Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-07-31
PREPARING FOR NEXT CENSUS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

Is busy with preparations for the TAX
ing Of the fifteenth census, although
there are yet three years to elapse be-
fore the advent of the next decennial
period. The task is such a gigantic
one, however, that Director William
NJ. Steuart of the bureau is finding
plenty of work on his hands. With
each census the volume of work in
creases, the United States being one
Of the most rapidly growing nations
In the world.
At the time Of the taking of the
fourteenth census, the bureau calcu-
lated roughly that 100,000,000 people
would have to be counted. The final
result was in excess of that figure,
reaching the total of los, $4,000. Ten
years earlier the thirteenth census had
shown inha bitants numbering 91,972,-
600, while in the year 1900. the Ma
ton numbered but 75.994,000.
Basing its estimates on the past
rate OF increase, carefully adjusted in
relation to immigration, birth and
death rate, and such elements, the bu-
reau believes that the next census will
show 120,000,000 people IL the United
States.
While doubtless good guess with a
scientific background, the actual TAX
ing OF the census may bring a differ
ent result. Every census brings sur.
prises OF one kind or another.
The immediate effects of the war
were, Of course. reflected in the CEN
sus taken in the year 1920. The war
doubtless added to the population
rather than diminishing it, because
studies developed the fact that the
careful handling of the 1000, 900 men
under arms, their gains in health due
to proper hygiene and exercise, regu.
lar habits and good food contributed
to longer life. For the total number
Of men under arms, including those
who fell in battle or as the result of
disease while in the service, the death
rate was below what would normally
be for the same number in time of
peace.
Wounds, gassing, shell shock and
other inf1rmities which make up the
price of war glory in modern times
have, in many cases, developed serious
belated effects. The fifteenth census
will be affected by this situation, but
In relatively minor degree.
Immigration Has Been Less.
immigration would have been great
err had it not been for the quota law,
but even under the law. many hun
dreds Of thousands have entered from
older countries. The birth rate has
shown no marked falling off, and the
longevity of the American people
steadily gains. The average age of
death creeps higher and higher as
sanitation improves, hygiene Is better
understood, infant mortality reduced
and the public health generally pro-
tected. All of these elements. some
operating in one direction, others in
another, will all have a bearing on
the final figures.
During the periods between decen-
NAL censuses, the bureau cuts down
Its staff materially, but as the census
year approaches the work gradually
increases. In 1927. the bureau has
more than 500 clerks in the headquar-
ters offices, at Washington, and some
900 agents in the field-that is, scat
tered throughout the country.
The day of the actual taking Of the
census Will show approximately 100.-
900 persons on the Census Bureau
pay roll. This will include the
enumerators, who will number be-
tween O,OOO and 95, 900 in 1890. Their
work is soon accomplished, and then
begins the colossal task of digesting
the returns. For the work OF digest
ing the fourteenth census the bureau
employed $500 employees. This num-
Der gradually decreased with each
year as the elaborate tabulations were
completed. The bureau is organized
in such a manner that it can expand
@x.0~ 80 ha nvjO0nOiQQ fnnlltrp
All this work Of enabling every man
to know how many neighbors he has
Is costly, and, like almost everything
else, the cost rises with each census.
The per capita cost Of the thirteenth
census was 16 cents. The fourteenth
cost each man, woman and child l9
cents. OF the $40, 100. 900 appropriated
for the fourteenth census, $7,618,000
was paid to the enumerators, whose
really vital work was discharged IN
single day. But, i1asmuch as this cost
falls on the public only once in 10
years, 1t scarcely can be regarded as
excessive.
Improved Machinery Helps.
These costs would indeed be burden
some were 1t not for the constant Inn
provement of machinery invented for
the specific purpose Of tabulating re-
| turns. These machines, largely the
conceptions Of employees of the bureau
| work with uncanny skill in the sorting
of cards and the recording of the date
appearing on them. The basis OF the
mechanical system Is a series of holes
punched In cards. For instance, II
man is married, there will be punch
hole in his card which, automatically,
| will cause it to be classified accord
Ingly. SO on down through ages,
occupations, etc.
Seventy-five general questions were
asked by census enumerators for the
purposes of the fourteenth census.
| These embodied total Of AIS separate
| items Of information. A constant effort
is made to simplify the question cards.
The thirteenth census enumerators
asked only So general questions. but
these embodied sub.items bringing the
total to $50.
The bureau seeks a vast amount OF
Information besides merely the number
of persons. In making the enumera'
ton, the census takers obtain a wide
variety of data which, when trans
formed into statistics. give an &C
curate picture OF the activities Of the
people. Information on agriculture, on
| finances of States and cities, on the
wealth of the inhabitants. on produc-
tive capacity Of the Nation, and on
many other matters Is gathered. In