The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-05-17
Refuse to Answer !

We called attention about six weeks ago To
the amazing programme OF inquietion which
has been prepared by the Superintendent OF
the Census. We are glad to observe that
there Is likely to be general protest against
the outrage which tile Census Bureau in
tends to penetrate in the name OF the United
States Government.
The census enumerators will start out on
their rounds Oh June 2, two weeks from next
Monday, equipped with schedule OF thirty
questions. Among other objects of inquiry,
they are instructed to ascertain from every
citizen and inhabltant OF the United States :
"22-whether Tho or she is. suffering from acute
chronic disease with of disease aud length of
time afflicted.
"2a-Whether defective in mind sight hearing, or
speech; or whether crippled manned rds;orined. and
name Of defect
"24-WLether a prisoner convict. homeless child,
pauper."
''2s and els tho home you live in hired or is 1t
owned by the head OF by member of the fanlilyN
"2I-lf owned by head or member of family, 10 tho
house FREQ from mortgage sncumbrAncer
"2s-If the head OF the family In farmer, 10 tho
farm which he cultivates hired or is owned by him
or by member of his family -
"3a-If owned by head or member OF family. is the
farm FREQ from mortgage encumhraneer
"so.-If the home or farm Is NOT owned by head or
member Of fsmiIy and mUrtgaaed give the Post oiioe
address Of owner"
We advise every citizen and inhabitant
who respects himscl: and is disposed to re-
sent an impertlnent, unwarranted, and ille-
gal Intrusion into his private affairs, TO re-
fuse fatty to answer any Of the questions
here quoted from the schedule. Not one OF
them is within the Constitutional scope Of
the Federal census. Not ono Of them is JUS
titled by necessity or propriety The census
takers have no more business to investigate
the chronic maludiea, the bodily defects and
the private account books of the people liv-
ing under this free Government than they
have to inquire into our loves and hatreds,
our moral weaknesses, our secret sorrows.
1t would DO just as legitimate and legal
proceeding for the enumerators to present
themselves wit pencil and cardboard and to
demand, under penalty Of a $50 fine, true
answers 10 the inquiries here subjoined:
~ married. do you really love your wife lor hus
band or do you only pretend TOY"
whit secret doubts, II any. do you entertain reia
tive to tie existence OF Supreme Being :"
is there anything in your past lie of which you
now ashamed, and fso what isit'"
What IS the amount az your indebtedness to your
tailor your dressnlaker your butcher your mikman
Loer your urxt.oor neighbor pay his debts :"
We do not advise the violent ejectment OF
thu ccnsus agent who demands of you the |
n ma and the stage Of progress Of the |
chronic malady which you have perhaps |
kept as a secret from your family and all |
Il @ world save your physician. The EMU
merator Is only obeying his orders. 1t Is |
not necessary TO kick down the front steps
the stranger who officially and calmly in
tcrrogatcs you as to the physiological and
mental imperGrctions OF yourself, your wife,
a,d your children 1t is only neces-
cary 10 refuse point-blank the in
formation desired in the interest OF
statistical science and demanded In
tho name of tho law, and to send the emu
mnrHtor about his business His business is
T. count the people for tho purpose of APP
Forthcoming Representatives In Congress- and
direct tnSes. He has no moro right to re-
qn!rc answers to thu questions quoted above
than has the man who goes around canvass
ing for u Directory.
II tho enumerator still acting under his
INSTRUCTIONS. warns you that you will be-
fined $50 for refusing to Disclose Your
chronic maladics, your physical defects, and
TIC private business affairs OF your land
lord, laugh at him.