The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1883-03-23
YELLOWSTONE PARK LEASE.

We publish in this issue the terms in de-
tail of the lease drawn up between the Gov
ernment and Rufus Hatch & Co. for lands
for hotel purposes in the Yellowstone Ma
tional Park. This 1t was presumed would
be signed last week, but we notice in late
adyices that Conkling and Merrck, attorneys
for Hatch g. Co., insist on many of the i'm
portant conditions Of the contract made last
fall which they hold Is valid and still in
force. What the terms of that contract were
we do not know, but with the present one,
as indicated in the article published, we have
no fault to find. 1t Is very desirable to have
hotels and conveyances In the Park, and II
Hatch & Co. or any other persons will put
them there and maintain them as this con-
tract calls for, without any exclusive privi-
leges or monopoly, without being permitted
to erect buildings near, or prevent access TO,
any Of the geysers, falls, or springs, and to
have their rates fixed and determined by the
Secretary Of the Interior, we are glad Of it,
and hope they will make millions out Of It,.
Were the privileges exclusive and rates for
hotel and transportation charges unlimited
SO that the Park might Returned into man.
moth "deadfall" where a corporate enter
prise would aroll" the visitor, the purpose OF
its reservation would be defeated and extor-
tionate charges soon make the worlds great
est wonderland as dsreputable in that re-
spect as Niagara; but under the limitation,
requirements and restrictions set forth we
should certainly approve this project. And
it Is well that heavy capitalists are about to
undertake these Improvements. The place
Is worthy Of large and comfortable hotels
and they will pay. Il is better also that
there should be q number of them, and that
they and the transportation should all be
under one Management. We old timers en-
joyed the trip, perhaps best, with cayuse
and frying pan, but people from all the
world, and many Of them, are comingto this
Park-people who cannot endure hardship,
who do not speak our language, who are able
aud willing TO pay for good accom- modations
and safe conduct, and II will require the In
vestment of an immense amount of monty
to provide for them. II is well that these,
from the time they leave the cars until they
enter them again, may be fed, lodge, and
transported by one company, II thew desire,
with no further travelling troubles than they
have In crossing the continent In dining
car and sleeper train. This win be luxury
that nearly oil tourists win prefer, and those
who do not can be cared for and transported
by competitors or themselves. II looks TO
us. that rather than project TO be opposed
II is one We should most heartily encourage.
1t viii certainly detract nothing from Mon
tana, and will divest the Park Of the rapaciiy
of those who wonla take advantages II facili-
ties were limited aud charges unlimited. We
believe Hatch q Co. rightly estimate the
enormous tide Of people that viii flow
through the Park when It Is known the trip
can be made with comfort and safety and
that although their Investment will be heavy
II win pay with reasonable charges. fthey
70 beyond this and ask privileges and mo.
nopolies detrimental 70 the pubiG they
should Be opposed and prevented.