The San Francisco call., 1909-12-16
RESENTS ACTION
THAT PUTCLUB
IN FALSE LIGHT
attorney E. T. HoughtOn Tells
Why He Resigned From the
Sierra in Disgust
Indignant Because the Officers
Made False Representations
About Hetch Hetchy

Z. L Houghton. the local attorney
who resigned from the Sierra club
as q protest against its opposition TO
the eity's water project. declared yes
terday that q small coterie in. the or
sanitation had taken it upon them
selves TO speak without authority for
he entire membership. He criticised
the board OF directors sharply for their
attitude He said. further, that at the
time Of the clubs last election mis-
leading Information had been given
him as to the opinions of the csndi-
dates as to the use or the Hetch
Hetchy-
MUIR'S ASSUMED AUTHORITY
Houghton said:
Ny feelings in the matter were first
aroused by the frequent use of the
name of the Sierra club by its presi-
dent, John Muir, speaking as an official
of the club, in opposition TO the grant
TO san Francisco by the federal gov
srnment Of rights in the Hetch Hetchy
valley. At a later date ] learned from
Professor Bsde. also director, that he
had made a trip TO Washington, as
remember, as a representative of the
club, 10 prevent favorable action by
eitys application in that valley.
AS stated by James Hutchinson.
quoted Monday in The Call, a short
time before the annual election of a
board Of directors of the club. / took
steps 10 learn from the different mem
would, If elected, favor the city in the
matter Of the water rights.
INFORMATION HARD TO GET
s.T
tanning the information and finally
addressed a communication TO William
Z. Colby, secretary Of the club. calling
lis attention TO the fact that I had
noted that certain candidates had, ac-
cOrding 10 reports in the daily press
been active in opposing the granting
by the government OF water rights to
the city.
4 therefore requested that he en-
tighten me on the attitude of the can
didates as TO the use OF the Hetch
HetchV valley by the city of San
Francisco. In the same coulmunica-
tion l asked Colby II the club had on
cisily gone on record as being unfavor-
able 70 the grants wanted by the city.
Replying to that communication.
the secretary named three or four can
didates whom he knew 10 be favorable
TO the Hetch Hetchy project. and in
formed me that all the others were
against il.
STATEMENT WAS INCORRECT
Among the names he mentioned as
unfaVorable TO the city's plans were
James :. Hutchinson Jr., Alexander G.
McAdie and Warren Olney Sr.. all of
whom have gone on record as being
favorable TO the city's use Of the Hetch
Hetchy.
NY attention was directed to a re-
.f ho o1rsF ,r-7if
pointed by its president to Investigate
the Hetch Hetchy matter, which can
be found on page 81 Of the January,
1908. bulletin of the club.
The bulletin is unique as a report Of
q committee. 1t consists of q recital
claimed. would be wrought to the
of the irreparable damage which. it is
scenic features Of the Yosemite park
should the proposed reservoir be built
BY CLUB OFFICERS
1T concludes with this resolution:
Therefore be it resolved, that we are
opposed to the use of the Hetch
Hetchy valley as a reservoir site. and
devoutly pray that the application of
the San Francisco board of supervisors
10 the honorable secretary of the in
terror be denied (Signed) John Muir,
president; william E. Colby, secretary;
J. y le Conte. treasurer; William F.
Bade, z. T. Parsons
1T viii be noted that the so called
committee consists of the officers of
the club and the directors.
I'm submitting my letter of resigna-
tion 10 the club I stated that the club
seemed 70 have pursued policy which
assumed that the pleasure to be de-
rived by a comparatively small number
of tourists and mountaineers was en-
titled 10 greater consideration than
the daily needs and welfare of 100000
people"