The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1883-02-28
The Yellowstone Contract.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-THE attention
of Assistant Secretary of the Interior,
Joslyn, was called to-day to the action
Of the Minnesota and Illinois legisla-
lures, condemning the contract with the
National Park Improvement company.
He was asked what he thought of this
action. He replied that the members of
the two legislatures had evidently voted
for the resolutions without knowing the
facts. He said that if they had taken
the trouble to post themselves as to the
exact terms of the contract they would
have found that the company was pow
erless to do anything until the leases had
been executed. These leases, although
made out, have not been executed, and
will not be until action is taken by con-
gress. A bill is now pending which is
entirely acceptable to all parties concern
ed, and as soon as it is passed the leases
will be executed. The amended lease
has been approved by Senator Vest, who
originated the congressional investiga-
ton, and Senator Saunders, chairman
of the committee on territories. The
amendments specify the dimensions of
the hotel and provide that nothing in
the terms of the contract shall be con-
strued as prohibiting the secretary of
the interior from making other leases at
other points for the am purpose. They
also contain a provision waving, on the
part of the ~lessees, such stipulations and
covenants in the agreement as relate to
the exclusive privilege Of providing
transportation for visitors within the
limits Of the park, it being understood
that the lessees are granted the right to
provide and keep for hire within the
park such stage lines aad other livery
accommodations as may be required for
the convenience Of the public. Mr.. JOS
Ign is of the opinion that the great cry
against the contract has been raised by
parties who will be pecuniarily affected
if the contract goes into effect. He at
tributes the writing of the letter by Gov.
Crosby to the pressure Of certain parties
he declined to name, who were instru-
mental in getting Crosby his appoint
ment, intimating that these gentlemen
were interested in having the contract
set aside. Brisbin is probably the most
interested party and is associated with
others who would like to control the
park. Brisbin's steamboat enterprise is
said to be worth 81 600, 900. The dissatis-
faction is also said to have originated
with a certain army ring, who want TO
get control Of the park. The Union Pa
cific people have also had something to
do with disappearing the facts. They
wish to delay the execution of the CON
tract until they can complete the branch
road to the park, SO that they can share
in the passenger traffic with the North
ern Pacific. All these parties, by mis-
representation, have succeeded in work
ing up public sentiment against the
enterprise. The contract affords the
most ample protection to the public
extortion, as the schedule of
rates is entirely under the control of the
secretary of the interior. It is believed
it would be much better for the
park and visitors if the matter could be
left in the hands of responsible parties,
and not divided between all classes Of
vendors and Adventures.
Notice.