The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-02-13
The Census of 1880.

We are indebted to Hon. Jos. Jorgensen
for copy Of the bill for taking the census of
1880, as prepared by Hon. Mr.. Morrill, of the
Senate, and passed in the Senate on the 9th
inst. We summarize the mai n features Of
the bill, from which it will be seen that the
law Of 1850 is modified, in the manner Of
enumerating, providing for the creation OF
Census Bureau. 1t also provides for the
taking of census every five years by the
States, making it optional. one half OF the
expenses to be borne by the United States.
Tile bill, as it passed the Senate, is so much
better than that proposed by Mr.. Cox, in the
House, that it will be generally acceptable
to those who want an impartial, and, as far
as possible, perfect census.
The bill provides thata census OF the pop
ulation, wealth and industry of the United
States shall be taken on or before June l,
1880. Itsprovides for the appointment OF
superintendent of the census by the Presi-
dent. by and with the advice and consent of
the Senate, and also the necessary clerks
and copyists in his Office. The Secretary OF
the Interior is directed to appoint on or be-
fore the lst day of April, 1880, one or more
supervisors OF census within each State or
Territory, such persons to be residents OF
such State or Territory. The total number
of supervisors is not to exceed lo0. The
supervisors are to apportion their districts
and designate to the superintendent snta-
BILE persons to employ as enumerators, such
persons to be selected solely with reference
to their fitness and without reference to their
politics or party affiliations. Each supervi-
sor is to receive $500 upon the completion of
his duties, enumerators are to receive two
cents for each living inliabitant reported,
two cents for each death reported, ten cents
for each farm and fifteen cents for each cs-
tablishment of productive industry enumer-
ated and returned. The subdivision assign
ed to each enumerator shall not exceed A.
900 Inhabitants, according to the census OF
1870, nor contain less than 5000 where the
last preceding census shows the inhabitants
thereof
The bill further provides for the punish
ment of enumerators and others for giving
information to outside parties, neglect CT
duty Sc. 1t is made a misdemeanor, pun
ishabIe By fine Of 500, to refuse to answer
the questions OF enumerators, and officers OF
corporations who refuse to answer them,
shall pay fine OF not less than $500 nor
more than 1000 and be imprisoned not eX-
ceeding one year. All census matter is to
pass through the Post Office free.
The schedule of inquiries is the same as
now provided by section 2,2oG Of the Revis-
ed Statutes, with various exceptions and adj
ditions. 1t further provides for the employ
ment of experts and special agents to in
yestigate the economic relations, the man
ufacturins, railroad, fishing, mining and
other industries OF the country, aud the sta
tistics of telegraph, express, transportation
and insurance companies.
The enumeration is to commence On the
LIST day of June. 1880, and be completed be-
fore the 1st OF July following. In cities
having 10000 inhabitants tie enunera ton
of population shall be taken within two
weeks from the LIST of June. 1t limits the
cost of the census at SO, 900. 900, exclusive Of
$3.50, 900 for printing and all other preiimi-
nary expenses. Any State taking census
of its population &C., according to this Dill
in 1885, '95, &C., Shall have one half of the
expenses thereof paid by the United States
upon depositing a full and authentic copy
with the Secretary OF the Interior.