Letter from [William] Colby to Editor Daily Commercial News , 1907 Dec 16.

[16th]December 1[illegible]th, 1907.Editor of the Daily Commercial News ,San Francisco, Cal.Dear Sir:-Your issue of the 10th inst. contained a criticism of my position on The Hatch Hetchy Water Supply and I assume that you will be fair enough to give me a square deal in the matter and hence send you this reply. The writer of that criticism is evidently one of those whom I referred to as being wedded to the Hetch Hetchy system, though he does not disclose his identity.He brushes aside my reference to Professor [illegible]arx\u27 statements made before the Common Health Club, saying that the Professor had not had an opportunity to make the necessary studies involved, but he fails to explain the following language used by the Professor on that occasion. It can readily be shown that the drainage area needed for a water supply capable of furnishing 200,000,000 gallons per day can be had on a number of the Sierra streams. That the drainage areas of streams north of the Tuolumne give better promise of meeting these requirements, can not be denied. It can not be said that the physical data now available are such as to admit of a reliable comparison of the relative values of the various sources of water supply for San Francisco from the Sierras. These statements can not be brushed aside so lightly and they would lead one to believe that Prof. Marx had given considerable thought to the subject.However, I have not based my convictions that there are other Sierra supplies available on the authority of Prof. Marx alone, but have for many years discussed this subject with other eminent engineers in order to enlighten myself. It would seem incredible that the run off from the great roof of the Sierra should be confined to the Tuolumne system, especially in view of the fact that Mr. Harsdon Mannon\u27s ischy[illegible] linen eatablished beyond the peradventure of a doubt that the amount of rainfall increases materially as we go North on the Sierra watershed.Therefore, the undisclosed critic\u27s statement that I would be better equipped for a full and just consideration of the questions if I had secured my information from engineers who already have their knowledge, was based upon a false promise. What the critic had in mind, doubtless, was that I should have secured my information solely06281 - 2 -from those who are wedded to the Hetch Hetchy project.In his argument in reply to my suggested list of other sources, he says, first - that none is comparable in purity to the Hetch Hetchy, except the Stanislaus. The proponents of the Hetch Hetchy scheme at one time admitted that the Lake Eleanor and Cherry River supply was also. All the other supplies mentioned, except one, head in National Forest reserves and analysis has shown some of them at least to equal the Tuolumne in purity.In his second premise he admits that the storage capacity of some of the systems is adequate, which is quite a concession coming from the source it does.His third premise is more subtle, in time he asserts that the other systems are all complicated with existing rights to a greater extent than Hetch Hetchy. Surely this prophet is possessed of more than ordinary insight and can foretell the verdicts of juries and the judgments of courts years in advance of their pronouncement. I fear me that the owners and counsel of the alternative systems will have serious ground for difference from my learned friend. He overlooks the fact that one of the strongest organisations of irrigation anywhere within the area affected by water systems mentioned, is ready to maintain its rights on the Tuolumne by fighting to the last ditch. However, be that as it may, I am willing to meet my adversary on the ground he has selected as the only tenable one for maintaining his position, and, for argument\u27s sake merely, I will assume the opposition of existing rights might be less serious in the case of a Hetch Hetchy supply. My proposition is as follows, and this is what I am advocating with all the force I possess: The reserving of the Yosemite National Park was no fortuitous circumstance done without object or reason. It was created because of the wonderful aggregation of natural scenic features existing within its borders which the Congress of the United States sought by law to preserve for all coming time as nearly as practicable in the condition fashioned by the hand of the Creator - a worthy object of national pride and a source, of healthful pleasure and rest for the thousands of people who may annually sojourn there during the heated mouths. John Muir and some of his interested friends started the movement which resulted in this dedication by Congress to the people of the nation. What right then, has any local community to step in and say This water supply and system have carefully been preserved all these years for the benefit of the public, while other available systems have passed into private hands - it will be cheaper to enter this public park and appropriate that which is not privately owned - only because it has been devoted06281 -3-to other uses? I answer without equivocation, it has no such right where there are other sources of supply available, even if to obtain them will mean increased cost. But my learned critic has failed to convince me that upon due investigation San Francisco will not be able to secure an adequate water supply at less expense elsewhere. He knows as well as I do that such questions can not to settled in newspaper discussions. He asserts that the ground has already been covered by competent engineers and the decision made in favor of Hetch Hetchy. This is a very bold assertion, as unsupported by the evidence as have, of necessity, been my statements. It is made by one very closely wedded to the system he is advocating and such testimony would have very little weight before an impartial tribunal. It is like asserting that I think so and so and therefore it must be so. San Francisco can well afford, especially in view of her present financial condition and her urgent necessities, to approach this subject with deliberation and acquire the data which Professor Marx, and many other engineers, think necessary before committing itself to any one system. The Hetch Hetchy system is amply protected and is not liable to be granted to other applicants meanwhile. One point remains and I am done. My critic refers to a circular on the subject and brands a certain portion of it not only as a misrepresentation but as an absolute misstatement . I regret that his zeal has carried him thus far, I had hoped that this discussion should be entirely free of such personalities. John Muir wrote that circular. His name is signed to it. His straight forward Scotch character permits of no dissembling and he never resorts to subterfuge. Everyone who has ever had the fortune to look into his clear gray eyes knows that he would not make a misstatement as charged by my critic, even though it would bring him a principality. He needs no vindication at my hands. If my critic had not been blinded by his excess of zeal, he would have saved himself from falling into the error of wrongfully charging a man of Muir\u27s standing and character with writing misstatements and absolute nonsense . He would have seen that Muir only intended to convey the idea that the sublime way up the Tuolumne Canon from Hetch Hetchy would be hopelessly blocked if the latter were dummied. It has been my pleasure to visit the Hetch Hetchy and the Tuolumne Canyon many times and I know this statement of Muir\u27s to be absolute fact. Mr. Muir never intended to convey the idea that access to the heart of the Sierra would be hopelessly blocked and it took an excess of imagination to inject this idea into his language. Some people contend that the destruction of the beautiful meadows and groves of Hetch Hetchy Valley and the alteration of this natural setting by the creation of a reservoir with its unsightly margin and exposed flats as will occur in late Summer at time of low water, will enhance the beauty of the Valley. Muir and I do not agree with these zealous enthusiasts but, be that as it may, it does not answer the fact that Hetch Hetchy Valley will be rendered less accessible - that camping and living on the floor of the Valley will be rendered impossible - and how else can one enjoy to the full its wonderful beauties, which our artist Keith says are, in some respects, even superior to Yosemite? We might as well dam Yosemite to enhance its scenic attractions! Such arguments, as these are mere sophistry. I maintain that when other water supplies exist that can be procured at greater or less expense than the Hetch Hetchy supply, we should not06281 - 4 -invade a National Park and alter its scenic wonders reserved for the people of the entire United States.The Yosemite National Park means much for the future of California and the precedent of entering its borders for local gain is a principle which I most strenuously oppose.Very sincerely,[illegible],0428

Letter from William E. Colby to William F. Bade, 1910 Aug 2.

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 303 MILLS BUILDING San Francisco, Cal.Board of Directors-1909-1910Mr. John Muir, President MartinezProf. A. G. McAdie, Vice-President San FranciscoProf. J. N. Le Conte, Treasurer BerkeleyMr. William E. Colby, Secretary San FranciscoProf. Wm. F. Bade BerkeleyProf. E. C. Franklin Stanford UniversityProf. W. C. Morgan BerkeleyMr. E. T. Parsons San FranciscoMr. Willoughby Rodman Los AngelesOuting CommitteeMr. Wm. E. Colby, ChairmanProf. J. N. La Conte Mr. E. T. ParsonsHonorary Vice-PresidentsProf. George Davidson San FranciscoMr. R. U. Johnson The Century, New YorkPres. David Starr Jordan Stanford UniversityMr. Gifford Pinchot Washington. D. C. Committee on PublicationsMr. Elliott McAllister, Editor San FranciscoProf. Wm. F. Bade. Book Reviews BerkeleyProf. Wm. R. Dudley, Forestry Notes Stanford Univ.Prof. J. E. Church, Jr. Prof. W. C. MorganMr. Alex. G. Eella Mr. E. T. Parson.Mr. J. S. Hutchinson. Jr. Prof. H. W. RolfeSan Francisco, Aug. 2, 1910,Dr. Wm. F. Bade,Editorial Rooms THE INDEPENDENT,130 Fulton St., New York.My Dear Bade:-Each time I read your editorial, the finer I think it is, and I am writing to ascertain whether it is still in type, and if so whether we could not make some arrangement to have 1000 copies of these 3 pages struck off, and we would arrange to pay for them. It would be best if it could be put on one sheet. We would send it to all of the Women\u27s Clubs, and it would be sort of an Ad for THE INDEPENDENT as well, if it contained the heading of Page 201.I find upon search, that we sent the only copy we had of the Commonwealth Hearings to Mr.Whitman, so I hope that you got copy of the Pinchot letter from him.We are looking forward with pleasure to your homecoming.Sincerely yours,[ILLEGIBLE]0629

Letter from W[illia]m E. Colby to John Muir, 1907 Apr 16.

[in margin: Colby on Yo & [illegible]]Apr. 16-07My dear Mr. Muir: I have hoped in vain to be able to go up to see you \u27ere this but I was away a whole month trying a case & then Mrs. Colby did not wish me to leave her & now two babies in the family keep me at home during my spare hours. I have wanted to talk over Yosemite & [illegible] affairs with you. Garfield - the new Secretary of the Interior, informs me that Congress only appropriated $30,000. for the Yosemite Park this year but this03865 Apr. 16, \u2707.My dear Mr. Muir:I have hoped in vain to be able to go up to see you ere this, but I was away a whole month -- trying a case, and then Mrs. Colby did not wish me to leave her and now two babies in the family keep me at home during my spare hours.I have wanted to talk over Yosemite and Outing affairs with you. Garfield -- the new Secretary of the Interior, informs me that Congress only appropriated$30,000 for the Yosemite Park this year, but this is quite a gain over State appropriation, especially when one considers that there are no salaries and travelling expenses to deplete it -- and every cent of that amount goes into actual improvement.I have in mind getting up a report on the Yosemite this summer since our Outing will be there and presenting it to Congress next Fall. We could formulate some definite plan for the future and work to the accomplishment of that end. What do you think of this?I hope that you will be with us on our Outing for a few days at least this summer. It will be very easy for you to run up on the railroad and come in with us and spend a few daus in the Tuolumne meadows. We will arrange everything for you and it will not necessitate a moment\u27s planning on your part nor cost you a cent. We expect to have a large pack train which will have very little to do except when our main party is moving in or out and we can meet you at any time or take you out any time. Couldn\u27t you bring Helen with you? It will be a great favor to me and a great pleasure to us all if you will come for the whole Outing, of even for a few days.Very sincerely,Wm. E. Colby0386

Letter from William E. Colby to William F. Bade, 1910 Aug 20.

San Francisco,Aug.20, 1910.Dr. Wm. F. Bade,Berkeley, Cal. My Dear Bade:-The Club is going to have a dinner at Tait\u27s next Friday evening, at which a great many of our old outing friends will attend. I wish you to be Mrs. Colby\u27s a and my guest on that occasion.We will meet at Tait\u27s at 6.30, in the private dining room upstairs. Don\u27t miss it, because it is going to be one of the best reunions we have ever had.I will see you in the near future, and I hope before Friday. Am anxious to discuss a number of important matters.Very sincerely yours,[illegible]0629

Letter from W[illia]m E. Colby to John Muir, 1908 Apr 16.

To explore, enjoy, and render accessible the mountain regions of the Pacific Coast; to publish authentic information concerning them; to enlist thesupport and co-operation of the people and the Government in preserving the forests and other natural features of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. SIERRA CLUBMills BuildingSan Francisco, Cal.Board of Directors—1907-1908Mr. John Muir, President MartinezProf. A. G. McAdie, Vice-President San FranciscoProf. J. N. Le Conte, Treasurer BerkeleyMr. William E. Colby, Secretary BerkeleyProf. Wm. F. Bade BerkeleyProf. George Davidson San FranciscoProf. W. R. Dudley Stanford UniversityMr. Warren Olney San FranciscoMr. E. T. Parsons San FranciscoOuting CommitteeMr. Wm. E. Colby, ChairmanProf. J. N. Le Conte Mr. E. T.ParsonsHonorary Vice-PresidentsProf. George Davidson San FranciscoMr. R. U. Johnson The Century, New YorkPres. David Starr Jordan Sanford UniversityMr. Gifford Pinchot Washington, D. C.Committee on PublicationsMr. Elliott McAllister, Editor San FranciscoProf. Wm. F. Bade, Book Reviews BerkeleyProf. Wm. R. Dudley, Forestry Notes . Stanford Univ.Mr. Alex. G. Eells Prof. H. W. RolfeMr. E. T. Parsons Mr. Willoughby Rodman San Francisco, April 16, 1908.Mr.John Muir,Daggett, Mohave Co., Cal.My Dear Mr. Muir:-We had a meeting of the Board of Directors the other day, and when they learned of your reoent illness, they instructed me to write to you and express their sympathy, and also to tell you how glad they were to learn of your recovery.Very sincerely yours,[illegible]0413

Letter from W[illia]m E. Colby to John Muir, 1905 Feb 24.

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. [illegible] BOARD OF DIRECTORS—1904-1905Mr. JOHN MUIR, President .... MartinezProf. A. G. MCADIE, Vice-President . Mills Bldg., S. F. Prof. J. N. LE CONTH, Treasurer . BerkeleyProf. W. R. DUDLEY, Cor.Sec’y . Stanford UniversityMr. WILLIAM E. COLBY, Secretary . Mills Bldg., S. F. Prof. GEORGE DAVIDSON ..BerkeleyMr. J. S. HUTCHINSON, Jr. Claus Spreckels Bldg., S. F. Mr. WARREN OLNEY . IOI Sansome St., S. F. Mr. E. T. PARSONS . . University Club, S. F. (Vice Mr. ELLIOTT MCALLISTER, resigned) COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS: Pres. DAVID STARR JORDAN, Chairman Stanford Univ. Mr. ELLIOTT MCALLISTER, Editor Crocker Bldg., S. F. Prof. WM. F. BADE. . . . . . . . . . BerkeleyProf. WM. R. DUDLEY . . . Stanford UniversityMr. ALEX. G. EELLS . . . Crocker Bldg., S. F. Mr. E. B. GOULD . Mutual Savings Bank Bldg., S. F. Mr. J. S. HUTCHINSON, Jr. Claus Spreckels Bldg., S. F. Mr. E. T. PARSONS University Club, S. F. Prof. H. W. ROLFE . . . Stanford UniversityMr. WILLOUGHBY RODMAN Bryson Block, Los AngelesSan Francisco, Cal., Feb. 24, 1905. Mr. John Muir, President Sierra Club, Martinez, Cal. My Dear Mr. Muir: After all our hard work in this Recession matter, it is a great satisfaction to learn that the desired result has been accomplished. The bill had a very close call in the Senate since two of our friends were absent and two men that we had counted on to vote with us went over to the enemy so that we fell 4 votes short of what we had expected, but favorable influences were at work and we gained three votes that we had not counted on, just enough to carry the bill. The Golden-haired Shortridge finally voted in favor of the bill explaining that so many of his constituents had demanded it that he could not overlook their wishes. To make the contest all the more exciting, another Senator whom we had counted on refused to vote on the question until the Senate demanded that he vote one way or the other and when forced to do so cast his vote with us, making the necessary twenty-one. Still another Senator whom we had counted on all along announced a very short time before the vote that he thought that the bill was not going to carry and hence to satisfy some of his constituents who had asked him to vote against it, he was going to do so, but being reassured at the last moment03532 To explore, enjoy, and render accessible the mountain regions of the Pacific Coast; to publish authentic information concerning them; to enlist the support and cooperation of the people and the Government in preserving the forests and other natural features of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. [illegible] BOARD OP DIRECTORS—1904-1905Mr. JOHN MUIR, President . MartinezProf. A. G. MCADIB, Vice-President . Mills Bldg., S. F. Prof. J. N. LB CONTE, Treasurer . . BerkeleyProf. W. R. DUDLEY, Cor. Sec\u27y . StanfordUniversityMr. WILLIAM E. COLBY, Secretary . Mills Bldg., S. F.Prof. GEORGE DAVIDSON .... BerkeleyMr. J. S. HUTCHINSON, Jr. Claus Spreckels Bldg., S. F. Mr. WARREN OLNEY . . IOI Sansome St., S. F. Mr. E. T. PARSONS . . . University Club, S. F. (Vice Mr. ELLIOTT MCALLISTER, resignedCOMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS: Pres. DAVID STARR JORDAN, Chairman Stanford Univ. Mr. ELLIOTT MCALLISTER, Editor Crocker Bldg., S. F. Prof. WM. F. BAD&E acute; . . . . BerkeleyProf. WM. R. DUDLEY . . . Stanford UniversityMr. ALEX. G. EELLS . . . Crocker Bldg., S. F. Mr. E. B. GOULD . Mutual Savings Bank Bldg., S. F. Mr. J. S. HUTCHINSON, Jr. Claus Spreckels Bldg., S. F. Mr. E. T. PARSONS . . . University Club, S. F. Prof. H. W. ROLFE Stanford UniversityMr. WILLOUGHBY RODMAN Bryson Block, Los AngelesMr. Muir- 2that the bill would carry, he cast his vote with us. You will probably note the Hand of Providence guiding matters through all this doubt. Now that it is all over it is necessary for us to turn our attention to the other side of the question and direct our energies on Washington. We must, if possible, try and persuade the President and Secretary of the Interior that it is possible for them to assume control of the Valley at once without the necessity of a Congressional act. Our friend Johnson may be able to help in this relation. I enclose a copy of the bill as passed which you can send on to him. Our idea is that the President, by proclamation or otherwise, has power to accept the Recession but an appropriation is necessary to care for the Valley. I enclose the clippings you asked for. Very truly yours, [illegible]0353

Letter from W[illia]m E. Colby to John Muir, 1908 May 5.

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 CLUBMills BuildingSan Francisco, Cal.Board of Directors—1907-1908Mr. John Muir, President MartinezProf. A. G. McAdie, Vice-President San FranciscoProf. J. N. Le Conte. Treasurer BerkeleyMr. William B. Colby, Secretary BerkeleyProf. Wm. F. Bade BerkeleyProf. George Davidson San FranciscoProf. W. R. Dudley Stanford UniversityMr. Warren Olney San FranciscoMr. B. T. Parsons San FranciscoOuting CommitteeMr. Wm. B. Colby, Chairman Prof. J. N. Le Conte Mr. E. T. ParsonsHonorary Vice-PresidentsProf. George Davidson San FranciscoMr. R. U. Johnson The Century, New YorkPres. David Starr Jordan Stanford UniversityMr. Gifford Pinchot Washington, D. C.Committee on PublicationsMr. Elliott McAllister, Editor San FranciscoProf. Wm. F. Bade, Book Reviews BerkeleyProf. Wm. R. Dudley, Forestry Notes . Stanford Univ.Mr. Alex. G. Bells Prof. H. W. RolfeMr. B. T. Parsons Mr. Willoughby RodmanSan Franoisco, May 5th, 1908,Mr.John Muir, Martinez, Cal.My Dear Mr.Muir:-I am enolosing you telegram just received from Mr. McFarland, President of the American Civic Association.He is one of our strongest fighters in the East, and I trust that you will comply with his request, as he will make good use of it.The Governors of the oountry meet in oonferenoe to discuss the Conservation of natural resources. Mr. McFarland is there at the speoial invitation of the President, and will deliver an address on the importanoe of natural scenery as a natural resource. A brief letter from you giving your views on the importance of this question, in a few sentences, bringing in the Hetch-Hetchy Valley, as he suggests, will help us tremendously in our fight. I hope you will attend to this right away, as the Convention meets May 13th, and there is just time for a letter to reach him.Address him, J.Horace MoFarland,President American Civio Assn.,Harrisburg, Pa.Sincerely yours,[illegible]0417

Letter from W[illia]m E. Colby to John Muir, 1902 May 21.

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 feature\u27s of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.BOARD OF DIRECTORS-1902-1903.Mr. John Muir...PresidentMr. Elliott McALLISTER...Vice-PresidentMr. J. N. LECONTE...TreasurerProf. W. R. DUDLEY...Corresponding SecretaryMr. WILLIAM E. COLBY...Recording SecretaryRoom 25, Eighth Floor, Mills Iiuilding.San Francisco.Prof. GEORGE DAVIDSON, Prof.DAVID STARR JORDAN,Mr.WARREN GREOORY,Mr. WARREN OLNEY.Vice Prof. c. B. Bradley, resigned,CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATI0N:Pros.DAVID STAR JORDON.Mr.J.S.HUTCHINSON.jr...Assistant EditorClaus Spreckels BuildingMERCHANTS\u27EXCHANGE BUILDINGSAN FRANCISCO,CAL.May 21, 1902.Mr. John Muir,Martinez, Cal.My dear Mr. Muir:-Things are booming an regards the outing and I hope that you will stand by me, as I need all the assistance possible.We are going to have a Mich finer crowd of people, even, than last year and they all askt the first thing, if you are going to he with us, and every now and then I hear alarming reports from some one who has heard that you have decided not to visit the Canon.I meant to have written you before this and to have stated that if it is your pleasure that your daughters should accompany our party that their deposits will be offact by What the (Blub owes you from 3 ast year, the balance I believe being $50.00, of course, if you make up your own party than I will see that the$50.00 is refunded you some tine soon, but I hope that this is not the case and. that you will not take the trouble and time to make up a separate oanp outfit and party, for you can just as well come in with ua, and we will make everything as comfortable as possible for you and the girls.You naist remember that you coiae as a guest of the committee and your daughters deposits are already settled.Have you heard anything recently frou Dr. Merriam and do you know of his movements? Could you not write him a letter and[03007] 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. BOARD OF DIRECTORS --1902-1903.Mr. JOHN MUIR... PresidentMr. ELLIOTT MCALLISTER... Vice-PresidentMr. J. N. LECONTE... TreasurerProf. W. R. DUDLEY.. Corresponding SecretaryMr. WILLIAM E. COLBY.. Recording SecretaryRoom 25, Eighth Floor, Mills Building, San Francisco.Prof. GEORGE DAVIDSON, Pres. DAVID STARR JORDAN,Mr. WARREN GREGORY, Mr. WARREN OLNEY.(Vice Prof. C. B. Bradley, resigned.)CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION:Pres. DAVID STARR JORDAN.Mr. J. S. HUTCHINSON, Jr... Assistant EditorClaus Spreckels Buildingstir him up a little and find out just what he is going to do? Kindly let me hear from you so that I may be reassured about your going.With best regards for yourself and Mrs. Muir and the girls, I am,Very sincerely yours,[illegible]0300

Letter from W[illia]m E. Colby to John Muir, 1910 Jun 17.

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 302MILLS BUILDINGSan Francisco, Cal.Board of Directors-1909-1910Mr. John Muir, President MartinezProf. A. G. McAdie, Vice-President San FranciscoProf. J. N. Le Conte, Treasurer BerkeleyMr. William E. Colby, Secretary San FranciscoProf. Wm. F. Bade BerkeleyProf. E. C. Franklin Stanford UniversityProf. W. C. Morgan BerkeleyMr. E. T. Parsons San FranciscoMr. Willoughby Rodman Los AngelesOuting CommitteeMr. Wm. E. Colby, ChairmanProf. J. N. Le ConteMr. E. T. ParsonsHonorary Vice-PresidentsProf. George Davidson San FranciscoMr. R. U. Johnson The Century, New YorkPres. David Starr Jordan Stanford UniversityMr. Gifford Pinchot Washington, D. C.Committee on PublicationsMr. Elliott McAllister, Editor San FranciscoProf. Wm. F. Bade, Book Reviews BerkeleyProf. Wm. R. Dudley, Forestry Notes Stanford Univ.Prof. J. E. Church, Jr. Prof. W. C. MorganMr. Alex. G. Eells Mr. E. T. ParsonsMr. J. S. Hutchinson, Jr. Prof. H. W. RolfeSan Francisco, June 17, 1910.John Muir Esq.,Martinez, Cal.My Dear Mr.Muir:-This will serve as an introduction for Mr. Boynes, whom I spoke to you about some months ago. He is one of the most competent and intelligent men engaged in the work of stenography and typewriting, that I know of. He was Judge Lindley\u27s head stenographer for months and gave eminent satisfaction; he left in order to take a trip to England. He has recently been bookeeper and stenographer for a mining company in Nevada, which has just been compelled to economize and get along without a stenographer. I have sent him up to you in the hope that you can make some adjustment with him whereby he can help you in your work at Martinez. He has been accustomed to a salary of $125.00 a month, but I think you could make an arrangement with him on a basis of$100 a month and board. He would help you in the matter of preparing breakfast and luncheon at your home, and could go over with you to Mr. Hanna\u27s for dinner, perhaps. I do not think you will have any difficulty with misspelled words and punctuation with Mr. Boynes, and that he will enable you to turn out a great amount of work. At any rate, if it is at all possible, you might try him for a while. He had been intending to go to Santa Barbara, but upon my suggesting the possibility of your employing him, decided to go up and see you, which was also a suggestion on my part.Very sincerely yours,[illegible]0479

Letter from W[illia]m E. Colby to John Muir, 1905 Jan 7.

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. BOARD OF DIRECTORS-1904-1905Mr. John Muir, President MartinezProf. A. G. MCADIE, Vice-President Mills Bldg., S. F. Prof. J. N. LE CONTE, Treasurer BerkeleyProf. W. R. DUDLEY, Cor. Sec\u27y Stanford UniversityMr. WILLIAM E. COLBY, Secretary Mills Bldg., S. F. Prof. GEORGE DAVIDSON BerkeleyMr. J. S. HUTCHINSON, Jr. Claus Speckels Bldg., S. F. Mr. WARREN OLNEY 101 Sansome St. S. F. Mr. E. T. PARSONS University Club, S. F. (Vice Mr. ELLIOTT MCALLISTER, resigned)COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS: Pres. DAVID STARR JORDAN, Chairman Stanford Univ. Mr. ELLIOTT MCALLISTER, Editor Crocker Bldg., S. F. Prof. WM. F. BADE BerkeleyProf. WM. R. DUDLEY Stanford UniversityMr. ALEX. G. EELLS Crocker Bldg., S. F. Mr. E. B. GOULD Mutual Savings Bank Bldg., S. F. Mr. J. S. HUTCHINSON, Jr. Claus Spreckels Bldg., S. F. Mr. E. T. PARSONS University Club, S. F. Prof. H. W. ROLFE Stanford UniversityMr. WILLOUGHBY RODMAN Bryson Block, Los AngelesSan Francisco, Cal., Jan. 7, 1905. John Muir, Esq.,President Sierra Club, Martinez, Cal. My Dear Mr. Muir:I enclose you a letter which I have just written to Senator Perkins which will explain to you the situation in Sacramento. I have just spent a day and a night there working on this Recession matter in company with one or two other members of our committee. I did this in order to ascertain the exact sentiment of the Legislature as near as it could be determined in advance and also to do as much missionary work as possible and prepare the way for the introduction of the bill in both houses. I think we have a very clear idea as to the present situation.The Assembly seems to be with us, but I am afraid from present indications that the majority of the Senate are opposed to the Recession for the reasons given in the letter to Senator Perkins. The influence of the Examiner does not seem to be as great as I had anticipated, though it undoubtedly has aided Senator Curtin in his influence in the Senate. If you can by any possibility get any expression of opinion from any of the high officials in Washington as to what the U.S. Government would do for Yosemite Valley if it03504 John Muir-2were receded, it will aid us in overcoming this sentiment. Most of the Senators I talked with said that if we could give them some positive assurance on this point, they would favor the Recession instead of opposing it. I had thought that perhaps a letter from you direct to the President asking for an expression of opinion from him would do a world of good and might turn the balance so that the measure would carry. Of course such an expression ought to be obtained as soon as possible. I think the President would undoubtedly do this for you, especially in view of the independent attitude he is assuming upon all matters. I think that your letter to Harriman will also result in great good, from what I can understand .In your last letter you wrote me that you wished us to get some of the newspapers to work on the other side of the proposition. Mr. Warren Gregory, who is a great friend of Mr. De Young\u27s, promised me that he would see Mr. De Young at his earliest opportunity and try and arrange to have the Chronicle come out strongly in favor of the Recession at the critical moment, that is, immediately before the bill comes up for discussion in the Legislature. Mr. Gregory agrees with me that the strongest thing we could do would be to have a letter from you. This could be published together with expressions of opinion from President Jordan, President Wheeler, Chief Justice Beatty, and many others influential men who are on our side. If you would consent to write such a letter I would be glad to outline certain facts and arguments which I think it would be well for you to include in your statement to counteract some of the influences which have been working the other way. 03504John Muir-3I have been working hard on this question because, once taken up I am very anxious to see it go through, but almost all the work has fallen on me and I have been sadly neglecting my business for the past few days. The difficulty is that men like the Senator referred to and the Examiner reporters have nothing else to do but to devote their entire time to fighting this proposed Recession. Those who favor the Recession have not the same personal animus nor the time to devote to the proposition and hence it is in serious jeopardy. I have done and will continue to do all that I possibly can to aid in this matter but I need some strong assistance.There will be a Directors meeting a week from today and I trust that you can be down on that date and we can further talk over this important matter.Very truly yours,[illegible] 03504[illegible]San Francisco, Cal., Jan. 7, 1905.Honorable George C. Perkins, Senate Chamber,Washington, D. C.Dear Sir:I regret extremely to trouble you again in the matter of the Recession of the Yosemite Valley, particularly in view of what you have already written me on the subject, but the matter is of such extreme importance to the movement and of such vital interest to our Club that I trust you will pardon me for writing this communication.I have just returned from Sacramento where I spent a day in Interviewing the State Legislators on this proposition. I find that the feeling among those who understand the situation is very strongly in favor of Recession and I think that we will have no difficulty in the Assembly. In the Senate, however, I find that we are meeting with serious oppositin from one or two gentlemen who have personal grievances against the U. S. Government In their management of the Yosemite national Park. Senator Curtin of Sonora, a Democrat, who owns a cattle ranch near the Yosemite National Park, has had personal conflicts with the authorities of the National Park and so have many of his clients in the matter of03504 G. C. Perkins-2driving cattle to and from their private holdings within the Park boundaries, and he is very bitterly opposed to any recession of the Yosemite Valley to the Federal Government by reason of those facts. He Is spending his entire time combating this measure and in stirring up sentiment against it. He is a strong fighter and I ascertained that he had influenced a great many senators against the proposition. You can readily see that we who favor the movement and have no personal animosities to influence our action have difficulty In counteracting this sentiment that is being created. Senator Curtin\u27s main argument is that we have no assurance that the National Government will do any more for the Yosemite Valley than it has done for the Yosemite National Park which he claims is a very insignificant amount. He has influenced so many Senators that it has resolved itself into this proposition: All these Senators have stated to me that if we can give them any positive assurance that the Federal Government will do more for Yosemite Valley than the State has done for it, they will favor the Recession, but in the absence of such proof they are going to oppose it.I have written to you because I think that you can aid us in this situation and request that you will take this matter up for us and write us as strong a letter as you fool justified in doing, stating what in your opinion the National Government would do for Yosemite Valley If it were receded, and if possible, if you could secure for us some similar expression of opinion from other high officials qualified to make a statement in such a matter, for example, the Secretary of the Interior, it would unquestionably be03504 G. C. Perkins-3of the greatest assistance to us and would undoubtedly remove the main objection which has been raised in the manner I have indicated herein before.The Sierra Club receives clippings from newspapers throughout the State and every newspaper with the exception of the San Francisco Examiner and one or two country papers that the Examiner controls, has unqualifiedly in editorial comment and otherwise, expressed itself as being strongly in favor of Recession.Trusting that you will see fit to render us this assistance at this critical time, I remainVery sincerely yours,William E. ColbySec.Sierra ClubRoom 16, 3rd FloorMills BuildingSan Francisco0350