INADEQUACY OF CENSUS DATA 173 



The pastor's name and location alone are to appear with a local number, 

 which the pastor will record opposite the family's name and keep in his files 

 in order to permit the head of the investigation to make further inquiries 

 if replies have been unsatisfactory. It is to be recalled that even the pastor 

 need not know the replies that are made unless the one filling out the form 

 permits him to see them, for the answers may be sealed in an envelope by 

 the head of the family reporting. This arrangement assures all desired 

 secrecy and yet permits further inquiry if that should become necessary. 



Herewith are presented the inquiry forms and the accompanying letters. 



Two further points remain: Who shall head such inquiry? What detail 

 plans have been devised to save time, labor, and expense in securing the 

 data and making it available for the studies to be made? 



First, since this is an International Congress, the suggestions as to who 

 shall head the investigation are apt to be legion. The government itself 

 through its Census Bureau might be responsible for it, or one of the endowed 

 foundations, or scholarly societies or associations, or even an individual. 

 At any rate, the head must have at least moral authority and the respect 

 and confidence of the lieutenants, and these in turn must have the same 

 from the heads of families who report. 



The inquiry forms and accompanying letters follow: 



Dear Pastor, 



There is a valuable piece of research that cannot be completed without the co-operation 

 of you and other pastors. The United States Public Health Service is being helped by 

 several endowed agencies in getting at controlling factors in public health. Census data 

 informs us of what has happened en masse. But your help is needed to secure more 

 intimate information without giving any names of the families whose history is reported. 



Your co-operation is solicited in helping us see what happens in the single family and 

 the descendant families from generation to generation in the various parts of the country, 

 amongst groups as to racial ancestry, as to occupation, as to educational development 

 and outlook. 



Enclosed please find a return post card, ready to be put into the mail after you have 

 noted thereon simply how many of the data cards, like the enclosed, you will endeavor to 

 have filled out at your suggestion and with your assistance if necessary. We will then 

 mail all that you can profitably use, together with an envelope for each, so that the data 

 need not be seen by the pastor even, but it may be enclosed and sealed by the parent who 

 fills in the data. Please return the post card in any case — if many, few, or no cards can 

 be used. 



Please remember, (1) No names of persons are to be given. (2) An envelope will be 

 provided in which to seal each report. (3) The Pastor will be put to no expense to return 

 the cards. 



Knowing that you will appreciate the opportunity that this work may furnish both 

 to impress the Christian duty of keeping physically fit, and to stimulate the conscious 

 aim to pursue good health and right living just as we pursue pleasure, wealth, and a liveli- 

 hood, I would remain, awaiting your reply, 



Very sincerely yours, 



