-Caveat Lector- Last Liberty Tree Imperiled By TOM STUCKEY .c The Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Oct. 18) - The last of the liberty trees - where American colonists once incited rebellion against the British - has been so damaged by storms and decay it should be cut down, according to an expert who examined the 400-year-old tulip poplar. Winds from Hurricane Floyd fractured the trunk and the tree now endangers anything near it, arborist Russell Carlson said in a report to the state and St. John's College. The college, which has held its commencement under the tree for 200 years, will decide soon whether to remove the tree or try to save it, spokeswoman Barbara Goyette said. There were once 13 liberty trees - one in each of the original Colonies - where the Sons of Liberty met and plotted the Revolution. The tulip poplar on the St. John's campus is the last surviving liberty Tree. In a report submitted Oct. 9, Carlson said ''the entire tree now consists of a hollow shell of wood, sometimes only two or three inches thick.'' He estimated 85 percent of the wood has been lost to decay. Carlson rejected the use of extensive internal or external mechanical supports, which might prolong the life of the tree. ''It would be an obtrusive and ignominious life support system for this grand old champion,'' he said. ''Campers and wanderers, children and philosophers, vagrants and presidents, have all stood in the shade of this ancient giant. But finally, it is time to say goodbye to our old friend,'' Carlson wrote. Mike Morrill, spokesman for Gov. Parris Glendening, said the governor was ''extraordinarily sad that the arborist did not have better news.'' This spring, state officials arranged for cuttings to be taken from the tree so clones could be produced. Louise Hayman, director of the commission that handled the procedure, said scientists won't know until the end of the year if it will succeed. If it does, seedlings will be presented to the 49 other states, she said. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
