978

JOINS RESOLUTIONS.

No. 6.
Joint Resolution appointing a Joint Committee of the General
Assembly of Maryland to meet a like committee which the
General Assembly of Virginia is requested to appoint, and
confer with said committee as to complaints of trespasses
and irregularities alleged to be committed in the waters of
Maryland by citizens of Virginia, and the remedy for such,
if found to exist, and to investigate and report upon any
modification or changes that may be desirable in the boun-
dary line between the two States, and upon any joint
legislation that may be necessary or proper in the Potomac
River for the preservation of oysters, or to increase or pre-
serve the supply of food and other fish in Chesapeake Bay
and its tributaries.

Preamble.

WHEREAS, The General Assembly of Maryland is informed
by the message of his Excellency Governor Smith to this
body, that it is alleged in various reports made to him that
irregularities exist in the administration of the joint oyster
law for the Potomac river; and
WHEREAS, Trespasses are also alleged to be frequently
committed in the waters of Maryland by persons who are
supposed to be citizens of Virginia, whereby young oysters in
large quantities are taken from Maryland waters, to be planted
in Virginia waters, and bad feeling is thereby engendered; and
WHEREAS, It appears to be desirable that all border troubles
between the two States should be approached in a fraternal
and neighborly spirit and all difficulties and sources of friction
be avoided between them, by mutual concessions or compro-
mises, as to the enjoyment or the development of our mutual
rights or resources, provided the same be fair and just to both
States, and the people thereof; therefore,

Committee
appointed.

Be it resolved, That a committee of eight persons, consist-
ing of three members of the Senate, and tive members of the
House, be appointed to confer with a committee on the part
of Virginia, whenever the same may be appointed, on said
subjects, who shall have authority to sit during the session of
this Assembly or after its adjournment; to employ counsel,
if necessary; to send for persons and papers, and to investi-
gate said subjects fully.

Report to be
made.

And be it further resolved, That the said committee is
authorized during its investigation, or upon completion
thereof, to report the progress or results thereof, together with
their conclusions thereon, to the General Assembly for their
action in the premises.