MY dear mr. Secretary: In assigning me, among other things, the duty of exercising administrative supervision of the national parks and general control of their development and operation as playgrounds for the American people, you expressed your firm be lief that the scenery and natural features of scientific interest in these parks surpassed those of any other country; and you cherished the hope that they should become the objectives of American tourist travel, not only for the duration of the great European war but after its conclusion and the restoration of peace. You requested me to make every effort to provide accommodations in the national parks for all classes of visitors, and to give as much attention to the needs of the tourist with a small income as to those of the wealthy visitor accustomed to luxury. You were particularly desirous that the creature comforts of all park visitors be provided and that every precaution be taken to make travel on all roads and trails safe. You recognized the necessity for encouraging travel to the parks and approved plans for making better known their beauty and grandeur. You regarded the national parks as a great economic asset which had theretofore been entirely overlooked by the Federal Government, and authorized me to begin their develop ment on a broad -gauge scale.