204 



control of our forests, we would be doing something upon which 

 we could agree and work together, and tlius not only control this 

 fungous disease, but do wonders to the forests of this section. 



THE CHAIRMAN: Mr. Stevens will probably be pleased to 

 learn that the Committee on Kesolutions will Iiave something 

 of a constructive order to suggest. 



Mil. STEVENS : Then may we proceed as quickly as pos- 

 sible, so that we may discuss that? 



THE (MIAIKMAN: That is the next urder on the pro- 

 gramme, and before (tailing for a report by the Committee on 

 Kesolutions, if you will permit a word from the Chair, I will 

 beg your indulgence. A feAv moments ago, doubtless in a spirit 

 of fun, the word "politician" was introduced into our discus- 

 sion. Now I wish to say that I have made careful observations 

 — as one may of the Avork in one State from another State — 

 of the work tliat is being done in the State of Pennsylvania 

 along this line. Thus far I have failed to see the first sign of 

 what might be regarded as political methods, and I claim to be 

 somewhat expert in detecting the presence of such methods. 

 (Applause). I have inquired of two gentlemen of Pennsylvania 

 who are well posted, one of them being a member of the Chest- 

 nut Tree Blight Commission, as to the political faith of these 

 five men, and T have been unable to find out yet what their 

 political faith is. (Applause). 



The members of the Chestnut Tree Blight Commission of 

 Pennsylvania are serving without compensation. They are 

 ineii (»r large business interests aiul also altruistic interests. 

 Tlicy are glad to give their time to the subject because they 

 believe they can lielji the State to solve a great problem, and, 

 so far as 1 have been able to size ii]» the situation in Pennsyl- 

 vania, from I lie ])ai)ers and llie discnssions which have been 

 offered here, 1 should say that the Pennsylvania plan, in a word, 

 is to seek the trnth and when the best course is found, then to 

 follow that course. AVhat else can we consider to be the policy 

 in this State? Remember that the Legislature of Pennsylvania 

 has appropriated t\\o hundred and seventy-five thousand dol- 

 lars, and we heard yesterday that only twenty thousand dollars 



