Transcription:
A renewed attempt is being made by the municipal authorities of San Francisco to obtain from Congress a retification of an
ill-con-sidered grant made by former Secretary of the Interior Garfield. This grant confers upon San Francisco conditionally
the right, to flood Hetch-Hetchy Valley as a source of writ or-supply and of electric energy for the actual municipal purposes
of the city and count; of San Francisco. At the hearing in Washington last winter it was shown that this would practically
mean the dismemberment of the Yosemite National Park, because, as a sanitary precaution, it would ultimately require the sequestration
of the northern half of the park which comprises by far the most notable scenic fratures. There are a number of reasons why
public spirited men throughout the United States should urge congress to revoke the grant and to place Yosemite as well as
the Yellowstone under the sole disposition of Congress. The proved existence of a number of excellent watersupplies, available
by purchase or condemnation, exhibits the municipal. authorities of San Francisco in the undignified endeavor to drive a sharp
bargain at the nation's expanse, and all under cover of a petty quarrel between the municipality and a water company. Chairman
Mondell of the Public Lands Committee found in his report that the city, has failed to establish its contention that the Hetch-Hetchy
is the only reasonably available source of water supply in the Sierras . Why then should irreparable injury be inflicted upon
One of the nation's fairest possessions? Because it will produce a relief from taxation now imposed for lighting streets and
public buildings is one of the answers of the city engineer.' It seems incredible that a project so inherently selfish can
be seriously urged upon the notice of Congress.06321