New-York tribune., 1889-12-18
SOUTHERN And NATIONAL GROWTH

gratifying evidence of the growth OF the
Southern States in more respects than one IS
afforded by an estimate of population Just OBJ
tanned by "The Chattanooga Tradesman" from
Southern Governors and Controllers. These
officials arc said to have based their returns on
careful inquiries. and it may be imagined that
with truth-revealing census close at hand
they would not invite ridicule by statements
consciously exaggerating But the estimates
given show a population of 19,4S9,l5O IN
twelve States south of the Potomac and Ohio.
Missouri. West Virginia, Delaware and Mary
land are not included here as Southern States,
and with these the population OF the entire
region formerly slave-holding would be over
twenty four millions In 1880 the twelve
Southern States had a population OF 1858
936, and the Governors estimate an increase
in the ten years of over 33 per cent.
It NAV first be observed that this statement
shows growth in mind and character as well
as in population. Not very long ago estimates
obtained from similar sources, even under cir
cumstances strongly pressing toward modera-
ton. would have been wild and fanciful But
a cold -blooded estimate made last year by one
of the most careful statisticians based upon all
the information then obtainable, including the
Presidential election returns, made the pop
ulation of the twelve States 1881, 900 as OF
date July l, 1888. The addition of further
increase wear and a half at the same rate
would make the population January l, 1890,
19434.00O. which differs but slightly from
the estimate of Southern Governors. 1t may
be conceded therefore, that their estimate is
reasonable, modest, and fairly in accord with
such facts as are at command OF competent
StatiSticians.
A gain of 33 per cent in ten years IN the
Southern States implies at least great gain
in the rest OF the States. which have received
the greater part of the enormous immigration
from other countries But this inequality of
increase has been balanced in part by the large
migration from North to South, especially of
artisans and mechanics TO the new manufact-
uIing centres, and of residents TO Florida and
other attractive portions of the South A con-
siderable accession from Europe has also been
received by the mining and manufacturing por-
ton of the Southern States during the decade
and the German farmers in Texas have in
creased in number. The difference between
the two sections in rate of increase has prob
ably not been large. Reckoning on the basis
now generally accepted as the most trustworthy,
namely, addition of yearly immigration to a
yearly increase of per cent by excess of births
over deaths, the total population would be
66, 900 900 January /, 1890, with another
half years growth to complete the decade since
the date Of the last census. The figures indi-
cate that the South has fairly kept pace with
the rest of the country in growth, although the
immigration will have amounted during the
present decade to at least 800 00O-as much
as the entire immigration during the previous
twenty years.
The South has grown by Investigation of
industry It's magnificent strides have been
due in large measure to the National policy of
that party against which the South has fought
solidy and still fights. Is it to be expected
that such singular unwiSdom will long con-
tnue?