The Everglades National Park Association County Court House Miami, Florida Telephone President Halsted L. Ritter Vice-Presidents Thomas J. Pancoast John O. Shares David Sholtz Treasurer F.L. Wall Executive Council Ernest F. Coe, Chairman Advisory Council Charles D. Leffler, Chairman Clayton Sedgwick Cooper, Vice-Chairman Cosmos Club Washington, D.C. February 22, 1936 Mr. W.R. Smith Assistant Secretary to the Governor The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida Dear Mr. Smith: Your letter of February 14th received. I met Governor Dave here in Washington and he said he would take up the subject matter of the letter of February 4th with the President. You may be surprised in learning how jealous other States are of Florida in this Everglades National Park matter. It's this very thing that compels us to fight tooth and nail for every advance we make here in Washington. Were it not in reality a great National matter, we would get nowhere but, even at that it is looked upon as a great Florida advantage - which in truth it is. It is inferred that Florida wants the Park badly enough to make Park bills before Congress have a vote value. This makes it both good and bad for our Congressmen. Sincerely yours [signature] Ernest F. Coe (S) Executive Chairman Everglades Nat. Park Association s/ This association was organized and is maintained for the purpose of promoting acquaintance with the primeval wonders of America's continental tropics included in the Cape Sables and nearby Everglades region of South Florida--its scenic interests, varied plant and animal life. All of this native wild life is fascinating and many species are confined to this region. To cooperate with measures leading to the preservation of this region as a great national park wherein all its forms of wild life will be protected, and its other varied charms of glades, tropic jungles, azure seas, emerald isles, lakes, rivers and beaches will be forever consecrated as a nature sanctuary. Membership-annual members, $3.00 per year; sustaining members, $60.00 or more per year. All members will receive bulletins and other printed matter issued from time to time.