Creator
Henry gannett
Recipient
James R. Garfield
Transcription
Habana, Cuba, December 14, 1907.
Hon. Jas. R. Garfield,
Secretary of the Interior,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
My attention has recently been called to the renewed attempts of the city of San Francisco to obtain the use of the Hetch-Hetchy Valley as a reservoir site for its water supply.
The matter first came up several years ago, in the form of an application for the use of both Hetch-Hetchy Valley and of Lake Eleanor, both of which are in the Yosemite Park. The matter was referred by the then Secretary of the Interior to the Director of the Geological Survey, and was discussed by him, myself and Mr. Gifford Pinchot. It is my remembrance that we agreed upon recommending that the city be given the use of Lake Eleanor, but not of the Hetch-Hetchy Valley, as it was our belief that, at that time and for many years to come, an ample amount of water could be obtained from that lake. This recommendation was not, however, concurred in by the Secretary of the Interior, who refused the application.
I still believe that our recommendation was a wise one. I would add that I am opposed to granting the use of Hetch-Hetchy for this purpose, for it could not fail to injure its attractions. while recognizing fully the paramount importance of an ample and pure water supply for this city, I believe that other equally good sources exist in the Yosemite National Park, which can be utilized without detriment to its scenic beauty. For many years to come, however, I believe that Lake Eleanor can furnish an ample water supply.
Very respectfully,
[illegible]
03993
CENSUS BUREAU
REPUBLIC OF CUBA
UNDER THE PROVISIONAL ADMINISTRATION
OF THE UNITED STATES
Habana, Cuba, December 16, 1907.
Mr. John Muir,
Martinez, California.
My dear Muir:
I have received a circular letter of your Committee concerning the Hetch-Hetchy Valley, and I have written a letter to Mr. Garfield, a copy of which I enclose for your information.
I have been down here for the past six months, engaged in taking a Census of the Island, and shall probably spend the remainder of the winter here.
Trusting that you and the girls are well and happy, I am
Sincerely yours,
[illegible]
03993
Location
Habana, Cuba
Date Original
1907 Dec 14
Source
Original letter dimensions: 27 x 20.5 cm.
Recommended Citation
Gannett, Henry, "Letter from Henry gannett to James R. Garfield, 1907 Dec 14." (1907). John Muir Correspondence (PDFs). 3859.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/muir-correspondence/3859
Resource Identifier
muir16_1269-let.tif
File Identifier
Reel 16, Image 1269
Collection Identifier
Online finding aid for the microform version of the John Muir Correspondence http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt0w1031nc
Copyright Status
Copyright status unknown
Copyright Statement
Some letters written to John Muir may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Owning Institution
Holt-Atherton Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library. Please contact this institution directly to obtain copies of the images or permission to publish or use them beyond educational purposes.
Pages
2 pages
Keywords
Environmentalist, naturalist, travel, conservation, national parks, John Muir, Yosemite, California, history, correspondence, letters
