Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-12
NINETEEN FIRES

nuding the mountain tops of their growth.
Mr. Van Fleet-What will it cost to secure
the roads and trails?
Mr.. Hutchings-If all bought outright,
about 81, coo.
Mr.. Van Fleet-What is the present in
come of the valley to the Commission
Mr.. Hutchipgs-About $4,000.
Mr.. Mills-Half Of that is paid for the
Guardian to care for the property. The hO-
tells, fences, bridges and much other property
there belongs to the State. 1t has to be in
sured in part, and all kept in repair. The
State has valuable property there. he dis
agreed with DR.. Briggs as TO the former Com
mission. He found little in its acts to APP
prove. For instance, that body, after trail
lease or franchise for ten years had run four
years, it Cancelled it and granted it over
again for ten years more. In other words,
after the State had acquired forty per cent.
of the property value of that trail, the old
Commission deliberately gave it away.
Mr.. Briggs said he meant that the property
would not have been allowed to get into its
present condition had the old Commission
had the money to Keep it cleared up.
Mr.. Van Fleet-How does your Commits
sion propose to buy the trails
Mr.. Mills-Where franchise has but one
or two years TO run, let it go on-as in the
case of the Snow trail. When the franchise
has long time to run. buy it. Open up as
we can new trails to new points, and these,
being free, will attract people. 1t is
simple right and duty to oren up the
new views. Some of the best are now
Clear away obstructing growth
also, and by these means people will be en-
couraged to visit the valley. In Governor
Perkins message the valley is referred to. and
he wished to say he Endorsed all the Governor
had there advised.
a CONUNDRUM
Had been inst proposed by the Governor
' If you can afford to give S25 600 to improve
a lot in San Jose the State don't own, how
much can you afford to give to improve
great grove and large valley the State does
own ?"
Senator LampsOn said the expiring fran
chises need not be bought, tie long ones
should be. It is not wise policy to ask the
stranger to come to the valley, and as soon
as he gets there charge him 81 per foot
step. Make the trails free, and, as soon as
can be, invite all the world to come and ride
and walk freely in our great garden. The
Commission ought to say if it wants to buy
both roads and trails.
Governor Perkins said, as one of the Com
mission, he was opposed to buying roads,
They are outside the valley and the State is
under no obligation to make the approaches
to the valley free any more than to pay the
railroad and steamboat fare of the tourist
but in the valley buy the trails and make
them free. That is good business policy, as
he viewed it. Clear out the underground, re-
pair and build bridges. Some of the road
owners think the State has not dealt fairly
with them. Well, if they have claims against
the State, let them present them, and the
legislative Committee on Claims will proba-
bly-sit down on them. A1erriment Ger
tainly the Commission had nothing to do
with them. He wanted this administration
to be as economical as possible. but the ap~
now asked seems to be in the line
Of wise business policy.
Mr.. Bost referred to the Yosemite items
in the new appropriation bill and the item Of
travelling expenses.
The Commissioners disclaimed all l1nowl-
edge OF it. Their travelling expense ID been
very small. That was put in probably by
the old Commissioners and includes two
years and the expense Tor the guardian and
current expenses.
Commissioner Mearey said the Commits
sion had been in Office only about six
months. 1t went to the valley and found it in
the hands OF landowners and all in confusion,
The old Commissioners refused to recognize
the new. and the latter had to pay expenses
out OF the valley income. He wanted to see
the trails bought and made free, but wished
to pay no more for them than absolutely
The old Commissioners left the
valley in sad condition. The rubbish must
be cleared away, and road made close co
the wall of the valley around its circumfer-
ence.
Mr. AIills-The old Commission denies the
right OF this Commission, or of the State to
interfere with it. Practically its members
say, This valley belongs to us and cur sue
cessors in Office" They deny the power of
any legislature, King or potentate over them.
They are free and independent in their own
estimation. They refuse TO, or have not &C
counted to the Legislature. They have not
reported to you. They give you NO account
Of the money of the State they have on hand.
They have received it every year and make
no final account now. The Legislature
ought to make them account. They have
money belonging TO this State as we believe.
Mr.. Van Fleet-How did you make them
recognize your body?
A Commissioner-They have not done so.
But we went in and took possession. The
Supreme Court has confirmed our right, but
the old Commission pays no attention to it.
They are Commissioners they say, but what
Of, this Commission cannot say.
Mr.. Meaney-In 1872 California appro-
priated $50, 600 to buy property in the valley,
and $50 600 of it was so expended The State
owns that property now 1t is there. We are
caring for it. 1t must have the care Of the
State. There are a good many fields rented
there under the old Commission, and as to
those we have not yet been able to take de-
cisive action.
Mr. Birney-There are too many fields
and fences there now.
Mr.. Bost said he had gained much light,
more than ever before, on the subject. He
w for the hill INIT moved that tbp
committee report bill according to the sus-
gestion of Senator Lampson, and leaving out
all reference to roads.
The committee unanimously adopted the
motion, and the Chairman was requested 10
prepare the bill.
Mr. Van Fleet-It is pity this bill was
not put in early in the session. 1t will meet
with opposition now, as it asks for money.
Mr.. Bost-I am for it and shall labor for
it, ] ask the Commissioners to aid me. 1t
is a right thing, but we shall need to work
hard and show members it is the correct
business thing to do.
Mr.. Mills said the only fear he had was it
might be overlaid by the depth of the file.
The Commissioners had no personal interest
in it. For one, he would not lobby for it.
He would converse with any legislator con-
corning it with whom be bad personal,
friendly relations but what California does
in this matter she should do freely ana open
ly. 1t is not partisan measure, but one OF
State policy.
Mr. Van Fleet said he believed he spoke
for the committee when he said it had re-
,eiyed new light on the subject, aud had OBJ
tanned valuable information, and that erro-
1eous ideas had been corrected regarding the
matter. He for one had been edited and in
,tructed. and saw his duty clearly, and be-
ieved the people would uphold him in it.
Mr.. Bost concurred with Mr.. Van Fleets
expression, and the committee generally
.dded its approval of the measure and its in
ention TO present the subject forcibiy to the
House.
The conference then adjourned
Manifold Color PRINTING BY OyE