The work of the Chestnut Blight Commission was suspended not because
of the lack of a desire to proceed, or lack of opportunity to render
most valuable services, but for reasons stated in the letter at
the beginning of this report. While the legislation recognized the
need of continuing active work of this character by providing for
a continuation of the Commission, it did not see its way clear to
have the work advance with that vigor which the Commission believed
necessary in order to achieve the most marked success.
The original Act of Assembly approved June 14, 1911, provided that the
Commission should continue operations for a period of three years from
the date of the approval of the Act. This period would have expired by
limitation, June 14, 1914. To continue the Act in force, and to provide
for a Commission to take up the work at any time, should it be thought
in the future desirable to do so, the original Act of Assembly was
amended by extending the term of the original Commission to a period
of five years from the date of their appointment, and to continue
thereafter for so long, as in the judgment of the Governor, it might
be necessary to have work done in accordance with the terms of the
law. This makes the Commission a continuing one to be revived at the
pleasure of the Governor. Section one, of foregoing Act, as amended[21]
by the 1913 Legislature, reads as follows:
[21] See P. L. 1913, p. 313.
“Section 1. _Be it enacted, etc._, That a commission, to consist
of five members, to be appointed and commissioned by the Governor
for a period of five years from the date of their appointment, and
to continue thereafter for such period as, in the judgment of the
Governor, may be necessary to enable them to complete the work to
be done under this Act, and to be called The Commission for the
Investigation and Control of the Chestnut Tree Blight Disease in
Pennsylvania, is hereby created; with power to ascertain, determine
upon and adopt the most efficient and practical means for the
prevention, control, and eradication of a disease of the chestnut
tree, commonly known as the chestnut tree blight disease; and for
this purpose, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, or
otherwise, to conduct scientific investigations into the nature and
causes of such disease and the means of preventing its introduction,
continuance, and spread; to establish, regulate, maintain, and enforce
quarantine against the introduction and spread of such disease; and,
from time to time, to adopt and prescribe such regulations and methods
of procedure as to it may seem necessary and proper for carrying into
effect the purpose of this Act, and exercising the powers and authority
hereby conferred: Provided, That in the work of collaboration by the
Commission with the Department of Forestry, said Department may employ
such means, and make detail of such men, and do such other things, as
may seem to be necessary or expedient to accomplish the purpose of this
Act. Provided further, That if the fungus causing the aforesaid disease
be found to attack other species of trees, such trees shall be deemed
to come within the purview of this act.”
[Illustration: Peeled chestnut stump buried, showing sprouts.]
Bibliography
of the
Chestnut Bark Disease
By R. KENT BEATTIE, FOREST PATHOLOGIST,
U. S. Department of Agriculture.
[Illustration]