1916] OF THE SENATE. 245

the initiative and submit such changes as were thought de-
sirable. He stated that Maryland had no suggestion to offer,
but they would try and gratify Virginia. He was followed
by Senator Beck, who voiced virtually the same sentiments
as Senator Benson and stated further that Maryland felt
aggrieved on account of the nets stretching so far across the
mouth of the Bay. He summed up the situation, "If you
protect them here, we will protect them up the Bay, and the
spawning grounds of the river. " It was agreed that a recess
be taken until 8 o'clock P. M., in order that Virginia might
draft a program for concurrent fish legislation.

It was about 8. 30 when Chairman Cummings called the joint
session together. Mr. Lee submitted the report of the Vir-
ginia Commission, outlining the suggested legislation. Mary-
land asked that time be given for its commission to con-
sider these suggestions and the meeting adjourned until
Wednesday.

Shortly before noon, on Wednesday morning, the two com-
missions again went into session, when the most important
work was accomplished. After considerable discussion over
the preamble and readjusting one of the items, Maryland ac-
cepted the following resolution from Virginia:

"Whereas, The Joint Legislative Commission of Maryland
and Virginia, recognizing the necessity and the right of the
two States to enact suitable legislation for the protection and
conservation of the seafood products of the Chesapeake Bay
and its tributaries; therefore, be it

"Resolved by the said commission, That the following sug-
gestions be enacted into laws by concurrent legislation of the
two States, to wit:

"1. That lines of fish pounds, or other nets, shall not ex-
tend beyond the lines in Bay or rivers established in 1914 by
the United States War Department.

"2. That a heavy penalty be imposed for taking, catching
or having in possession food fish, including herring, to the
extent of 1 per centum for the purpose of manufacturing into
oil or guano.

"3. That cull laws be enacted for catching or having in pos-
session sturgeon, rock, spot, trout, blue fish, hog fish, perch,
mullet, bass, etc., turning same loose while yet alive.

"4. That a closed season, and not regulations, be provided
for perch and rock.