DECREASE OP FOOD-FISHES IN AMERICAN WATERS. 3. r > 



Let me, by way of recapitulation, enumerate some of the essentials to success: 

 | 1 ) The inculcation, to the extent of a full comprehension, of the truth that 

 the fish in the public waters of a State are the property of that State, 

 and the taking of them, by any means, a privilege. 



(2) That the guardianship of such waters and their tinny inhabitants is the 



sworn duty of the people's representatives, just as is the guardianship 

 of any other kind of public property. 



(3) That the laws enacted in order to make that guardianship effective arc 



binding upon and demand implicit obedience from all. 



(4) That it is the sworn duty of sheriffs, magistrates, coustables, and fish 



wardens, as far as they have cognizance and jurisdiction, to arrest or 

 cause to be arrested and tried, and without tear or favor, any and all 

 offenders against the restrictive statutes. 



(5) That it is a patriotic obligation resting upon all citizens to aid the author- 



ities in their endeavors to restore the original fecundity of American 

 waters, for the reason that such restoration would benefit the country 

 annually to the extent of millions of dollars. 

 (f>) That it is the duty of the people's representatives in Congress to enact 

 laws that will place the monhaden and other coast fisheries under such 

 restrictions as will prevent the edible fishes from being so largely and 

 wastefully diminished in numbers as they have been for years past, and 

 still are. 

 (7) That artificial propagation, judicious distribution, and the thereafter pro- 

 tection of edible fishes should be prosecuted to the fullest needed extent 

 by every State and Territory. 

 (S) That fish-protective associations, being potent helpers in the work of 

 restoring edible- lish truitfuliiess to our waters, should be warmly encour- 

 aged in every State, and the powerful aid of the newspaper press of the 

 entire country evoked in its behalf. 

 If, after having employed these several means — together with others that will 

 naturally suggest themselves — for the repopulating American waters that have been 

 wholly or in part depopulated, there is not decided increase in their fish products, 

 further efforts may be regarded as a waste of time and money. But such a result 

 should not be deemed probable, nor should even the possibility of it be for a moment 

 entertained. 



