Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/654

 640 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

tribute to the progress of each other's work. European experi- ence has found the great advantage of such conferences and since 1853, when the first international statistical congress assem- bled at Brussels, the number and variety of such meetings have slowly increased, barring the slight check after the war of 1870- 71. In the variety of its conditions and its problems this country is almost continental, and periodic conferences of statisticians within its limits are needed now and the need is likely to become imperative. How the need shall be met and whether this associa- tion finds in it any duty and opportunity are questions I submit to its consideration.

Closely correlated with this but perhaps even stronger is the need for a center at which the producers and the critical consum- ers of statistics may meet and fraternize. There has long been some danger that these two groups would not work harmoniously in the common interest. Probably most of us have seen instances of the kind. While the danger is less than it was ten years or more ago, yet so long as the two groups keep at arm's length and fail to exchange experiences and opinions, the danger may revive, either with groups or with individuals. Here too may be a field for this association.

Our society is now seventy years of age and, with the excep- tion of the Royal Statistical Society, it is, I believe, the oldest statistical organization in the world. The subjects with which it is especially concerned have developed but slowly in the United States, owing to conditions which are fast disappearing. Never have the growth of interest in statistics and the demand for thorough and dispassionate statistical analysis and interpretation been so rapid. The most imperative need is for the recognition of statistics as a career or profession and for facilities whereby it may be adequately taught and effectively acquired. Notwith- standing this reservation, the outlook for American statistics is bright and encouraging.