The state herald., 1910-03-04
Wrong Views OF The Census
NO HARM CAN COME TO ANY PERSON
WHO ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS.
WASHINGTON, d. c.,
March 2. 1910.

March,, 1910.
Letters from the census supervisors
to the United States Census Bureau
show the erroneous apprehension of a
considerable element Of the population
that their answers to the enurnerators'
questions in the next census. beginning
April 10, this year, will cause increased
taxation, legal entanglements, or in
furious consequences to their persons
and property.
In order to quiet such unfounded fear,
which would, unless removed, material
ly affect the accuracy of the census, the
bureau has prepared an official state
ment relative to the decennial census,
its origin, purpose and uses.
This statement should furnish com
plete assurance to those concerned that
Information given the enumerators is
held by the Census Bureau in the strict
est confidence with reference to the
Identity of the informants, as required
py the policy of the bureau and com
nanded by the lawo the United Stutes
The bureau earn stly hopes that cler-
gyman. priests, physicians, schoool-
teachers, employers, and other public
spirited citizens who come in contact
with large numbers of people, will co
operate with the bureau by telling per-
sons who are believed to entertain er-
-lneous opinions OF the c, nsus the real
iaets and urging them to give full re-
olios to the enumerators. Teachers are
particularly requested to speak Of the
'ensls to the school children and ask
hem to tell their parents about IT,
The statement issued by the bureau
explains that the Constitution requires
a census Of the population to be taken
every ten years in order to reapportion
state representation in the National
House Of Representatives II is the
means also TO ascertain the increase in
the population. agriculture. industries,
and resources Of the nation since the
last census.
II Is eniphatieally declared. by the
statement. that the information sought
from the people of the United States Is
used solely for general statistical pur-
poses. IL will neither be published nor
used in any other way To disclose facts
regarding any individual or enterprise.
The census, II goes on to say. Is not.
Yer has been. and can not be om-
ployod 10 obtain information that can
ls used IN any way In the assessment
Of property for purposes Of taxation or
he collection Of taxes. either national
state or local; or for deportation pro.
d'afr, ,S tradition measures, army
hRyy eonacription, internal.ruyoAuu
/ Investigations. compulsory school nt.
I tendance, child labor law prosecutions.
quarantine regulations, or In any way
to affect the life. liberty or property
of amy poraon.
II points out that replies 10 the emit.
mrratiors are and must be held by the
Census Bureau IN strict and absolute
confidence. All the bureau officials
supervisors. supervisors clerks. cnu.
mora'ora, and interpreters. before en-.
tcrins upon their duties, are obliged ia
take a solemn oath no, to disclose nny
information they may obtain. except Ia
the Census Bureau, and violation OF
the United States law In regard to ,hi,
oath means 81 ooo drr ~ inprlaon
usW Hr 1890 yafa. orh1fh. ln 'ha #.
cretioa 0i ,hv gvuft,