160 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



MONDAY, January 24. 



The meeting was called to order by President Cheney. He presented a letter 

 he had received from Mr. Stevison, of New York, relative to a close season for tarpon 

 in Florida, and asked any persons who were informed on the subject of the spawning 

 time of the tarpon to report at the afternoon session. 



The president introduced Mr. Chow Tsz-chi, who made the following response in 

 behalf of the Chinese Government: 



Mr. President and Gentlemen of the National Fishery Congress: I thank you for your kind 

 reference to my (Jovernment and also for honoring the Government of China with an invitation to be 

 represented at this important gathering of learned and distinguished gentlemen who have assembled 

 In n in the interest of a work which is destined to benefit mankind and all the nations of the earth. 

 How 1 long for words in your language to express the feelings of my heart for the many kind attentions 

 extended to me! 1 came to you a stranger; I leave you as a brother. Governor Bloxham in eloquent 

 words i . i. in-il to the early pioneers of Florida; I would write in words of gold the deeds of Henry B. i 

 Plant, the modern Christopher Columbus, who rediscovered Florida and built the palace which now 

 shelters us. I will ever remember you, kind friends ; my heart goes out to you in thanks unspeakable. 



May peace, prosperity, and happiness be with you and the people of the United States forever! 



The president presented Capt. E. N. del Arbol, of the Spanish navy, who said : 



I wish to congratulate you on the interest you are taking in such an important matter to you and 

 to the world at large as that which pertains to fish and fisheries ; to congratulate you, too, on the 

 numerous and valuable papers that are being read here; to thank you in behalf of my country for 

 the courtesy in inviting it to participate in this Congress, and for the kindness you have shown to its 

 delegate; and allow me to express my desire that in some time to come all the navies of the world, to 

 one of which I belong, may be a large police force whose principal duty may be to pi-otect fish and 

 fisheries for the benefit of mankind and to enforce the wise laws enacted for this purpose. 



The committee on resolutions reported the following, which were adopted : 



Whereas it is the opinion of this Congress that every State should have a well-organized and 

 active board of fish commissioners, whose duty it should be to foster the fishery interests of their 

 respective States; to advise the legislatures in all matters pertaining to fishery legislation; and to 

 secure by protective, fish-cultural, and educational methods the preservation and increase of useful 

 water products : Therefore, be it 



Setolred, That this Congress recommends to those States having no fish commission the appoint- 

 ment of such at the earliest practical date. 



Resolved, That at least one member of each commission should be a man of scientific attainments, 

 competent to intelligently deal with the biological phases offish commission work. 



lirxolml. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the governor of each State having no fish 

 commission, requesting him to bring the matter to the attention of the legislature; and that a copy 

 also be sent to the governors of those States which now have such commissions. 



The following resolutions were also reported and adopted: 



Whereas, r < i^ni/ing the great extent of the Gulf roast line and the fact that this section pos- 

 sesses excellent food fishes in greater abundance than elsewhere; that her superior oyster facilities 

 are being rapidly depleted by lack of proper protection and investigation ; that this section possesses 

 shrimp and other resom t iniii.-,t. \\itii the possibility of development of still other indus- 



tries as yet untried; that elimatir. conditions bring different from other sections of our country 

 renders it necessary that the fauna of this region be given individual study; and, furthermore, wish- 

 ing in every reasonable way to stimulate and encourage each and all of the States of the Gulf region 

 to a more active inter, -t in our fisheries: Therefore, be it 



/too/red, That this Congress express itself as favoring the location and equipment of a national 

 fish-hatchery and laboratory at some central and suitable location on the Gulf coast, to be under the 

 control and direction of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries. 



Re*o1rcd, That this Congress appoint a committee of five, one from each of the States bordering 

 the Gulf, whose duty it shall be to urge upon the United States Congress the necessity for making an 

 appropriation for carrying on this hatchery and laboratorv. 



