Los Angeles herald., 1910-07-07
URGES PROTECTION FOR
TRAVELLERS ON DESERT
George Parsons Says Sign Posts
Would Be of Benefit in
Saving Lives

Recent tragedies in the desert have
resulted in George w. Parsons, chair
man of the mining committee of the
chamber of commerce, making an ap-
peal to the chamber to urge the state
engineer to Immediately complete the
work of placing signs along the roads
and trails that traverse that desolate
region. Favorable action was taken
yesterday. About half of the $4,000 ap-
propriated by the legislature has been
expended already, and many of the
roads have sign boards. However,
there is still much territory to cover.
Mr.. Parsons probably has had more
to do with impressing the importance
of this matter on the state authorities
than any other man. He is anxious
that the work shall not cease until
all the roads, trails and places where
water may be secured have been
marked. Within a few days several
persons have narrowly escaped death
in the desert by missing roads or
trails, or failing to find water. Signs
would minimize the danger, says Mr.
Parsons. His letter to the president
and board of directors of the Los An
geles chamber of commerce follows:
Gentlemen-This chamber of commerce haV-
ing been active in the past in the matter of
desert sign posts, directing to water, a cause
1 have had much at heart the past seven
years, l deem 1t necessary in view or so
much recent suffering and death from thirst
on the desert, to again call special attention
to this matter and to urge immediate cor
respondence with the state engineer as to the
number of unused posts and balance of the
appropriation of $4,000 originally Appropriated
still remaining in the treasury, with view
to quick action and the erection of such posts
in these different portions of desert coun-
ties where they will do the most good.
1 suggest that our state engineer not only
write the boards of supervisors of the desert
counties but also cause a general notice to
be published in the press of those counties
of the number of sign posts on hand and
ready for distribution to the right parties in
the right way.
Now is also a good time to renew agi-
tation in Washington which L started some
time ago with view to obtaining federal
aid in this matter. w. G. Mendenhall or
the department of the interior has signified
to me his deep interest In this matter and
willingness to assist, and Notwithstanding a
feeling part OF some that this is state
and not a national matter, my CONVICTION Is
from the latest information, this might be
made a national project under proper aus
pices. I therefore urge the proprlety OF ad-
dressing a communication to w. Z. Menden-
hail. asking what steps would be necessary
to be taken which would eventually enlist
the aid and support of the national govern
ment.
The horrors of the desert at this time can
be mitigated, and do not we'll see how any
one with the love of humanity in his heart
would not be willing TO give every possible
assistance in this humanitarian proposition
which will not only save life and torture from
thirst but will also develop the resources
of the desert at the same time.
1 therefore ask an Endorsement of these
propositions at your meeting today, and that
they be acted on have suggested.
will be only too glad to cooperate in any
possible way