"
Bypass Virginia Law.
In its animation of the Colonial
compact the commission bypassed
the Virginia law permitting dredr-
Ing OF oysters In the Potomac and In
discussion that followed 1t an
peared clear that members REGARDED
the law as invalid since MARYLAND
mad not concurred. There were indi-
cations. too, that Maryland intends
to arrest Virginia oystermen using
dredges IN the river and try them in
Maryland courts In accordance with
provisions of a l947 act of the Mary
land Legislature.
But In the face of the laws as thew
now stand, the commission urged
cooperation and observance of the
compact.
1T is apparent at this time" ths
commission said. that any recon-
mendations that may be made by the
commission to the legislatures OF
Maryland and Virginia for a plan of
permanent administration of thu
fisheries of the Potomac River can
not be given in the force of law be-
fore ls49. Even though the legisla-
lures OF the two States should act
promptly upon such recommenda.
lions as might be made by this COM
mission, 1t is improbable that anv
change could be made In the lawx
enacted under the compact of l7a5
between the two States until the
summer Of 1949.
Urges Honoring of Compact.
I'm the interest of continuing the
excellent relations which have pre-
vailed between the peoples of our
adjoining States for more than
three centuries and to insure that
the deliberations now being con-
Quoted by official representatives of
the two States shall continue in q
spirit of mutual confidence, this
commission recommends to the cit.
izens of both States:
Il. That the compact between ths
States of Virginia and Maryland Of
1785 pertaining to the Potomac
River be honored so long as the
compact be in full force and effect,
2. That all current laws enacted
by the Legislatures for the two
States under the compact, including
those pertaining to the taking OF
oysters, fish and crabs, be strictly
adhered to until repealed or
amended In accordance with the
provisions of the compact.
49, That both States are equally
responsible for enforcement of these
laws"
The commission planned to meet
within the next few weeks at An
napoliS for further consideration of
the problems. Chairman C. O'Con-
or Goolrick of Fredericksburg said
a date had not been set.