•2-2'S 



been a great privilege to me. I feel that we have really accom- 

 plished something here wliich is worth while, and I trust that 

 the good that has been done will be recognized more and more 

 as time passes. 



There are two gentlemen in the room who, I am sure, every- 

 one wishes to hear from before we adjourn. Several times dur- 

 ing our conference mention has been made of the first discovery 

 of the chestnut tree blight, and the name of the gentleman who 

 discovered it has been mentioned several times. I think we 

 ought to ask him formally to come before us, and make a few 

 remarks. I refer to Mr. Merkel, of New York. 



MK. MERKEL : I do not know what Mr. Pearson wants me 

 to say; whether he is wishing for blarney or not. I can only 

 say that I came in order to hear the opinions of everybody 

 expressed. I am glad that the resolutions that were adopted 

 AAere adopted, in spite of the fact that there were some people 

 who did not agree with them. I believe that the work of this 

 Congress to-day is epoch-making. I believe we have advanced a 

 vast step. We have gone further yesterday and to-day by miles 

 than we were the day before. I hope that we can save the chest- 

 nut tree. My fondness for trees in general is the only reason 

 that brought me here; but that I should be pushed into the lime- 

 light thus, — a modest violet like I am, — was not my intention. 



THE CHAIRMAN: Frequently during our discussion we 

 have heard about the need of constructive work. The one man 

 of the entire State, and I dare say the entire world, who has 

 made possible the greatest constructive work against the Chest- 

 nut Tree Blight Disease is now in the room, and I must call 

 upon the father of the measure which is responsible for the 

 effective work in Pennsylvania for a few words. Senator Sproul. 

 (Applause). 



SENATOR SPROUL: Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen: A 

 member of the Senate is generally safe in the House, and I did 

 not know that anyone in any official capacity knew I had come 

 over here. 



THE CHAIRMAN : We all know you. 



