The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-12-22

ipthi ss'ssso 'f0'fotl 80
The increase of population since 1870
appears 10 have been about 80 per cent.
The Superintendent devotes considera-
able space TO statement of the iinan-
cial ombarrassments which at one time
threatened to suspend the active work
of his Office, and which would have
made suspension an absolute necessity
had not the services Of volunteer
force been accepted, He assumes the
responsibility for the inadequate appro-
priation allowed by Congress, and gives
the reasons for the mistaken estimates
submitted.
When it became fully known that the
appropriation was inadequate to COM
plete the work TO be done, the only al
Tentative was 10 disband the office force
and suspend all work until Congress
should meet and provide the money to
90 on, or TO accept the service of such
OF the old employees and officers as
should volunteer to work without pay,
without involving the United States in
any legal obligation for their employ
ment. To have closed the office and
disbanded force trained to the work
in hand would have added largely to
the expense when the resumption oil H..
Dor was authorized by Congress. VAL
liable clerks would haya found other
employment. New material would
have to be accepted, and the slow pro-
cess of training again undertaken, whilc
q delay of six to eight months at a NOT
critical period of the work. when the
country was impatiently wailinr for re-
suits already in hand, would have been
disastrous in the extreme.
After careful consideration ui tie
question, weighing all possible obiec-
lions with the advantages presented.
the suggestions of the Superintendent
were concurred in by the Secretary ri
the Interior, and instructions given 10
permit those who desired TO volunteer
to do so, with full understanding on
their part that the government had no
legal right to make any contract, ex-
press or implied, that should bind it in
anticipation of appropriations. AT the
same time, assurance was given that all
of the facts necessary to full under
standing of the case would be laid be-
fore Congress at the earliest possible
moment. The average force employed
| under the conditions named has been
700. 1t represents the best of the old
force, and in point of efficiency has
steadily improved upon whas. at an
earlier period, was considered higl
standard of clerical work. So rapi(
and satisfactoryehas been the labor per
formed that it is confidently expected
that by the time Congress meets in De
cember the compilation of the tent
census will be substantially completed
No one, in view Of the facts will ques
ton tho sincerity and good faith o
Gen. Walker in accepting the voluntee
force to complete the important work
The course he pursued was the wises
possible under the circumstances, an
no stronger evidence of his unselfisl
devotion to the service could be afford
ed than the fact that out of his limite
means he placed at the disposal Of tn
Interior Department sufficient funds +
meet the pressing obligations that ha
been incurred. The amount expende
by him was about $4,000, In referrin!
to this in his report, Gen. Walker says
SHOULD 1t please Congress to make a.
appropriation TO cover the amounts s
expended. shall be glad to be REIN
\ bursed for expenditures made in goo
faith and for the public's interest.
not, shall accept the decision of tina
body and regard the amount so expend
ed as my personal contribution 70 tn
success Of great public work" 1t !
estimated that S540, 000, will be requires
to complete tho tenth census. OF thi
SS30,000 will be applied to the paymeu
Of the volunteer foroe. - WaShingto