The record-union., 1897-09-03
REASONS FOR THE YOSEMITE
ROAD.

4n% propoSluon OF the RecoTu- IN
ion" Is that the people Of California
shall ar once petition the Federal Gov
eFnment to construct first-class wag-
on road across it's own lands over the
most approved lines, in the territory of
the National reserve, in the bosom of
which Yosemite is buried.
To that end petitions are being cir
culated, and trade, commercial, agri-
cultural. driving, bicycle and other or
ganizations are invited to lend their
aid. The press is solicited to give the
appeal to Congress its cordial and per-
sistent support, and the people general
ly to help on the public-spirited move
ment. The proposition IS that on its
own ground from Yosemite towards the
great vallies the Federal Government
should construct a good, easy, swift,
wagon road over a route that will re-
late the road to the best advantage
with the general lines of travel and
railway connection at the most desir
able point. wherever that may be.
The reasons why the Federal Govern
ment should do this are:
First. It is the largest landed propri-
etor in the district, and its lands in
tervene between the valley and all ap-
proac1es to 1t.
Second. The main road into the valley
should be the easiest obtainable grade,
and should be free to all the people, for
the Federal Government owes it to
them to conserve this easy access to
the valley
Third. The valley is the greatest nat
ura1 wonder of the coast, if not of the
United States. and should give invita-
ton for the largest possible travel into
It at the lowest possible cost on foot,
on horse, or on wheels.
Fourth. The Yosemite is the heritage
of all the people Of the Union, and
should be made as accessible as pos
sible. that the teaching value of this
magnificent lesson may have the wild
est possible influence.
Fifth. The Federal Government has
constructed similar roads in Yellow
stone Park and other parks, and should
by like means favor like access to Yo-
semitic over its own lands The cost
to the General Government will be COM
paratively light and involve a. sum Of
no great financial concern.
Sixth. The Government owes this
much to California, for which it has
done comparatively little in the way of
internal improvements.
The reasons why California should
push on this proposition are as fol-
lows:
First. It will stimulate the good-road
sentiment In this State and encourage
localities to build good roads to con-
meet with, or relate to the Yosemite
highway, and to meet it and rail con-
nections with it.
Second. It will enlarge tourist travel
TO the State and tourist excursions
within the State.
Third. Tt viii enable tens of thous-
ands of people to visit and enjoy the
beauties and grandeur of the Yosemite
who are now barred out by reason of
the cost involved and the long time
required.
Fourth. BY rendering Yosemite more
accessible, we will stimulate general
travel into the valley TO the wider
knowledge of that natural wonder, and
the enlargement of the intelligence of
the people. It will enable the poorest
to enter the valley by their own con-
veyance.
Fifth. 1t will tend to develop the
more the central section of the State.
notably in the San joaquin Valley, and
whatever helps one part Of the State
without injury to another part is TO
be commended as of common concern
and interest.
We believe that about all that is
needed is to invite Federal attention TO
the subject. and that backed by the
appeal of the people. the California
delegation in Congress can achieve the
end desired. For that purpose the pc
titions, prepared by the sRecord-Un-
ion.'' ere to be circulated in every
county in the State. for individual
signatures, and organized bodies Of
cItizers are asked TO give Endorsement
by resolution to the proposition like
wise. More than this. thousands OF