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Show 63 any conflicts of interest existed between those promoting the park and the goals of the national park systcm. 166 The railroads lobbied most actively for the park, as they had since the national park idea was born. Railroad leaders were allowed to articulate their intentions without investigation or elaboration from reporters. For example, the Deseret Evening News quoted a railroad department circular: "This law will result in great good for Zion canyon [sic], pcnnining, as it will, of larger appropriations for park improvements than could be expected for a national monument, which will eventuate in making this one of the most accessible, as it is now one of the most interesting and inspiring of our great national playgrounds."167 The newspapers were accommodating in republishing promotional materials from various park advocates. The Salt lake Tribune ran the full publicity material from the United States Railroad Administration, which covered nearly three pages and included ten photos of the canyon. 168 Some boosting drew compliments even from rivals. A special Christmas section of the Desere1 Evening News had featured Zion National Park and other scenic locales around the state. In response, The Salt lake Tribune published an editorial: ''The Christmas number of the Deserer News, issued yesterday, will be generally looked upon as one of the best possible advertisements for Salt Lake and the great state of Utah."16~ 166 Deseret Evening News. "Publicity Agents Go to Zion Canyon to Get Local Color," Scplcmbcr26, 1919, sec. I, 3; Deseret Evening News, '·Enthusiastic over Zion Canyon Beauties,'" October 6, 1919,sec. 2, 8. 167 Deseret E1•ening News, "Zion Canyon Season Will Close November l,"October31, 1919, sec. I, 2. 161 Salt lake Tribune, ''Zion National Park, 'The Most Beautiful Spot on TI1is Continent,"' November 30, 1919,s,,.-c. 1, 6. 169 Salt Lake Tribune, "The Christmas News," December 21, 1919, 2. |
