202 THE FOGY DAYS AND NOW! 



A \VORD FROM A CENSUS TAKER. 



[From the Rome (Ga.) Tribune.] 



Avast, There ! Atlanta. 



It was only by the most strenuous exhibition of nerve and 

 obstinacy that one of Rome's most distinguished citizens 

 escaped a forcible enumeration as a citizen of Atlanta. 



The Roman (and his name would add immense pungency to 

 this narrative) was sitting in his room at the Markham, 

 engaged in business conversation with a citizen of Texas. 

 There was a knock at the door, and in answer to invitation, a 

 census enumerator walked in, took a seat, unrolled his papers 

 and presented a blank to each of the gentlemen to be filled. 



"But I am not a citizen of Atlanta," said the astonished 

 Roman. 



"That s all right," said the enumerator softly. "You are 

 here now." 



"Well, but I live in another city," said our distinguished 

 fellow citizen. 



" Yes, but you may not get back in time to get counted 

 there," urged the Atlanta census taker. 



"Oh, I live in Rome. I left there this morning. I am 

 going back this afternoon," protested the Roman. 



'* Still the train might run off with you. Better let me 

 count you anyhow." 



And the stirring official, with the noble spirit of Atlanta 



