Speech #510170523

If this enumeration is correct and if the Superintendent of the Census and his subordinates have performed their duties faithfully. then the two actuaries of the Treasury ought to be dismissed in disgrace from the positions which they hold. Why. sir. Professor Elliott. in 1874and I am told that prior to that time his estimates of population approximated closely to the actual count is shown by the census when made--in 1874 he gave an estimate of population up to 1880 and beyond. and when the actual count was made in 1880. his estimates varied only 700.000 from the actual result. add. but for the great panic which set in in 1874 and continued until 1879.by which immigration fell off more than 100. 000 per annum. he would have come within 100.000 Qf the actual count. his results being 700.000 more. But immigrationfell off in 1875. 1876. 1877. and 1878. while his estimate was based upon the annual average of the immigration for five or six years preceding and upon the natural increase of population. But for the panic with its result in reducing immigration. he would. as I have said. have come within 100.000 of the actual population. But. sir. the enumeration of 1890 falls 4.000.000 below the actual population of the country.