The Arkansas banner., 1849-06-12
The Censms in MDntch..

A friend of ours relates number of comica ad- ventures which he met with few months ago. while engaged in taking the The follow ing might serve caution to future takers among the downtown population. The scene was little story brick building consisting of two rooms, of which used as the parlor kitchen and dining room, the other work shop. dog kennel and hen-roost. Entering the first with his hat in his hand and book under his arm, our friend repeated the bow that he had made 10 a score of other families that morning, accompanying il with the usual explanation and nqury-'l am taking the census. Will you be good enough to tell me the number of tenants that are in your housel'' Nearly the whole family were at that time in the room. bony, wrinkled-up man sat by the fire mending harness; h ruddy faced trau, at d table in the further end of the apartment, was working dough, who used beer bottle us d roller and five or six curly -headed urchins, en chemjse were run ming and tumbling about the floor. At the appear ance of a stranger there was general suspension of operations, and 10 his question the only response was d long stare from every member of the family
 Will you, sir said the gentleman, after n short silence, addressing himself particularly to the man who sat near the fire, "Wl you tell me the num- ber who lodge in this house7"
 Ich kan nicht English sprechen." the man nut tered, and then he commenced 10 sew his harness just as if he had given the question the amplest satisfaction.
 ont you. madam, be so kind as-''
 '' Nein, nein,'' exclaimed the woman, interrupt ing him, she seized her bottle and commenced furious course of rolling over the dough. " Icht kan nicht English sprechen
 In calm fit of desperation our friend closed the book, replaced it under his arm, and with an in terna vision of long and dsagreeable walk in search of interpreter, he proceeded towards he door-when, he laid his hand upon the latch ouc of the little bras pulled him back by the coat tail
 John sprect English" saidthe urchin, inspred. m donhf hv vntlf fha ,yie adj f fho
 Here was the means of overcoming the obstacle and friend turned back with frightened hopes
 "John speaks English--well, where is John, Go and call him. D-n it, can nOne of you understand mel Co and ka ShOn;;" and, by a great many pantomimic Cestculations, with d rather lame dash at German, he managed to make himself under stood. The boy ran out of the back door, and soon came back, leading in stout, good natured looking lad of about fourteen all smiles and dirt The con versation carried on, from this lime, in a rather summary
 "Can you speak Englishl" asked the gentle man.
 Ya." answered the boy
 Ask your father how many there are who live in this house"
 After translation of the question io the harness man. and after being instructed in his answer, the boy resumed.
 ' Mine fader says, vot forf'
 Here the gentleman went on to give long ex- planatou of census taking it's causes object and the probable benefits arising from it; which being explained in full 10 the couple t started them off on long and very animated discu ssion. At last the boy received his orders, and answered:
 Mine fster says tere ish eight uud eia haiben in ter vamiiy"
 There was broad grin on inc harness mans countenaDce ss he seized his aw and commenced operations the harness with Fedonhed energy The stou, lady seized her bottle and started fresh series of strong rongs, whilst the interpreter with A very knowing smile, continued:
 You see, xar, tere ish six in ter family Ror; in two or tree weeks mine fater diaks tere wilt be sereni"
 This tcas counting the chickens! With a silent apostrophe to the enlightenment of the age the gentleman opened his book and wrote
 e Peter Brock nhess and Minnie, his wife have ssoen children; three boys. three girls. and one dosbyal"