Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-03-28
THE CENSUS OF 1890.

Foreign humOrists are fond of max
ing fun of our inquisitiveness, and
have much to say about the pumping
process" through which an American
is sure to put stranger, no matter
when or where he meets him. Is this
national characteristic wholly to be
condemned? Idle curiosity prompts a
good deal of questioning, it must be
confessed, but, after all, this is better
than the selfish egotism which makes
one Indifferent to the opinions and
history of others. If our critics wish
ed to fortify their charge that Ameri-
cans ,are an inquisitive people they
might point to our last census report,
probably the most costly and exhaus-
tive work of its kind ever published, a
veritable mine of information, whose
value cannot easily be estimated.
The next census will not be inferior
to its predecessor. We CLEAN from an
interview with Congressman Cox pub
lished in the Chicago Tribune some facts
about the eleventh census which may
be of interest. On June 1st, 1890,
forty-five thousand enumerators will
commence their work of questioning the
people of the United States concerning
their age, nationality, occupation, etc.
The government, as it grows older,
naturally becomes more and more in
Quisitive, demands to be enlightened
upon new points, and watches with
greater care and interest the doings of
it's citizens Some times this has been
resented, as in 1910. A leading journ-
al asks, lis this Federal prying into
the domestic economy of the people a
precursor to direct taxes? Is nothing
to escape its inquisitors or tax-gether-
ers? Is it worthy OF the dignity and
high functions of the Federal Govern
ment to pursue such petty investiga-
tionsp''
Usually, however, the value of the
results obtained by the census are
realized, and the interviewer, if not
cordially received, is at least courteous
ly treated. Perhaps, too, everyone
feels some pride in helping to swell the
grand total. A census is a thoroughly
democratic institutions: no matter how
prominent or insignificant man is, he
counts for neither more nor less than
one. Besides, we have the satisfaction
of knowing that not until the people
got an interest in the government did
the government commence to take an
interest in the people.
The census of 1890 will have three
new and excellent features. An at
tempt will be made to show the record
ed Indebtedness of corporations and
individuals. This subject has of late
received considerable attention in the
west, particularly in Michigan and
Kansas. It is said that Investigations
pursued by Michigan's labor commits
sion showed that one-tifth of the farm
ers in that state were mortgaged, and
paying an average interest of more
than seven per cent. Widely differing
estimates of the recorded Indebtedness
of Kansas were made during the last
campaign,-some running over three
hundred millions, others much less.
A recent article in Kansas City
paper, placing it at two hundred mil
lions, has had an extensive circulation.
These statements probably influence
investors, and it is therefore advisable
that accurate information should take
the place of mere guesses. One of the
difficulties to be overcome in obtaining
the exact amount lies in the fact that
mortgages stand recorded for the full
sum until the last payment is made.
Some means will have to be devised
for obtaining the amount of the pay
ments.
Another new feature will be the TAX
ing the names, organization, aud length
of service of surviving soldiers, sailors,
and marines and the widows of the
same. When we remember that our
pension list is continually increasing,
that charges of fraud are heard ON all
sides, and that the dependent pension
bill almost became a law. and probably
will soon be introduced again, the i'm
portance of the inquiry will be at once
perceived.
The negro race is to be more care
fully classified than ever before. Not
only blacks and mulattoes, but quad.
rooms and octoroons will be separately
scheduled.
Some special lines of inquiry, such as
forest trees, water power, prices Of
commodities, wages, social statistics Of