Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 April 1879 — The Next Census. [ARTICLE]

The Next Census.

Gen. Walker, Superintendent of the next census, tells a reporter of the New Haven Register that the main body of the work will be undertaken next fall. There will be two or three months of preparation, and the census itself will be taken, in a month’s time. The statistical matter in reference to the population of cities and towns he will give the public in a very short time. The last census he gave in printed form in 1872; this time the period will be much shorter. He contrasts this work with previous censuses, which were of little practical value. The census taken in 1860 was nominally published in 1867, but really not till 1868. The census taken in 1850 was not published till 1859. There was nothiag but historical interest to work done in that way. The country was growing and the population changing so rapidly that such censuses were far from the actual state of the country when published. The new Census law, he said, put extra work on the Superintendent. The month the census was being taken he likened to a battle, when the General must be at his headquarters. Having taken one census, he was better qualified to take another, for he knew what improvements to make. This was one reason why he could complete the census much more rapidly than before. When the work was being done he could be at Washington with his fingers on the telegraph keys, so that if there were a break here or there it could instantly be repaired. Petroleum as Fuel Growing in Favor. Petroleum fuel is beginning to be used in California quite extensively. The manufacturers of Los Angeles unite in declaring it to be fully as cheap as wood and coal in its first cost, with the following important ad\ antages: It saves expense of handling, feeding, raking, slagging, and ashing, and, by not having to open the fire-doors, admitting cold air to the boilers, steam is economized. Thus, in effect, it is far cheaper than other fuel- The mode of firing is thus: Into the tank containing crude oil as it comes from the well a jet of steam is sent, which carries with it a charge of oil, which, through a pipe, is distributed in fine spray ovei the firechamber. The heat is intense, and there is no refuse. One man at the stop-cock is the sole attendant. What is wanted to make this fuel a priceless boon to that coast is a process by which iron and other metallic ores can be smelted. They abound throughout with lime for fluxing and firestone for hearths.— New Yoi k Bulletin.