International Statistical Uniformity. 45 



would be contributed from all parts of the world as 

 uniformity became gradually effected, and as a wish to fall 

 in with the statistical union was manifested. 



Having agreed upon the form of summaries to be issued 

 uniformly, we have next to consider the easiest methods of 

 securing their completion and publication. Blank sheets to 

 any required number could be supplied to each country by 

 one entrusted with their production ; or, better still, a 

 printer's proof could be sent, and they could print off their 

 own supply. In addition to those necessary for their own 

 census publications, an extra number should be struck off 

 for binding with those of other countries in a volume to con- 

 tain these only and a grand total sheet for each section. In 

 the latter the left-hand column should contain the names of 

 the nations contributing, and the others the totals only of the 

 various summaries. In this form a condensed issue of 

 uniform statistics never before attempted would be given to 

 the world. They could be issued in volumes, which could 

 be sold to all countries and buyers, at a price j ust sufficient 

 to cover the cost of production. These books would contain 

 at first the uniform statistics of the English-speaking 

 communities, but eventually, we may hope, those of nearly 

 the whole world. Once let such a publication appear, and 

 there can be little doubt that, with each census compilation, 

 other countries would not only contribute, but also endeavour 

 to arange their methods of collection so as to make their 

 contributions as complete as possible. 



If it is objected that it would be impossible to secure 

 this uniformity from British official departments, I would 

 point to the collected and condensed statistics of Great 

 Britain published in Thorn's Official Directory. The same 

 amount of labour that is expended on that publication 

 would secure this object. If the proposed forms were once 

 adopted that directory would naturally follow in the same 

 direction. Arrangements might be made for the publishers 

 of that work to collect these summaries, and supply them 

 to those appointed to edit the statistical volume just referred 

 to. Or they might be collected by the latter, and utilised 

 by the former, the expense in either case being equally 

 divided. That work, however, shows the possibility of suc- 

 ceeding, and in this, for reform to be possible should mean that 

 it should be accomplished. The want of a central and per- 

 manent controlling department of statistics in Great Britain, 

 has been* forcibly pointed out in the report of the Special 



