The record-union., 1897-12-15
THE YOSEMITE ROAD MOVEMENT

Six months ago the Record Union"
suggested that as the Federal Govern
1nent is the largest land owner in the
immediate vicinity of Yosemite Valley
the Government owning all the land
surrounding Yosemite, in what is
known as the forest reserve, it would
be the right thing for Congress to or
der constructed over such lands a fine
free model highway leading into the
valley.
That idea grew into such proportions
that this paper was moved to set on
foot a plan to bring the matter to the
attention of Congress, especially as
there was at the same time scheme on
foot 20 sell the four old toll roads lead
ing into the valley to the Government
for a round sum Accordingly the mat
ter was thoroughly explained in these
columns, and the aid Of the press of
the State was invoked to bring the
subject to the attention of the people.
When the subject had been well de-
bated the Record Union" sent out into
the several sections Of the State petit
tions to Congress praying It to take
up the subject and give it consideration,
with a view to ordering such free
wagon road to be constructed over the
easiest possible grade, and leading from
the Yosemite Valley into the San Joa-
quin Valley, to relate it reasonably to
the great lines of railway transporta-
ton in the State.
These petitions, generously signed,
were gathered in in November, and, be-
ing massed, together with resolutions
passed by several organizations inter
ested in good road work and general
internal improvement, were sent on to
Congressman DeVries of this district,
with & request that the same should be
presented to Congress. Previously Mr..
DE Vries had heartily indorsed the plan
1T his earnest support and his personal
assistance. 1t also received valuable
support from the State Department of
Highways.
The petitions have now been pre-
scented in the House Of Representatives
by Mr.. De Vries, who VIII also intro
duce a bill for inquiry to be made into
the whole matter with a view to pre-
pairing the way for practical action by
Congress at as early a day as Is pos
sible
In a letter to the Record Union" on
this subject Mr.. De vries, referring to
the petitions sent up, says:
Your favor Of December I'd, with the
Enclosed petitions, at hand. I shall
present the same in the House this
morning and know they will be Of great
weight in determining this matter.
am now working on bill to present to
the House, which, I think, will be sat
ssfactory to all parties concerned My
bill will be in the nature of a bill for
the appointment of a commission to
be composed Of two United States en-
gineers and one member Of the Board
of Highway Commissioners Of the State
of California, who shall find all the
facts In relation to this matter. That
IS their duty viii be to find the length
width ard grades Of all of the roads
leading into the Yosemite Valley: the
distance from stations or other points
of the proposed new roads into the
valley. together with the possible at
tainable grades and widths Of such
roads. in fact, all of the facts relating
TO this matter Will have a bill franz
ed that this commission is to act during
the summer and report in time for the
short session of Congress to act there
upon. Congress certainly viii not act
in the premises without information
placed before 1t by it's own agents, and
/ believe this VIII be the most satisfac-
tory way. When this data is before
Congress, which this commission will
gather, and is submitted before the peo-
pie as their report, ! anticipate there
viii he no trouble IN determining upon
the best route in the interest of all the
people
That Congressman De yries Is correct
IN his Judgment that no action can be
expected of Congress concerning this
free Yosemite road. in advance of off,
cial inquiry and report upon the sub
ject, there can be no doubt He has
pursued the proper course. and we an
ticioate that he will be successful in
attaining the end so much desired
IN the meantime effort in the direc-
ton already taken should not cease.
Friends of the proposed road should not