The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-06-03

institutions. The clerical force has been
gathered from all parts OF the United
states, a systematic form OF examination
for all applicants having been provided
for. and II is believed that the individuals
selected are as well adapted for the work
required of them as any similar body of
people could be under the same circum-
stances.
After the four great inquiries are i'm
ished. called the census reports proper.
the office is instructed under the law TO
make special inquiry into various other
interesting subjects. among which are the
following: The insane feeble minded,
deaf. dumb and blind crime pauperism,
and benevolence; social statistics OF cities;
public Indebtedness. valuation. and ex-
penditure. electric light and power. tcie-
phone and telegraph business; transporta-
tfon BY water. express business and street
railway: mines amp mining. etc, etc.
These, when published. will be denomi-
mated as Special Census Reports" and
the office is forbidden to take any OF them
up until we have finished the census re
ports proper, From time TO time con
gress will undoubtedly assign other in
quifies to the census office. and. in view
of the fact that this data must i've gath
cred as of the date when the inquiry is
instituted, practically four or five wears
will be consumed in gathering the special
reports. These results win be OF consid-
cradle value TO students OF economies
within our colleges.
Legislation is now being had that will
involve the consolidation Of all the sta-
tiSucal branches of the government under
one head, to be known as the department
OF commerce. Should this be brought
about there will undoubtedly be a reor-
ganization Of the statistical branches of
me government In such a way as to bring
them into close harmony and to utilize
them so as to be of great advantage
when the census proper is to be taken
coming TO the end OF the century. and at
time when prosperity seems to over
spread the land, the two great Industries
that VIII attract most attention will be
those of agriculture and manufacturing
Agriculture of course the ha sic factor OF
our national wealth. will be given the
fullest considerations and for the first
time. | think. In the history OF the country
We shall have much clearer idea of the
value of the farming industry. It's possi-
bllities and its Importance than hereto
fore. A most thorough plan has been laid
out for gathering all OF the possible data
relating TO this most interesting feature
of our national wealth. The collection OF
statistics relating TO manufacturing has
been intrusted to one OF the most success
ful statisticians, Mr.. :. n. u. North, OF
Boston. secretary OF the Wool Assocta-
ness with which he has undertaken the
work leads us TO believe that the results
will not only be extremely satisfactory
but will be astonishing to our own people
and tn the world al large as well. Ma
lions over the earth are continually fight
ing for new territory, with view of en-
larging their markets. exploiting new
lands, giving opportunities for new eiti-
zenshlp, and of keeping quiet their own
people by providing newer markets for
The results of their labors. Armaments
and navies are being constructed i'm all
parts of the civilized world. with a view
Of not only defending territory already
absorbed. but preparing the way for new
lands to conquer. Under such conditions
the industrial situation I'm America must
excite the liveliest consideration IL ia
believed at this time. with high prices so
common to all articles of commerce. with
activity in almost every field OF labor.
that the amounts involved win be beyond
all doubt far in excess OF the widest
flights of the imagination. Activity in
every field Is noted, and to emphasize
this and give complete picture of our
manufacturing industry will be the effort
cf those in charge OF this most interesting
undertaking.