The San Francisco call., 1896-02-23
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Feb. IL, 1896
Yours of February 6, 1896, inclosing copy of
the Mariposa Gazette of date January 25 1896
containing an article headed the National
Park, in which reference was made to the pur-
chase OF the toll roads into the park, and also
calling attention to the injustice done to pio-
neer settlers therein by the method in which
the park reservation was carried out, was duly
received and contents noted. I thank you
very much Tor having called my attention to
the matter OF the claims of these settlers
Owing to the fact that have never visitedthe
park, and was unable to visit Mariposa during
the campaign of 1894, and to the fact that
no one has spoken to me about this, /
was unaware of the fact that anybody
effect OF the law of Congress organizing the
park. l understood that complaint was made
as to the manner in which the soldiers having
charge of the park had carried ont their or.
ders to remove the sheep and cattle from the
grazing ground OF the park, but did not know
that, IN the language of your article "by its res
erVatlon or rather by the departmental method
IN which that reservation was carried out
hundreds OF the most deserving pioneer set
tiers suffered cruel injustice and loss" That
was ignorant of this do not think is my fault
because am not familiar with your county
nor the park nor the history attending its
opening.
am ready now and at ali times to right the
wrongs OF any deserving citizen of my district
or State. If you will give me q concise sta te-
ment of the manner in which this injustice
ana loss was done and suffered, will prom ptl y
Ah'iouuCe d Dill III SOuBreSS ana enQedVOr TO
secure It's passage providing, in the language
OF your article, ''for adequate inquiry into
ana, II necessary, compensation for claims
arising out of the acquisition of the National
Park wherever injustice appears to have been
done" 1t will be necessary for me to have
su1hctent data as to names OF persons injured,
causes OF injury and amount of damage suf-
tered In order to enable me to make an argu-
meHt before the committee TO which the bill
will be referred in favor of its passage.
have already done what / could in refer
ence to the grazing of the land of the reserva-
ton and have met with the most strenuous OPP
position from the Government officials to the
granting of any license whatever TO people to
craze cattle or sheep upon the park. The mat
ter suggested by you Is one that ought not to
excite any antagonism if the facts are brought
to the attention of Congress. shall be pleased
10 receive from you at any time during my
service as Congressman suggestions as to
needed legislation, affecting not merely your
county, but our district and State and the
Nation.
You have undoubtedly given public matters
attention and will be able TO give me valuable
assistance in properly meeting the problems
presented to me. desire to do that which is
right to all the people and realize that am
unable to decide all matters myself and most
heartily and cheerfully welcome honest criti-
clsm and friendly advice from any of my con-
stltuents. If possible will visit Mariposa the
present year and make your personal acquaint.
ance and learn more of the needs OF your
people.
Again thanking you for your kindness in
tnls matter, am very truly yours,
GROVE L. JOHNSON.