The Tomahawk., 1919-08-28
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ernment to occupy. This ma
tional park movement is the
livest cause which is not primarily a cause grow
ing out Of the great war. Our entrance into war
in 1917 caused temporary postponement of the
plans then we'll under way for the organization OF
this association. In its place the National Parks
Educational committee was formed to hold the
ground already gained and to organize the asso-
citation at proptious time. The committee has
done its work and the National Parks association
is now doing business, with headquarters in the
Union Trust building, Washington, D. G.
The purpose Of the association is spendidly
patriotic. Wholly Independent of the federal gov
ernment, it will closely cooperate with the ma
honal park service, the new bureau Of the depart.
ment of the interior established by congress to
administer the national parks.
1t Is nonpolitfcal and one of its purposes Is to
keep politics out of the national parks.
stands for the outdoor life, for recreation amid
scenic beauty; for "See America First;" for the
development of the national parks as great
economic assets of the nation; for keeping bill
lions Of American dollars at ~home-before the
war something like $5O0,OOO.O 1000 year was spent
by American tourists abroad in sightseeing, Of
which Switzerland alone got more than $200,000.-
OOO
Yet, notwithstanding these many activities, the
main purpose Of the association is educational It
says to the people of the nation who are to use
these public Fairgrounds:
DO you know that our national parks are na~
ture's great laboratories and museums-that the
splendid spectacles which our national parks
present not only wonders,' not merely
scenery but also the conspicuous exhibits Of q
passing stage in the eternal progress Of creation
that they show us, upon a mighty SCALE the proc
esses by which she has been and is making Amer.
ica-that you may double your pleasure in these
spectacles by comprehending their meaning and
that an intelligent study Of them win introduce
you to a new and wonderful world1 Let us know
America. and let us really know it. Let us know
its natural well as its national history. Let Us
differentiate and distinguish and appreciate.
Then only shall we know"
The purposes of the National Parks association
may therefore be concisely summed up thus:
To interpret the natural sciences which are Illus
trated In the scenic features flora and fauna Of
the national parks and monuments, and circulate
popular information concerning them in text and
picture. -..' =
To encourage the popular study Of the history,
exploration, tradition and folk lore Of the national
parks and monuments.
To encourage art with national parks subjects,
aud the literature Of national parks travel, Wild
life and wilderness living and the Interpretation
Of scenery.
70 encourage the extension Of the national parks
tho full range Of American scenery, dora and
fauna, yet confined to areas Of significance 20 e1-
traordinary that they shall make the name na-
tioual mark IN American trademark In the compe-
htion for the worlds travel; and the development
Of the national monuments into q system nustra-
tive Of the range Of prehistoric civilization early
exploration and history, land FORMS American
forest type, wild life, etc.
To enlist the personal services Of individuals
and the cooperation Of societies, ofgani2ations,
schools universitieA and Institutions In the cause
Of the national parks and monuments
The Natiooal Parks Educational committee con-
sisted Of 25 members. Charles d. Walcott, secre-
sary Of the Smithsonian institution, was chairman.
The vice chairman was William Kent, former
CONGRESSMAN from California and the donor Of
Muir Woods National monument to the nation.
Henry R r. Nacfaf1aad oe Washingesa was chair