Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1869-02-15
INCREASE IN POPULATION.


with reference to the increase Of chill
dren of foreign descent, as compared
with tho relative decrease of those Of
American origin. In 1865 the census
Of the State of New York was taken by
families. In one-fourth of the families
not a single child was found, while in
the remaining three.fourths there was
upon an average only a fraction over
one child to each family. This included
both the foreign and native population,
and the races are so greatly mixed in
New York that it is difficult to draw the
line, but the compiler of the census, DR..
Hough, became convinced that there is
no natural increase in population among
families descended from tho early set
tiers of that State. In Massachusetts,,
while in l7G5 one-half the population
were under l6 years of age, at the pres
ent time scarcely ouc-fourth OF the
purely American class is under &c. In
deed, the birthrate Of the American
portion of Massachusetts, is but one in
80 per annum, while in France, where
population is said to be stationary, tho
native birthrate amounts to one in 81.
In Connecticut, the School Report for
1866 states that ''the relative number
of children had been steadily decreasing
for the last four years )" and in YER
mont the birthratc, whom separated from
the foreign element, was only oue.half
as large as that of England.
Not only in New England and New
York, but in all communities where
foreigners and Americans are living
side by side, the most surprising differ.
encc in the size Of their families exists
the former often averaging two or
three timos rs many children rs the
latter. OF the various causes which
may contribute to this result, two or
three may be regarded rs most potent.
The rapid increase Of commerce and
trade, drawing vast numbers into cities,
and producing the desire and struggle
for rapid accumulation, renders wealth
and fashion the great standards to be
aimed at in life. Thus extravaganza,
luxury and stimulation take the place
Of the frugal and simple habits that ac-
companicd slow accumulation, and chill
drcn come to be considered n burden
and expense, where formerly they were
u cause of rejoicing. Marriages are
also found to be made now at a later
age than formerly, owing greatly to
prudential considerations, while the
period OF life from twenty to thirty
years is always more prolific than after
that age.
The condition Of health has been
| proven to be one of the most fruitful
| sources of the national increase of q
people, and in the last fifty years there
has been u great decline in the health
| Of American III Neglect Of phys
ical exercise and injurious fashions Of
dress aud living will account for this
| sorrowful but actual fact. Our girls,
sent to school the greater portion Of
their time, for ten or twelve OF the years
Of growth, have soft and weak muscles
from their lack of action, their brains
are ovcrtaXed, and their nerves become
too sensitive. When to this they add
the compression of the chest and lungs,
and the fast life of fashion, which will
tax even the strongest frame, it cannot.
be wondered that deficient vital action
should ensue. Where the brain ia strained
and physical exercise neglected, the
whole system gradually becomes enfes-
bled. Such persons when they have had
one or two children find their strength
prcmaturcly exhausted, and their on
situations permanently impaired. The
life of the great bulk Of foreigners
among us is one of physical exercise,
and less brain stimulation, which goes
far to account for their more rapid in
crease.
We need above all things for our
true national prosperity, rs we'll as our
individual welfare, n more complete de-
velopment of the physical system, and
such changes in the lives and education
of our children, and especially cur
daughters, rs shall give a more perfect
balance to every part Of the body.
There is n theory, that as you g perfect
q people, the race inclines to run OUT
but this al only be based on the one
sided idea ofperfecting the brain alono.
True principles of progress must be
based on the laws of the whole system,
body as well rs mind, and by these
alone can the law of increase be favora-
bly, developed.