Evening star., 1922-01-22

Comparatively little attention was
paid to the collection of vital statis-
tics in this country
VaIue of Vital until after the civil
war, when the need
o'n'Aeties' of more carefully
kept records relating to births and
deaths and such matters was gener-
ally felt and efforts were made to
improve municipal records in this re-
gard In The Star of January l.,
1872. is the following:
Among the bills pending in the
legislature which should be passed
previous to adjournment Is one which
provides for the registration of births
and deaths The important subject
OF vital statistics has received too lit
tie attention throughout the coun
try. 1t is OF Importance that correct
details of the population should be
ascertained and registered in every
city in the Union. Private interests
and public policy are both materially
affected by the correctness or incor-
rectness of such statistics. Take the
single question of the increase of
population, a sure indication of ma
tional or local prosperity. Where
there is but small increase il is an
indication of something wrong. y
complete registration would enable
produced 1t at once and to apply Il
remedy promptly, if it should be "A
matter which can be remedied by
law. New York city has walked up to
the Importance of this subject but re-
Gently, and attempted to remedy the
deficiency in her methods of regis
tration. One of the results of her
system, not yet perfect, was to bring
to light in last years statistics facts
which demand serious consideration.
1t has shown that the number OF
deaths in the city in 1871 was 26,95a,
while the number of births was only
23,052. an excess Of deaths over births
Of not less than $500: whereas the
diference ought. if the state Of So
clety were healthy and normal 10
have been at least as great the other
way. But this is not all. OF those
2S,052 births not less than 2,26S of
the children were dead.
This increases the deaths actually to
29,220 and it dimin!snes the births to
20.Is4. showing a balance against the
population of S.436. Already this exhibit
has led to an inquiry which will posi-
bly, result in a reform in social ethics
ana in the modes of living and conduct
ing business, for all these are involved
in the matter Of a decrease in births
and an increase Of deaths. To go into
all the details of the benefits to result
from a correct registration Of vital sta
tistics here and throughout the country
would take more space than We can
devote to the matter. but thinking men
VIII be able to pursue the subject
through its various ramifications from
the few hints here thrown out
X
Grave fears were expressed in various
parts of the country fifty years ago lest
the safeguards against
Movement for crime were breaking
down through the fai,
Jury nelorm ure Of the jury sys
tenn and the failure Of courts to ad
minister punishments. In The Star
January Il. 1872, is the following:
New York has twelve murderers
the Tonbs who hope to escape furthc
punishment and other aSSasSinS walkiu
the streets who have paid no penalti.
for their crimes. all owing to the al
surdity of choosing for jurymen in cap.
tai cases men who are too ignorant I.
read the newspapers or too stupid Il
form an opinion. 1t is not surprising
therefore. that the press of that cits
should almost unanimously commend
the important bill introduced into th'
legislature by Mr.. Judd a few day
since. If it passes men of intelligenc,
and education will no longer be exclude.
from turies. The simple requisite pre-
scribed is that the juror should declar
his ability to render an impartial Vel
dict upon the evidence submitted. en-
tirely irrespective Of any previous i'm
preston he may have formed on tn,
subject. The clause providing that boti.
the people and the accused should be
entitled to thirty peremp;ory challenge.
is thought to be sufficient to guar
against any undue advantage beini
taken of the proposed law"