Transcription:
DEPARTMHfT OF THE INTERIOR, COPY General Land Office, WASHINGTON, D. C. March 10, 1899, Mr. John Muir, Resident, and
Mr. warron Olnoy, Vice-President, Sierra Club, San Francisco, California. Gent1amen:- Replying to your telegram of March
7, 1899, I have to say that the evidence before this office ie overwhelmingly against sheep-grazing in the Sierra Forest Reserve.
The reasons stated for opposing the pasturage of sheep within said reserve aro of the most substantial and convincing character,
and come from what appears to be disinterested souroes. The Forest Superintendent and Supervisors have made exhaustive reports
opposing it. There are four petitions from Madera county signed, respectively, by 40, 52, 105 and 117 citizens, and two from
Tulare County signed by 72 and 120 citizens, all opposing sheep-grazing in the reserve. In reply to letters of Inquiry by
Superintendent Newhall, Mr. Marion Medley of Lodge, Mr. F. Femmons of Gertrude, Mr.George Telford, Mr. w. P. Hedgepeth, and
Mr. A. w. Frederick, make statements which Indicate that sheep should be excluded from the reserve. This offioe is also in
receipt of letters from Mr. Wm. Hoskins of Lodge, Mr. Goo.Solby of Ksngsburg, Mr. John S. Eastwood of Fresno, and Mr. John
G. Eckles of the Weekly Review, Porterville. to the same effect. 02550