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To explore, enjoy, and render accessible the mountain regions of the Pacific Coast; to publish authentic information concerning
them; to enlist the support and co-operation of the people and the Government in preserving the forests and other natural
features of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. SIERRA CLUB 2901 Channing Way Berkeley, Cal. Board of Directors-1907-1908
Mr. John Muir, President Martinez Prof. A. G. McAdie, Vice-President San Francisco Prof. J. N. Le Conte, Treasurer Berkeley
Mr. William E. Colby, Secretary Berkeley Prof. Wm. F. Bade Berkeley Prof. George Davidson 2221 Washington St., S. F. Prof.
W. R. Dudley Stanford University Mr. Warren Olney San Francisco Mr. E. T. Parsons University Club, San Francisco Outing
Committee Mr. Wm. E. Colby, Chairman Prof. J. N. Le Conte Mr. E. T. Parsons Honorary Vice-Presidents Prof. George
Davidson San Francisco Mr. R. U. Johnson The Century, New York Pres. David Starr Jordan Stanford University Mr. Gifford
Pinchot Washington, D. C. Committee on Publications Mr. Elliott McAllister, Editor San Francisco Prof. Wm. F. Bade, Book
Reviews Berkeley Prof. Wm. R. Dudley, Forestry Notes Stanford Univ. Mr. Alex. G. Eells Prof. H. W. Rolfe Mr. E. T. Parsons
Mr. Willoughby Rodman November 26th, 1907 Editor of the Call, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir:- Without desiring to
unnecessarily prolong a discussion on the Hetch Hetchy water project I feel that, in view of your editorial of the 24th Inst.,
I should explain my position a little more fully. I do not think we are so far apart on the proposition that considerations
of utility should control the decision, rather than beauty. If the Hetch Hetchy system were absolutely necessary for the welfare
of San Francisco, I would be one of its most earnest advocates. Where we probably differ is as to the impelling force of the
particular necessity and the weight to be given the consideration of expense. My attitude is that where there are other adequate
systems available, even if their acquisition means increased expense, it is only just to the nation at large, which is interested
in preserving the wonders of the Yosemite National Park that we should avoid their alteration or destruction if It is possible
to do so as it certainly is when the question resolves itself into one of mere expense. As a tax payer I am willing to pay
my share of the slight increase in taxation which might result. However, I do not think this even necessary for I am satisfied
that there are other systems available for the supply of San Francisco which will not cost any more and probably less than
the Hetch Hetchy system. Your editorial states that I have not supplied any material evidence in support of my belief. In
this I think you do me an injustice for I cited you certain statements of Prof. C. D. Marx, made in a most impartial discussion
of the question before the Commonwealth Club. It is needless to repeat them because you already have them before you. They
may not be strictly material evidence but they certainly bear on the question. You may well say that this evidence is not
conclusive and I admit as much, but it has weight for I have never heard Prof. Marx' ability or standing ques- 06347