The census a century ago

A century ago, The Republican (which later became the Southeast Missourian) published a front-page editorial urging readers to make sure every resident of Cape Girardeau was properly counted. The goal, it seems, was to improve the city's image as the "slowest town in the state." Here are excerpts from the editorial:*** Let's Help Take the Census.

By far the most important happening that comes to Cape Girardeau in each decade is the taking of the census. The population to be accredited to our city by the enumerators that are now taking the census will stand for ten years and Cape Girardeau's importance will be based upon it.

Ten years ago the national census gave Cape Girardeau a population of 4,815. Up to the present time, the town has been represented in every publication as a little place of less than 5,000 people; as one of the oldest and slowest towns in Missouri; a town that has not even kept up with the natural increase of all towns, and as a consequence many people have kept away from Cape Girardeau because the census figures made such a poor showing.

The new census will give Cape Girardeau a great boost. ... When it is seen that Cape Girardeau has jumped from an insignificant little country town -- the slowest in the state -- to a modern little city -- the fastest growing town in Missouri -- then a much better opinion will be formed and more attention will be paid to us.

For Cape Girardeau to jump from a little town of less than 5,000 population to a city of more than 12,000 in ten years, and especially when most strangers believe this to be the slowest town in the state, will be a tremendous surprise, but by thorough co-operation the figures can be made to show even greater progress.

If every person who lives in Cape Girardeau is registered on the census books, the population will run over 12,000, but if no interest is shown in the census the number may fall considerably less.

The importance of Cape Girardeau will be measured for the next ten years by the census that is now being taken. The more people we have, the greater will be the inducements for others to come here, and the more who come the greater will be the value of our business and our property.

If you know of any citizen who is not now in Cape Girardeau, and who may be missed by the enumerator, by all means see that his name is given to the enumerator. If you know of any person who may have been missed by the enumerator, don't fail to take the time to inquire about him. ...