COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA 



THE PENNSYLVANIA 

 CHESTNUT TREE BLIGHT COMMISSION. 



The call issued by the (Joveriior, iii which he urged Ihe im- 

 portance and necessity for prompt and conceited action in com- 

 bating tlie Chestnut IJai'k iJisease, included the following 

 statement: 



"lu 1911, tlie reunsylvania State J^egislature passed a bill au- 

 thorizing the Governor to a^jpoint a Commission of live citizens 

 lor the purpose of thoroughly investigating the Chestnut Tree 

 lUirk Disease which is rapidly destroying the chestnut trees of ^ 

 the Commonwealth. The Act placed an appropriation of $275,- 

 000 at the disposal of the Commissh)n for the investigation aiul 

 scientilic study of the problem, and more s[»ecilically to ascer- 

 tain the exa-ct extent of the blight, and to devise ways and means 

 through which it might, if possible, be stamped out. 



The Commission was app()inle<l in June, l!»il, and, after or- 

 ganization, began its work immediately by sending a large force 

 of experts into the field. The reports of these experts together 

 with the results of the work of the patliological stalf, will, among 

 other matters, be presented for discussion to a Convention called 

 by the Governor to assemble at Harrisburg, February 20th, 

 1912. 



In order that the other States not yet touched by the blight, 

 but certainly in its line of advance, may realize the seriousness 

 of the situation, the Governor, who is much interested, has called 

 this Convention for a consideration of ways and means, in the 

 hope that the States may be aroused to action and be ready to 

 meet the invasion at their borders. Pennsylvania's problem is \ 

 now or soon will become the problem of Maine, Vermont, New- 

 Hampshire, Massachusetts, Khode Island, Connecticut, New- 

 York, New- Jersey, Delaware, ^laryland, Virginia, North Caro- 

 lina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, 

 Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Active 

 co-operation of the States is essential. The attendance of a 

 large number of Delegates is respectfully urged." 



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