Foster's Daily Democrat

Census Director Prefers Women.

Some time ago it was announced that women were to be gradually eliminated from the governmental departments at Washington. Every reason but the true one, which is that women have no votes, was given as an excuse for such a course. In contrast with this action of various heads of departments in Washington against women, it is refreshing to find one man who overrides political bosses and insists upon employing those best fitted for the work, irrespective of sex. The following announcement comes from Washington:

Gen. W. R. Merriam, Director of the Census, refuses to accept any more men as clerks. He wants women. He has addressed a letter to each member of Congress and informed him that hereafter he will not permit the examination of men for positions. On July 1 he will employ from 1500 to 1800 women. Against this there has been a decided protest. Republicans and Democrats alike have political favors to repay, and women vote in only a few States. Already there have been charges that men have been found deficient in examinations, while women are nearly always passed. Director Merriam will have the employment of nearly 5000 persons, and insists upon appointing women to nine-tenths of the places. Senators receive fifteen appointments each; Republican Representatives six; Democratic Representatives three, and members with a "pull" as many as they like. Few Senators or Representatives have filled their quotas, and unless appointments are made before the examinations in April, Director Merriam himself will make the selections from the civil service eligible list.