UNITED STATES SENATE
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                            WASHINGTON D.C. 20510 

                              January 28, 1985


The Honorable Russell E. Dickenson
Director, National Park Service
Department of Interior
Washington, D. C. 20240

Dear Mr. Dickenson:

     Over the last few months, I have noticed a growing visual pollution around Lafayette Park in Washington, D. C. There appears to be
a number of permanent installations of posters, placards and protesters
in the park across from the White House.

     Although each citizen enjoys the constitutional protection of the
freedom of speech and the right to peaceably assemble, these rights
are not unlimited and absolute. Other citizens including the first
family in the White ~House should have an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the park without the permanent cardboard clutter. The situation has deteriorated to the point where it cries
out for some sensible regulation.

     I find the conditions at Lafayette Park highly offensive. In my
view, there must be-reasonable standards imposed and enforced on the
demonstrators while protecting their basic rights. Please provide
me a report on your efforts to manage this situation and any additional
authority or measures which will help you in this matter.

                                  Sincerely,

                   Mark O. Hatfield
                        United States Senator
                 cc: Mrs. Ronald Reagan
MOH:scb   P.S. (hand written p.s., sugg. that each person carry a sign then take it away when they leave the park)