COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA 



THE PENNSYLVANIA 

 CHESTNUT TREE BLIGHT COMMISSION. 



The call issued by the Governor, in which he urged the im- 

 portance and necessity for prompt and concerted action in com- 

 bating the Chestnut Bark Disease, included the following 

 statement : 



"In 1911, the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed a bill au- 

 thorizing the Governor to appoint a Commission of live citizens 

 for the purpose of thoroughly investigating the Chestnut Tree 

 Bark Disease which is rapidly destroying the chestnut trees of 

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

 000 at the disposal of the Commission for the investigation and 

 scientific study of the problem, and more specifically to ascer- 

 tain the exact extent of the blight, and to devise ways and means 

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



The Commission was appointed in June, 1911, 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 pathological staff, 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, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New 

 York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, 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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