THE OYSTER. 169 



any number of men in the General Assembly, or than 

 all the advice of the best lawyers in the State. For 

 support they must rely upon public sentiment, and for 

 success they must trust to their own efforts. If our 

 public beds are to be saved from ruin, it must be by 

 the efforts of the oystermen themselves, by organiza- 

 tion and co-operation for the purpose. I do not see 

 any other way to bring it about, and I hope that the 

 plan which I have proposed will be considered by the 

 oystermen. 



While there are some reckless, short-sighted men in 

 the business, most of the captains and vessel-owners 

 are men who have the respect and confidence of their 

 neighbors, and the intelligence and personal influence 

 which are needed to direct and control public senti- 

 ment. 



I ask them whether it is not worth while to consider 

 whether a plan for the organization of a co-operative 

 oyster company cannot be drawn up and put into good 

 shape. If they can accomplish this, I am sure that they 

 could present it to the Legislature, with an endorse- 

 ment by all the people of the State, so enthusiastic and 

 unanimous that it would command the support of every 

 one who is interested in their welfare, and that it would 

 meet prompt recognition by the Legislature, even if 

 there were not a single member who depended on the 

 votes of the oystermen. 



The complicated details of the organization ; the 

 qualifications for membership ; the mode of enforcing 

 the laws of the association ; the way in which rent for 

 13 



