DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL PARKS. 27 



'accessible. Nevertheless, 1,385 people visited the park during the 

 1916 season, an increase of more than 100 per cent over 1915. 



Here again we point to a park for which the funds appropriated 

 by Congress are wholly inadequate. Liberal appropriations for a 

 year or two would make the park available to tens of thousands. 



Further important discoveries of prehistoric structures and imple- 

 ments were made in the park during the summer by Dr. J. Walter 

 Fewkes, of the Smithsonian Institution. His explorations were 

 financed by both the National Park Service and the Smithsonian 

 Institution. Many curios and rare objects of historic interest recently 

 uncovered are being carried away by tourists because the park has no 

 place to house them and protect them. A museum should be con- 

 structed in the park, and an effort made to recover some of the im- 

 portant relics that have been carried away. If there is a building in 

 which these objects may be placed for preservation, in all likelihood 

 many valuable relics will be voluntarily returned to the park. 



There have been no important developments in the smaller parks, 

 nor have I any recommendations to make with respect to their im- 

 provement and management. 



IN GENERAL. 



On the whole, we should be well pleased, if not satisfied, with the 

 year's accomplishment. While nothing new has been completed, we 

 have made substantial beginnings in most important directions. 



Of first importance is the creation of the national park service, 

 which makes all things possible. 



Of perhaps equal importance is the practical establishment on 

 sound business lines of the principle of Government participation in 

 concessioners' profits, which makes eventual financial independence 

 for the national parks possible, and, with wise administration, 

 probable. 



Also of very great importance is the creation of a spirit of hearty 

 cooperation among concessioners, railroads, and park officials. There 

 is much still lacking here, but the beginnings are inspiring. 



Finally, the sympathy and spirit of helpfulness shown by Congress 

 in this public-spirited endeavor to realize a vast national destiny is 

 tremendously encouraging. 



And the enthusiastic whole-hearted way in which the American 

 people are rising to their opportunity is a genuine delight. 

 Cordially, yours, 



STEPHEN T. MATHER, 

 Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior. 



Hon. FRANKLIN K. LANE, 



Secretary of the Interior. 



