Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-03-20
YOSEMITE VALLEY.
Findings of the Yosemite Committee of
Investigation.

The following report was submitted to
the Senate on the last night OF the session ::
WHEREAS, Charges OF mismanagement and
misappropriation of public funds, on the part
of the Commission TO Manage Yosemite Valley
and Mariposa Big Tree Grove, has been made
by the public press; and whereas, great expense
has been caused by subpenaing witnesses and
sending after witnesses who, by reason OF their
age and circumstances We're unable to attend
we, your committee, feel that report in &C
cordance with the facts is due 10 the Senate
stating our findings from the evidence taken in
the investigation.
After careful examination OF all the wit
nesses who appeared, and a careful considera-
ton OF the testimony adduced on examination
and cross examination, we find that nothing
more-than a difference of opinion existed be-
tween some witnesses and the Yosemite Com
missioners, as to the best method of manage
ment of the affairs Of the valley-appearS to
your committee. In nearly every case the
witness es disagreed one with The other about
the best mode. Some thought the Commission
ers allowed TOO many fences; while others
thought the fences were an improvement, as
the land where fenced was kept clear of brush
and undergrowth, thereby producing gress in
largely increased quantities. Some OF the wit
nesses said too many trees had been cut others
testified that none were cut without the best of
reasons. and that more underbrush should be
cut. In no case was corruption on the part of
the Commissioners proved or even charged by
the witnesses. Some Of the witnesses said hints
had been thrown out by Others and in
most of tile cases of this kind they had
even forgotten who talked TO them The
investigation was given very wide scope at
the request of the Commissioners, and no reason
appears for the attacks of the press on the Com
missioners, who seem TO have carried out their
best judgment. We believe that well-meaning
people (some of whom never saw the yalleyl
were imposed upon by irresponsible parties and
cranks, whom no sort of management would
satisfy. The tolls collected in the valley (which
the present appropriation TO purchase roads will
abolish), and tolls on roads leading to the val
ley, has caused more trouble and complaint
than any or all other things. Some witnesses
complained about exclusive privileges. but
those complaints came, in most cases. from
parties who wanted the same privileges or
leases themselves and while your committee
don't pretend to say that the Board of Commits
sioners did the best that could be done, and
but little testimony taken before your commit
tee TO justify the enormous expense incurred in
investigating charges that in most of the cases
looked into were frivolous IN the extreme.
Your committee has not the time to cite all
the cases that in their judgment warrant the
above report as the mention of one selected
case would necessitate going over all the testi-
mony, which has been ordered printed and to
which we refer TO substantiate our report.
senator Boggs, not having attended the meet.
1ngs OF the committee, could not report under
standingly.
Respectfully submitted Meany. Chairman
Fraser, Roth, Hamill, Byrnes, Wilson, Com.
mittee.
Senator White presented report setting
forth his personal views, which did not
differ materially from those of the other
members of the committee.