Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1891-01-07

Grove of Big Trees, which were ceded to the
State of California by the Government of the
United sta es for park purposes, is an impor-
tant State interest. The Yosemite valley is ad.
mitted to be the grandest natural wonder of
the world. Its existence within the borders of
California has attracted tourist travel 10 our
the world the scenic grandeur of our coast
The valley and its Interests have occupied a
greater share of public attention within the
past Two years than in any former period, owing
to the effort IN certain quarters TO secure reyo-
cation OF the grant to the State. and restors-
ton of the grant TO the Federal Government In
the accomplishment OF this object 1t is mat
ter OF sincere regret that misrepresentation has
been resorted to- 1t has been charged that
the State has violated its trust, has failed
TO preserve the valley as required in the Act OF
Cession, and has in many respects violated the
conditions of the Act OF Cession. l perform a
simple act of Official duty in declaring that
these charges are unfounded and untrue AS
to the policy which should control trust of
this character, there is room for great diverg-
ence OF honest opinion, but it may safely be
assumed that no policy could be adopted by any
set OF men which would meet with universal
appreciation. The valley comes under the OBJ
servatlon OF visitors from all parts of the
world. There is, perhaps, as great diversity
of opinion as to what constitutes preservation
as there are persons to express opinions These,
however, may be classified under two general
conceptions OF policy.
.'One view is that the valley should be i'm
proved; that its stupendous cliffs should be
made accessible from the floor of the valley
below by easy, safe and convenient means; that
the natural wIldness of the scenery should be
subdued TO park-like appearance: that art
should combine with nature in emphasizing the
striking beauty of the place; that the cons tant
encroachment OF the underground in the valley
should be resisted; that vistas should be opened
that the ancient forests should be given park
like appearance; that, in short the skill of the
landscape gardener should be involved to sub
due its natural wildness to that order and
symetry pleasing to cultivated taste. Opposed
to this is the view that nature needs no direc-
ton, and the precincts of the valley no adorn
mert; that the true policy of preservation is to
permit the fall free course of the natural
growths upon the floor of the valley The sup
p6fters OF this latter view are much incensed a
the removal of any part of the rank under
growth. They are opposed TO any artifcla
feature whatever. Their contention is iha
natural wildness viii give emphasis to grandeur
and sublimity.
zone of the leading magazines of the country
is essaying the self imposed mission of accom-
plishing what il is pleased to term the rescue
of this great natural wonder from the vendal
i'm which has control of it. If policy worth,
to be characterized as vandalism has in tn,
pess controlled the affairs Of the valley. tn,
people.of California should welcome and en-
courage any assistance TO rescue the place from
destruction. ! am not unconscious of the valu
Of intelligent criticism upon the conduct o
| public affairs, nor am ungrateful for the as
| sistance such criticism has been to me in tn,