Robert F. Porter

 

Easton Press Robert F. Porter books

Report on Indians Taxed and Not Taxed (co-authored with Carroll D. Wright) - deluxe edition in slip case - 2015

Robert F. Porter biography

Robert P. Porter (March 15, 1847 – May 29, 1923) was an American statistician, economist, and public administrator. He is best known for his work in the field of labor statistics and his contributions to the development of the United States Census Bureau.Porter was born in Norwich, Connecticut. He initially worked as a journalist and later became involved in public service. In 1883, he was appointed as the Superintendent of the Census, and he played a crucial role in organizing and overseeing the 1880 and 1890 censuses. Porter's efforts helped improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of census data during that period.

Following his work at the Census Bureau, Porter served as the Commissioner of Labor from 1888 to 1895. In this role, he continued the work of his predecessor, Carroll D. Wright, in collecting and analyzing labor statistics. He expanded the scope of labor investigations and contributed to the understanding of industrial conditions, wages, and working hours in the United States.

Additionally, Porter was involved in international labor statistics and represented the United States at several international statistical congresses. He advocated for the standardization of labor statistics to facilitate cross-country comparisons. Robert P. Porter's dedication to the field of statistics, particularly in the context of labor, left a lasting impact on the development of statistical methods and the organization of census data. His work laid the groundwork for the continued evolution of labor statistics and the broader field of economic and social data collection in the United States.

Report on Indians Taxed and Not Taxed

The Report on Indians Taxed and Indians Not Taxed in the United States (Except Alaska) is a historical document that was produced as part of the U.S. Census Bureau's efforts to gather information on the Native American population in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This report was a response to the requirement outlined in the Act of July 4, 1884, which mandated the collection of statistical information on the Indians taxed and Indians not taxed as part of the decennial census. The primary purpose of this report was to provide a detailed account of the Native American population, distinguishing between those living on reservations (where they were often exempt from state and local taxes) and those living outside of reservations (who were subject to taxation). The report aimed to provide insights into the social, economic, and demographic characteristics of Native Americans during that time.

The information collected in the report included details on the number of Indians, their location (whether on or off reservations), tribal affiliations, and various social and economic indicators such as property ownership, education, and employment. The distinction between "Indians taxed" and "Indians not taxed" was significant in understanding the impact of taxation policies on Native American communities and their economic conditions.

These reports were part of broader efforts to document and categorize the diverse population of the United States during the census process. It is important to note that historical documents like these are reflective of the attitudes and policies of their time, and they may not fully capture the complexities and diversity of Native American experiences. Researchers and historians today approach such documents with a critical lens, considering the historical context and the perspectives of the communities involved.