Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-09-11
FIFTY YEARS ago
IN THE STAR

Fifty years ago the business of taking
the census OF this part OF the country
was not rated as highly as
Census II Il now. Consequently the
49, census bureau was decen-
nially reorganized, with the
result that the experience of one census
year was virtually wasted when the time
came to count the people again. In The
Star of September 5. 1860. is the follow
ing paragraph on the subject of the
census bureau:
The organization OF the census bureau
Is progressing quite rapidly. Already a
large number or returns have been receiv-
ed from the various marshals. which
renders II necessary TO have the clerical
force appointed as soon at IL can be done
with consistency and propriety. 1t is
very important that persons selected to
fill positions In this bureau should be
such as are in every way qualified to dis
charge the peculiar duties pertaining
thereto. The Secretary of the Interior Is
well aware Of this fact. and We learn has
instructed the examining board to subject
those applicants who may be sent before
them to very thorough examination,
to be fully competent, without paying the
least regard to the political influence
which the individual may posses. AS
plicants are being examined each day.
The board consists of Mr. Joseph e. G..
Kennedy, the efficient superintendent of
the bureau: ". p. Quick. disbursing
clerk OF the same, and C. G. Wagner de-
tailed from the Interior Department.
Some ten or twelve gentlemen, having
passed a satisfactory examination. have
received appointments and entered on
the discharge of their duties. We are
unable to publish the names of those thus
appointed. inasmuch as IL is the deter
mination of the department to withhold
the list until the entire force shall have
been selected"
Little attention was paid half century
ago 70 the matter of the physical training
of children. especially in
Physical the schools. The Star
r,lA recognized this lack and
urged that II be met in
the following paragraph, printed Setpem-
Der 5. 1850:
whoever will take the pains and ex-
anime into the physical condition OF the
children and youths belonging TO the
schools Of our country will not fail to OBJ
serve the many striking marks Of physical
weakness and imbecility. AS conse-
auence OF this physical inability will be
found mental and moral inability. The
and vigorous intellect must have a sound
and vigorous body to dwell in. There may
be spasmodic exhibitions of mental
strength caused by some unnatural or
temporary. and the superficial observer
may wonder. admire. and perhaps even
envy. but such hot-bed productions
though they may please morbid and I'M
natural taste. are by no means desira BILE.
The great error lies In the vain effort to
secure strength and proper development
Of mind at the expense OF the body.
Where better than In our schools can
our youth receive that physical training
which they need and cannot get else
where AS q sound and healthy develop
ment of mind depends upon the proper
development of all its faculties. 80 the
body needs the full development Of all its
faculties In order to fulfill its high func-
tons. In every school there should he a
department for calisthenic and gymnastic
exercise. upon the most approved and
modern plan. adapted to meet the physical
demands OF our youth. SO that they may
come forth from the school with sound
and healthy bodies as well as with highly
cultivated minds"
Base ball was in its infancy as a spor.
half a century ago. Washington was be-
ginning TO take an interest in
RasA the game forerunner of the
interest that has been manifest
Dali. ed In II for many years despite
the frequent disappointments caused the
friends of the local professional repre-
sentatives in the National and American
leagues In The Star of September 8.
1890 is an interesting paragraph in this
connection:
Eve are much pleased TO see that base
ball, until lately confined to the north and
east. is beginning TO be duly appreciated
In our southern cities. Combining grace.
quickTess and strength in the requisites
for good player. it gives an amount
of open-air exercise that can be obtained
in no other game that We know Of: and
in a community where large majority
of the Young men lead so sedentary lives
arr in Washington 1t has long been de-
sideratum. Last spring the Potomac
club, which IL the pioneer organization
and closely contested matches. which
gave a great impulse to the game: and
now We have here three thoroughly or
ganized clubs. the Potomac, National and
Rythian. besides a host OF minor organiza-
tons. On Tuesday next the Potomacs
again try their skill against the National
club We are informed by amateurs that
these clubs are both in fine playing con-
ed than now, and We advise all anxious
to see closely fought and exciting game
to be present at sharp two Tuesday The
Potomac club at its last matches cared
well for the softer sex ard gave them
as good accommodation as the nature of
things allowed: to say nothing of the
good-looking committee Of five who
looked SO gallant and SO warm They were
rewarded. too, for all--or nearly ali-the
ladies of Washington lent their presence
to encourage their champions. With the
natural charms that the game itself pos
sesses. and with the added impulse that
encouragement from the sex everywhere
gives to the arms of Young America. We
hope yet to see base ball here what
cricket is in England, the national game"
ELEGY WRITTEN In A COUNTRY