The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-15
TAFT SAYS SPEAK UP.
Urges Everybody to Answer Questions
of Census Enumerators.

Washington, March 15.-President
Taft, in proclamation, urges every
body throughout the United States ito
answer promptly, completely and ac-
cGrately all inquiries addressed to them
by the enumeratorS or other employees
who viii be engaged in the taking of
the thirteenth decennial census. which
work will begin in one month. The
proclamation follows:
Whereas, BY the act of congress,
approved July 2, 1909. the thirteenth de-
cennial census of the United States is
to be taken, beginning on the 18th day
OF April. 1910; and
Whereas, A correct enumeration of
the population every ten years is re-
CURED by the constitution of the Uni
ted STATES for the purpose of determine
ing the representation of the several
states in the house of representatives;
and
Whereas, 1t is of the utmost i'm
pcrtance to the interests of all the
census should be as complete and ac-
curate report of the population and re-
sources of the country:
Now, therefore, I, William Howard
Taft, president of the United States of
America, Go hereby declare and make
known that under the act aforesaid,
it is the duty of every person to an
swer all questions on. the census sche-
dulles applying to him and the family
TIC Which he belongs, and to the farm
occupied by him or his family, and that
any adult refusing to do SO is subject
to penalty.
The sole purpose of the census is to
secure general statistical information
of the country, and replies are required
from individuals only in order to per-
nit the compilation of such general sta
tisticS. The census has nothing to do
with taxation. with army or jury SER
vice, with the compulSion Of school at
tendance with the regulation of inmf-
grafton. or with the enforcement of any
national, state. or local law or ordin-
ance, nor can any person be harmed
i'll any way by furnishing the informa-
ton required. There need be no fear
that any DISCLOSURES will be made re-
garding any individual person or his
affairs. For the due protection of the
nights and interests of the persons fur
Eishing Information. every employee of
the census bureau is prohibited, under
heavy penalty. from disclosing any in
formation which may thus come to his
knowledge.
Il therefore earnestly urge upon all
persons to answer promptly, complete
ly. and accurately all inquiries address,
ed to them by the enumerators or other
employees Of the census bureau, and
thereby to contribute their share tow
ard making this great and necessary
public undertaking a success.
I'm witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington this
18th day of March. A. D., 1910, and
of the independence of the United States
of America the enc hundred and thirty
fourth.
by the president
WIN. H TAFT
(SeaD p. C. KNOX. Secretary of State
The proclamation is for the purpose
of removing fears from the minds of
some people who are of the opinion
that information which they give con-
corning themselves to the census taker
may be used in some way to the detri-
1rlent of their personal or business in
terests. Against any such abuse, how
ever, the government has thrown the
strongest safeguards.