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Original in possession of Mr. Howard Palmer, Sec'y American Alpine Club, New London, Conn. To Howard Palmer Martinez,
Cal. December 12, 1912. Mr. Howard Palmer, Secretary American Aline Club, New London, Conn. Dear Sir:- At the National
Parks conference in Yosemite valley last October, called by the Hon orable Sec retary of the Interior, comparatively little
of importance was considered. The great question was Shall automobiles be allowed to enter Yosemite , It overshadowed all
others, and a prodigious lot of gaseous commercial eloquence was spent upon it by Auto-club delegates from near and far.
The principal objection urged against the puffing machines was that on the steep Yosemite grades they would cause serious
accidents. The machine men roared in reply that far fewer park-going people would be killed or wounded by the auto way than
by the old prehistoric wagon way. All signs indicate automobile victory, and doubtless, under certain precautionary, restrictions,
these useful, progressive,blunt-nosed mechanical beetles will hereafter be allowed to puff their way into all the parks and
mingle their gas-breath with the breath of the pines and waterfalls, and, from the mountaineer's standpoint, with but little
harm or good. In getting ready for the Canal celebration visitors the need of opening the Valley gates as wide as possible
was duly considered, and the repair of roads and trails, hotel and camp building, the supply of cars and stages and arrangements
in general for getting the hoped-for crowds safely into the Valley and out again. But the Yosemite Park was lost sight of,
as if its thousand square miles of wonderful mountains, canyons, glaciers, forests and songful falling rivers had no existence.
In the development of the Park a road is needed from the Valley along the upper canyon of the Merced, across to the head of
Tuolumne Meadows, down the great Tuolumne Canyon to Hetch Hetchy valley, and thence back to Yosemite by the Big Oak Flat road.
Good walkers can go anywhere in these hospitable mountains without artificial ways. But most visitors have to be rolled on
wheels with blankets and kitchen arrangements. Of course the few mountaineers present got in a word now and then on the need
of park protection from commercial invasion like that now threatening Hetch Hetchy. In particular the Secretary of the American
Civic Association and the Sierra Club spoke on the highest value of wild parks as places of recreation, Nature's cathedrals,
where all may gain inspiration and strength and get nearer to God. The great need of a landscape gardener to lay out the
roads and direct the work of thinning out the heavy undergrowth was also urged. With all good New Year wishes, I am, Faithfully
yours, John Muir RECEIPT FOR REGISTERED ARTICLE Registered at the Post Office Indicated in Postmark. Complete record
of registered mail is kept at the post office, but the sender should write the name of the addressee on back hereof as an
identification. Preserve and submit this receipt case of inquiry. POSTMASTER, per Form 3806. No. 11732 Class postage
Postmark clearly, showing date and office. 05-685205318