The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-09-17
N. Y.LOAN CENSUS
PLAN ABANDONED
QUESTIONABLE Cards Distrib-
utcd, but Will Not Be
Used, Says Strong.

benjamin Strong, Governor Of the
Federal Reserve Bank. said last night
that the plan of distributing Liberty
Loan questionnaires in the form of cards
to be filled in with intimate personal
information. including the kind of fre-
arms in ones possession, had been aban-
doned. The cards have been scattered
about the city. but instructions were
given on Saturday that they should not
be used, Mr.. Strong said.
stronE's Statement.
His statement follows:
"In connection with the work of can
vasstng Greater New York for the fourth
Liberty Loan preparation had been
made to conduct census with view to
giving to the canvassing Organization a
record of the name. address and age of
every person in Greater New York. This
! census was to be made under the direc-
ton OF the Police Reserves. who had
prepared the military census for the
state authorities year or so ago and
were better qualified than any other or
ganization for this work.
I'm securing the cooperation OF the
representatives OF the city and local
United States Government officials, 1t
was suggested that this census be util-
lied as an opportunity for securing in
formation not directly connected with
the loan. but of Importance to certain
departments OF the Government. Ac-
| cordingly questions were added to the
census cards. which have been criti-
cised. Instructions were. however.
given on Saturday that the cards should
not be used"
Frederick A. Wallis. Fourth Deputy
Police Commissioner. to whom Commits
| s!oner Enright referred inquiries. said
| he was asked at a recent meeting of
| the Liberty Loan Committee IL the
police could assist the committee In dis
! tributing cards. He said they could.
and the reserves left the questionnaires
with superintendent and janitors OF
| buildings for further distribution.
Devised by A. b. Leach.
1t was said at the committees office
| in the Equitable Building that A. r.
| Leach. president of A. b. Leach G. Co.
brokers. 81 Cedar street, was the orig
inator of the QUESTIONABLE plan. and
that the Liberty Loan central commit
tee had no responsibility In the matter
| whatever.
Among the questions appearing on the
1
| g. Are you citizen?
| 6. Did you subscribe to the FIRST Liberty
| loan1
! Did you subscribe to the second Lib.
| erty loan7
loan7
3. WIN you subscribe to the fourth
10 Reasons for not subscribing to an,
| OF the loans9
! And on the other side of the card
among many queries, appear these:
To- Have you ever served in any con.
nection with foreign army II SO. lr
| IL Have you visited any foreign coun.
try since July. 1914? II so. what coun'
l2. Have you any relatives fighting
| against our Allies?
49, Give all your addresses since July
T. Have you any relationst hshtini
with our Allies'
is What kind Of firearms have you'
| l6. Do you intend moving to any new
| address? II so. state when and to where
Judging from the flood Of criticism
that has fairly swamped Mr.. Leach's bis
idea II never had much of a chance I,
take with the public. 1t was assumed
that public objection arose from the fac
that many people are averse TO goine
into their private affairs unless the Gov
ernment makes the demand directly. anC
| there seemed 10 De no GoNernnenta
| sponsoring for this project
Mr.. Leach said yesterday that he l.
willing to stop the scheme II there Il
serious public objection
But there are only three possible an
swers to the QUESTIONABLE" said Mr.
Leach III a man has not bought bonds
because he could not afford TO do so h,
ought to be glad OF the opportunity L
explain. II man has bought bonds h
should be glad to have 1t known. II h,
will not buy bonds he owes an explana
ton to his fellow men"