The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-03-12

ification, with power to withdraw trouble
some feeble-minded pupils from the pubic
schools.
CENSUS MARsHALS.
The census marshals for taking the next
school census ought to be elected at the flrst
meeting of the board in April. Last year
forty-tRree marshals were elected, and at
least that number Will be required THIS year:
1t has been customary for each member OF
the board to recommend for appointment
three census marshalS.
| recommend the appointment by the
President of the board of special school
census committee of three members, to whom
shall be referred all recommendations for
the appointment of marshalS, such commit
tee to report to the Board OF Election list
Of persons faYorably considered, after care
full inquiries as to fitness for election by the
board.
In order to emphasize the importance of
selecting census marshalS with extreme
care, | need only call your attention to the
tabulated statistics OF census returns Tor a
few years past.
Number of youths in the city between
and II years of age who are entitled by law
to draw public money: 1878, $3.50; 1879,
81, 103, increase for one year 6206; 1884, g.
029 increase in five years 924; 1885. $4,000,
increase in one year 5971; 1856. 74.O19, IN
crease in one year 5079; 1887, rs, $40, increase
in one year 1857; 1888, 59,713, decrease in one
year, 1888; 1885, 60,642, increase in one year
929; 1890, 81, IA, increase in one year jO2.
An Inspection of the returns previous to
1879, and for 1859 and 1890, shows that the
normal annual increase in the number OF
children between and II years varies from
500 to 1000.
In 1879, when the census was evidently a
fraudulent one, there was sudden increase
over 1878 of 6213 children. During the next
five wears up TO 1884 the increase was only
% Int in harm raG n
crease over 1884 of 59T1, in 1886 over 1885 an
abnormal increase of 5079, and in 1887 an
other abnormal Increase over 1886 of 4l67.
In 1883 the first returns were SO glarlngly
fraudulent that Superintendent Anderson,
under authority of State law, ordered the
census retaken, and there was sudden fall
ing off from rs, DAG in 1887 TO 90, 7l3, de-
crease of IS 533.
In 1889. and the census was approximately
correct, the increase over 1888 was 929, anu
in 1880 the increase over 1889 was 5O2.
INACCURATE GENERAL STATISTICS.
The census marshals are required among
other statistics to report the number oil chll-
dTen that have attended private schools dur
ing the year-private schools including, OF
course, all parochial, convent or church
schools, in fact all schools other than public
schools.
In 1886 the number reported as having at
tended private schools was 92S9, and in 1890
as S74S-a decrease in four years OF 541 pu
pills.
Now, it is a well-known fact that during
the past four years the increase of attend
anee at parochial schools has been very
great From statistical information, which
l have every reason 70 consider accurate, the
number Of pupils that attended parochlal
schools in Ii is city was not less than $4,000,
ana the number attending convent and other
church schools not less than 5000, making in
all 16, 0OO Add to this, say 1900 children at
tending private schools other than church
schools, there is grand total OF 1850 chill
dren attending private schools. The census
returns show only half this number.
DAILY ATTENDANCE.
The average daily attendance in the pub
lie schools in 1885 was -, lS3; in 1886,
81, 146, decrease of 81; in 1887, 81, 3l6, de-
crease of $50; in 1855, 3O,191, decrease OF
1I5; in 1889. 1869, an increase of 141S, and
in 1890, 31,352, decrease OF 24T.
The total decrease in four years is S31.
1t is an undoubted fact that in conse-
quence of the increased openings for boys
and girls in the manufacturing establish
ments of the city children are withdrawn
from school at an earlier age than formerly,
thus somewhat reducing school attendance
as compared with former years.
But the chief cause of diminishing pub
lie school attendance is the increasing
par0chial school attendance.
While fuly satisfied of this fact for some
time past, l was unable until quite recently
to obtain any accurate information relating
to parochial and church school attendance.
1t is unnecessary to state that this informa-
ton was not obtained from the school cen
sus returns. 1t is desirable this year to
have the census taken accurately, so that
the board may secure every dollar of the
State school money that justly belongs TO
this city.
You can secure a correct census by nomi-
mating and electing only capable, honest
and honorable men as census marShals. Ii
you will act as you would i'll managing your
own private business, if you stand up
against partisan pressure and personal ap-
ppals to make appointments on the ground
of charity, if you make this matter one of
cod-booded business, the census will be
well taken.