The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-04-13
LET'S HAVE THE FACTS


The Key West Chamber Of Commerce
has barely come into being before an OPP
portunity to perform signal service con-
fronts it.
There is confusion among our people
concerning the merits and dement's of the
proposed Everglades National Park, and
its possible effect upon our interests.
Influential and public spirited citi-
zens. men on whose judgment we can rely,
in whose integrity we place the utmost COM
fidence, are found holding diametrically
opposite views on this question, 800
There can be no grounds for sus-
picion of Interior motives on the part Of
those holding diverse views on the sub
ject If the park has within it the pos
sibilities that are claimed for it. there is
no man in Monroe County, whether prop
erty holder or laborer, who will not di-
rectly benefit by its establishment None
of us are foolish enough to "cut off our
nose to spite our face" If it is a. good
thing for Monroe County, we want the
park to become going concern as speed
lily as possible.
But, there is no agreement that such
is the case. The man on the street
whose interests are affected, whose opinion
should be conclusive, is confronted by con-
flicting evidence He has a right to know
exactly what the elements of the problem
are, SO that he may form an intelligent de-
cision.
If the park is to take in territory vital
to the development of Monroe County, if
it is to make heavy inroads on our tax-roll
then we can not be expected to cheerfully
acquiesce in proposed sacrifice of Mon
roe County for the benefit of the State and
country at large.
We feel that we have done enough
along that line in patiently submitting to
the devastation of our premises incidental
to the efforts of the Plant Board to exter
inmate an alleged black fly, that the citrus
groves of the mainland may be benefited.
Monroe County is not going to be
swept off its feet by any altruistic hurrah,
cheering it on to self-immolation.
But, on the other hand, if the estab-
| lishment of the park will work no serious
hardship on Monroe County, but will bring
| in millions of dollars of new business, it
would be tragic thing if we made the
mistake of taking a stand that would block
the advancement of the State and injure
ourselves.
Obviously, fact-finding commission
and an impartial report is due the citizens
of the county; and it is equally obvious
that our new Chamber of Commerce can
| justify the confidence with which we have
| given it our support by devoting its ener-
| gies to hearing the conflicting evidence,
and without fear or favor presenting its
| findings for our consideration.
| The Citizen does not believe that
| there is wilful mis-statement anywhere
in the entire muddled problem. 1t is evil
| dent that some are mistaken and if the
! Chamber of Commerce will patiently and
carefully ascertain where the mistakes
! are, and give us an unquestionable report
on its findings, it will merit the approba-
| ton of all the parties concerned and head
off situation which is in danger of de-
! scending from adiscussion to dispute.
There are few differences whichswil
not disappear before clear understanding
of the question.
The Chamber of Commerce has an OPP
portunity to perform a service that will be
worth many times what we have paid to
bring it into existence.