Address of Representative Linthicum 197 



has not stopped ; Delaware is crippled by a lack of funds 

 to do anything but preparatory work. I might recite 

 other similar cases, but those mentioned are sufficient to 

 make clear the necessity of legislation which will, without 

 fear or favor, apply the remedy needed in any specific 

 case. 



Inefficient Administration. 



Many states suffer the lack of capable officers in charge 

 of their fisheries. Regardless of how conscientious and 

 well-intentioned an official may be, if he possess not the 

 knowledge and ability to fully discharge the duties of his 

 office, the state is bound to be injured. More than one 

 state has found that a well-paid, competent officer in 

 charge of its fisheries is the most excellent investment 

 a commonwealth can make. With good laws and capable, 

 determined men to enforce those laws, the profits in the 

 fisheries will prove a source of never-ending congratula- 

 tion. Experience has shown that it is as difficult for the 

 states to get good men as it has been for good men to 

 get in the service of the states. 



But the mere getting of good men is not the solution 

 of the problem. These men must be made independent of 

 influences which would paralyze their activities for good. 

 They must be placed beyond the reach of those who, re- 

 senting the fearless discharge of their duty, would seek 

 to wreak an unworthy venegance. Happily, many of our 

 states have already done this, and it will be found that 

 in those states wherein the men having charge of the 

 fisheries are protected in the discharge of their duty, 

 there is a better, more just and more equitable enforce- 

 ment of the law and improvement of conditions, than 

 in those states where these precautions have been neg- 

 lected. 



Indeed, I have found opposition to federal regulation 

 of our fishes arising under conditions that cause me to 

 suspect that it is mainly inspired by the fear that national 

 officials will enforce the law in a way that would not be 

 attempted by state officials. I likewise find that, for the 

 very same reason, many commercial fishermen would 



