PROGRESS 



POPULATION AND WEALTH 



UNITED STATES IN FIFTY YEARS, 



AS EXHIBITED BY THE DECENNIAL CENSUS TAKEN IN THAT PERIOD. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION THE CENSUS OF 1790. 



As soon as the framers of the Federal Constitution had decided 

 on giving to each State a representation in Congress in proportion 

 to its numbers, and that direct taxes, whenever resorted to, should 

 be in the same proportion, it became necessary to take an exact 

 enumeration of the people. Such an enumeration was accordingly 

 directed by the Constitution ; and, as it was known that the pro- 

 gress of population greatly varied, and would continue to vary in 

 the several States, it was further provided that similar enumerations 

 should be taken " within every subsequent term of ten years."* 



This census of the people at stated periods, which was thus sub- 

 ordinate to a particular purpose, was soon found to have substantial 

 merits of its own. It has furnished an authentic document which 



* The provision of the Constitution referred to is in the second section of the first 

 article, and is in these words : " Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned 

 among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their 

 respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free 

 persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not 

 taxed, three-fifths of all other persons, [meaning slaves.] The actual enumeration shall 

 be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, 

 and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law 

 direct." 



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