The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-08-28
OPEN YOSEMITE's GATES.

The Fresno "Expositor' refers to the
superior attractiveness of mountain re-
treats for summer excursions and for
rest Exactly The seaside and the
springs are not to be named in the
same breath with the Temples Of God
IN the Everlasting Hills. And where
on the face of California, great, favored
and varied as are her natural attrac-
tions, is there a spot more restful
healthful, satisfying and noble; fuller
of wonders and worshipful magnificence
than the Yosemite Valley?
Yet the people are practically shut
out of that valley, save the fortunate
few, because the means of transporta-
ton are inadequate, wearisome and ex-
haustive of time and means. This I'M
surpassed natural cathedral, this val
ley of never ending, ever repeating sur
prises, Of the purest air ever breathed
by human lungs. of solitudes that
charm and glories that invite to devo-
ton, is surrounded by the National for
est reserve. In that region the Unit
ed States is the largest landed proprie-
tor What is asked of the Govern
ment then is, that it build a free, per-
manent, easy, swift wagon road over
its own property to some convenient
point, as best grades and other needs
and economies may determine. where
from rail lines the people who thus
travel or from leading highways for
those who go awheel the whole route
connection may be made with the
Government road
This road should be the peoples. II
should be free to all, since the valley
with its glories, wonders, charms and
unsurpassed attractions is the heritage
OF ALL Congress should be moved up
on to do this small thing, not for Cal
ffornia alone, but for the people of the
Nation.
There should be no purchase of old
roads; there would be wastefulness and
folly in that and the best route in
might be thus doomed. Wherever built
however, the Government should own
it and improve it over its own prop
erty and into the floor of the valley
The cost viii be small for the National
Treasury, really a trife; the benefits
viii be incalculable
That road once constructed will mean
State and county road connection with
it at more than one point by improved
highways. It will mean that so soon
as the Government favors the PROPOSE
tion, the revival of good road interest
in California. 1t viii mean thousands
of tourists for the valley where now
only scores go in. It viii open that
garden of delights to the poorest and
result in this superb park being man
aged by the State on such a plane that
it viii be an irresistible invitation tc
the humblest OF Gods creatures to wor-
ship at the foot of the noblest altar OF
earth, the divine FL Captain. The
"Record-Union" is in deep earnest il
this matter for the reasons stated, and
it proposes to test the sense of the peo-
pie of California concerning it, by ask
ing them to sign an appeal to Congress
for the construction of that road.
Thus far not one of the press of tbs
State has suggested an objection tC
the appeal, and in truth none can be
made that are tenable, nor do we be
lieve any will be offered. The people
want that road. and it is their right Il
make their want known. If the Gov
eminent can build, as it does, roads in
its grounds in the Yellowstone and 9th
er National parks, why not do it fol
California in order to set wide open Il
all men, the gates of the most superl
natural park in creation?