90 
Now, sir, there is this difference between the methods 
heretofore adopted and the scheme proposed by the 
fishermen for collecting statistics and information, and 
I do not make any secret of it. The plan of the 
Commercial Fisheries Association is to place a blank in 
the hands of every man who sails a vessel or boat, or 
who operates a pound net, gill net, or other forms of 
fishing apparatus. Upon these blanks a correct daily 
record of the catch will be made, at the time, when the 
facts can be put down with exactness, and statements 
will not be given from memory, six months to five years 
after the fish are caught, as has been the case heretofore. 
It is the purpose of this organization to impress upon 
every fisherman connected with it the importance and 
necessity of recording the facts with the utmost fidelity 
and accuracy. We want the truth, the whole truth and 
nothing but the truth. Who can ask more than this? 
The gentlemen who are interested in fish protection, 
and who desire a basis upon which to base honest 
conclusions, need the truth also. And I say that in 
doing this work, if it is honestly and intelligently done, 
the fishermen will act on correct principles. We must 
have the truth; nothing else will suffice to settle this 
question; and we propose to nail our flag to the mast on 
that issue. The fishermen propose to stand on the rock 
of truth, and I ask any gentleman here if he is content 
to stand elsewhere in this controversy ? 
My friend, Mr. Whitaker, has stated that it is 
proposed to begin “‘a campaign of education.” I am 
glad of it. That is in line with what the fishermen 
intend to do. Their only safety lies in the education of 
the public concerning fish and fisheries. And who will 
protest against it? The United States Fish Commission 
has been doing this kind of work for twenty-three years, 
and it has received the commendation of the whole 
world for what it has done in that direction. The 
various state fish commissions will probably be 
