22:> THE OYSTER. 



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 during the next year. If they can accomplish 

 this, I am sure that they could present it to the next 

 Legislature, with an endorsement 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 recogni- 

 tion 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 

 the use of vessels and apparatus is to be assessed and 

 collected ; the sums which are to be paid by the 

 association for the experience and business standing 

 of captains and other officers ; the way in which fish- 

 ing is to be kept within the capacity of the beds ; the 

 means to be adopted for restoring and improving the 

 beds; the adjustment of the conflicting interests of 

 different localities : all these and many other matters 



