National Parks. 



115 



request from every possible standpoint. I realize the gravity of the 

 situation as it presents itself to the livestock interests within the region 

 affected. Much as I sympathize with those affected, and much as I am 

 incHned to do what might be permitted under all the circumstances 

 to relieve the situation, I regret that I must deny, for the present at 

 least, your and other applications of like tenor. 



Incident to the decision of an administrative question which was 

 brought before the department in December, 1912, the Assistant Attor- 

 ney-General for this department had referred to him by my predecessor 

 the question — whether the Secretary of the Interior, under existing 

 legislation respecting the Yosemite National Park, was authorized to 

 grant leases of land in the park for grazing purposes, — and an opinion 

 was rendered by him to the effect that under existing law the Secretary 

 of the Interior had no authority to grant grazing leases or permits 

 in the Yosemite National Park. Furthermore, I am advised that the 

 m.eadow land within the park fit for general grazing which is not 

 private property is comparatively limited in extent, and is the only 

 land in the park outside the valley that tourists and campers could use 

 to sustain their stock while enjoying the park, and that there has also 

 been an increase in the deer and other game in the park, which the 

 introduction of cattle or sheep would seriously affect. 



The decision of the Assistant Attorney-General above referred to 

 and the other phases of the matter, together with the fact that the law 

 imposes upon me the administration of this reservation primarily for the 

 benefit and enjoyment of the people, impels me to the conclusion reached 

 and announced above. If it were not for these considerations, I would 

 feel strongly prompted to afford the rehef requested. 



Very truly yours, 



(Signed) Franklin K. Lane. 

 The Calaveras Alpine Association, and 

 The Tuolumne Livestock Association, 

 Sonora, California. 



Caves in Oregon — Proposed National Park. 



A very successful outing to the Josephine County caves of Oregon 

 was enjoyed recently by the Mazama Club. One hundred and ten mem- 

 bers made the trip. Mr. Wm. P. Hardesty, treasurer of the Mazamas 

 says : "The caves are not 'mammoth' caves, but they are certainly won- 

 derful and well merit the attention of tourists. The stalactite forma- 

 tions of marble are especially beautiful. A lighted candle held behind 

 them illumines the entire structure and shows the deHcacy of texture 

 and color. The prevaihng color of the walls is a cold stone gray, 

 decorated by dehcate traceries of light brown." 



