56 Journal of the Mitchell Society [Octo'ber 



lators to accept the recommendations of tlie Shellfisli Commis- 

 sions regarding the industry or that tEeir ideas are of any par- 

 ticular value ; and instead pass legislation regarding the in- 

 dustry that is almost diametrically opposite to our suggestions. 

 This is frequently done for political reasons, and the interests 

 of the state have been sacrificed for self advancement. I believe, 

 however, the tide is turning and that we are entering upon an 

 era when man's love of country and his true patriotism will 

 outweigh the thought of self; and in deciding questions of state 

 his query will be: What effect will this measure have upon 

 the country and upon my state, and not what will be the po- 

 litical effect upon me. When Ave have broadened and developed 

 to such an extent that we consider in these great questions first, 

 our country's interest, then our state, then our county, and last 

 our own individual community, then and then only, will we be 

 able to obtain the best solutions to these problems. 



Our co-o]oeration should not only be between the states but 

 between the states and the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. There 

 should be a more adequate appropriation made by Congress to 

 the Bureau of Fisheries for investigations relating to the shell- 

 fish industry. There is a wide field for work which should be 

 done largely by the Federal Government, and in co-operation 

 with the several states. The importance and value of the in- 

 dustry warrant our making a vigorous demand upon Congress 

 for such an appropriation. 



The oyster, clam, scallop, the lobster, the crab and the terra- 

 pin must all receive the attention of the Shellfish Commissions. 



The sessions of our convention are open to the public and we 

 will gladly welcome any who are interested enough in the sub- 

 ject to attend; and we may in this way impress upon laymen 

 the value and importance of the industry we reiDresent. 



In closing, I wish to express to you Virginians our extreme 

 regret that illness has kej^t Governor Mann from meeting with 

 us. We miss his word of cheer and guidance, and voice with 

 you the prayer that his illness may not be for long, and that he 

 will soon be restored to his State in full vigor and health. 



Chapei< Hill, N. C. 



