Show CENSUS disappointments probably 19 out of 20 american cities and towns expected to 4 lake population gains from the census but as the returns come it is seen that a large number of them davd sapped backward m population will not come as easily as the past the death jace of course is falling somewhat due to better medical science 1 d sanitary knowledge but the birthrate is falling even faster 1 vis possible that 20 years from now the birthrate bir will be no 11 eater than the death rate n which case the only possible pop tc aaion gains are those existing when immigration em ration As the american people are putting up stricter bars against migration w e may soon approach the time when we shall make i gains from that source in that case for every city that goes lead some other place will have to drop behind we are then against a sharp competition between advancing towns and t clining ones i it should not necessarily be assumed however that a com unity population has fallen off moderately has declined i j may have done so much to improve its equipment and facilities t id business that it is more attractive and prosperous in every I 1 y population gains are important as an index of real prosper y but they are not the most important thing I 1 t i the most vital things in a community are to provide such I 1 iod business conditions that industrious people can afford to i their families in comfort such good schools that their hildren will obtain a good start such good social and on facilities that people will find useful activities and such op t for healthful recreation that they will gain physically id mentally |