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Show 62 relation to the Zion National Park bill, and subsequent research suggests that any bumps in the road were minor. Those closely involved in sponsoring the bill later characterized its progress through Congress as nonconfrontational. According to Albright, ''Their bill to create a greatly enlarged Zion National Park sailed through both the Senate and the House to become law in November 1919."163 It is possible, however, that the "fight" reference is to the Salt Lake City Commercial Club's quest to bring recognition to the state. The Tribune reported, "lndications point to a large gathering at the club tonight, for its members have for some years been active in bringing the attention of the federal authorities to the beauties of the locality in an effon to have it made another link in the chain of wonder playgrounds among the national parks."164 lronical\y, park director Mather was at the Commercial Club - a predecessor to the chamber of commerce encouraging its members to make "the Zion canyon venture a success," which was apparently unnecessary. 165 The newspapers often quoted the park's supporters but never examined motivations for that support. Yet, many motivations were obvious. The railroads stood to gain from tourist travel, as did chambers of commerce, businesses, and local governments. The motivations of others were less obvious. The press reported visits of publicity agents and announced their plans for campaigns. But readers would not know from the news coverage what these organizations hoped to gain from the legislation or if 16l Albright and Schenck, Creating the National ParkSen •ice, 271. 164 Sal, Lake Trib1111e, ''Park Wonders to 13e Described," November 24, 1919, 14. 16$ Safi Lake Tribune, ''Parks Director Due in Salt Lake Today,'' November 18, !919, 22. |
