The early administrative history of the Yellowstone National Park, and
that of the celebrated Yosemite State Park of California, are records
that no real American will ever read without a sense of shame. Both
these splendid regions were long neglected by the public and by
legislators. In those days scenery had no standing and few friends. It
was treated as an outcast.
The act of dedication for the Yellowstone National Park made it a
reservation "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." The aim was
to preserve its natural curiosities, its forests, and its game, and to
make such development of the Park that the people might conveniently
and freely see and enjoy it. For several years Congress failed to
provide adequate appropriations either for the development of the Park
or for its protection. It was given over to the administration of the
Secretary of the Interior. Unfortunately, the act that created the
Park contained no code of laws, did not define offenses, made no
provision for the handling of legal cases or for the punishment of
offenders. It failed to provide even the legal machinery necessary to
enforce the regulations written by the Secretary of the Interior. The
history of the Yellowstone for twenty-two years after its creation is,
as Helen Hunt said of our treatment of the Indian, a tale of dishonor.
The first Superintendent of the Park was Nathaniel P. Langford, who
had rendered distinctive services in having it created. With his hands
tied he endured the position for five years, and did heroic work in
trying to suppress license, start development, and lay a broad
foundation for the future welfare of the enterprise. The interests
fought him, and the public condemned him for inefficiency for which
the public itself, and not he, was to blame.
Hunters invaded the Park and slaughtered game. One company almost
secured leaseholds on extensive land-areas which would have given them
a dangerous monopoly of all the leading attractions. A water-power
company almost obtained title to Yellowstone Falls. Many attempts were
made to run a railroad through the Park. A few people, at enormous
sacrifice and through heroic and efficient efforts, saved it in its
primitive naturalness. Among those who splendidly helped was George
Bird Grinnell. At last Congress became interested, and in 1883-84
helpful legislation was passed.
On August 20, 1886, came a change for the better. The Secretary of the
Interior availed himself of legislation that Congress had recently
passed and called upon the War Department for assistance. Captain
Moses Harris, with the title of Acting Superintendent, became the
first military commander of the Park. Reforms were inaugurated, and
development was begun. This military control has continued for twenty
years, and for the most part the results have been satisfactory.
General Chittenden, of the Engineer Corps of the Army, developed the
present road-system. The character of the various military
superintendents of the Park has been good, and the achievements of
these men have won the praise even of those who are against the use
of soldiers or military regulations in the Park government. I am
particularly impressed with the work of the last commander, Colonel L.
M. Brett. The honor, ability, and peculiar characteristics of these
military commanders have enabled them to do excellent work. On October
1, 1916, all troops were withdrawn from the Park and a force of
civilian rangers was organized.