The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-13
The Census Of 1000.

The Census of 1900.
Director Merriam announces that he
hopes to be able to begin the publication
OF census bulletins about the fifteenth Of
this month. showing approximately the
population of the various cities Of the first
class. II is safe to predict that these bull
letins in every case will reveal signs OF
remarkable growth In the population OF
every large municipality in the country.
There has been no appreciable diminution
since the last census was taken in the tide
Of foreign immigration which beats con-
stantly upon our shores or Of the move
ment from the rural districts to the CEN
tres of population. The statistics doubtless
will show that larger part OF the
stream Of foreign blood which comes across
the oceans to this country still is damned
up in the cities than finds its way into
the sparsely populated sections. The So
cial economist will find in this condition a
subject of engaging interest. He may dis
cover that this constant infusion OF for
eign blood into the centres Of national ac-
tivity accounts in part for the rapidly
growing complaints OF an increase in the
corruption-political. social, and CONNER
cial-which flourishes In the cities. We do
not say that these complaints are we'll
founded. We content ourselves by calling
attention to them and pointing to a pos
sible remedy If the evils complained Of
by the sociologists actually exist. II the
cause resides in the addition to the popu-
lations Of our cities of large bodies OF
foreigners every year. 1t may be that some
means can be devised by which the dis
impression that segregated mankind is less
promo to evil than aggregated mankind.
There is also popular impression that for
the most part foreigners carry with them
into new lands the worst instead Of the
best traits OF their native civilization and
character. Here, then. is situation which
the political, economic. and social reform
tails Of the census have been intelligently
compiled.
But it appears that the census takers
are encountering more than the usual
amount OF difficulties in gathering infor-
nation on this interesting point. The dis
II not discreditable, feature Of
this opposition is that 1t comes from the
two extremes of the population in the
cities. 1t mostly proceeds from the peo-
pie in the best financial circumstances.
high order Of intelligence.
and from people in the poorest financial
t Spces nrae,fnnoainc n low nrder
OF intelligence. The complaint is particu-
larly common that when the enumerator
makes his visits to the homes Of the rich
he is confronted by many difficulties. II
not infreQuently happens that the lady Of
the house, for some reason or other. or
to receive him. Perhaps she happens to
be at lunch or she is entertaining friend,
or she is making her toilet, or she is not
at home. The consequence Is that the
is requested to call again. and
the cases are numerous in which he is
object is even partially attained. This, Of
course. is all wrong. Those who thus be-
have ought to be made to realize not only
that the census taker Is a representative |
Of the National Government, and there
fore entitled to be treated with respect, |
but also that his by no means excessive |
remuneration depends upon the number |
,f names which he returns upon his |
schedules. Obviously 1t is a serious hard |
ship for him to be compelled to call sew
aral times at the same house, and no |
more than a single visit should be re- |
luired Of him except in rare cases where |
t is absolutely unavoidable. The people |
Who positively refuse to give the informa-
ion required Of them are another class Of
blenders. They are more numerous,
hough by reason of environment are more
AS regards them the super
'isors should not hesitate to exert the
.uthority conferred upon them by law. By
uestions which the census enumerator is
authorized to ask is a misdemeanor, pun
shable by fine Of 500 for each offence.
he infiiction Of that penalty in one or
wo typical cases in every community
fould have an excellent effect
The national desire is for census this
line which will throw light upon every
ubject Of interest to the best class of
itizens to the end that they may be en-
bled to lift up the lower classes to a 7
igher standard Of endeavor and OF citi-
enship. This can be accomplished only
y the enumerator's work being made
asy by the better classes.
l
1t is evident that the British chance for