history with those at another period, we find that it is impossible
to find a single satisfactory expression for them. Let us examine
the figures for the (so-called) "wealth of the people of the United
States",[1] as it has been calculated by the census officials.

Average
total per capita
Population. "wealth." wealth.

1850 23,200,000 $7,136,000,000[a] $308
1860 31,400,000 16,160,000,000[a] 514
1870 38,600,000 24,055,000,000[a b] 624
1880 50,200,000 43,642,000,000 870
1890 62,900,000 65,037,000,000 1,036
1900 76,000,000 88,517,000,000 1,165
1904 82,500,000 107,104,000,000 1,318
1912 95,400,000 187,739,000,000 1,965

[Footnote a: Taxable only; all other figures include exempt.]

[Footnote b: Estimated on a gold basis.]

A detailed comparison of the classes of concrete things making up the
totals is possible only in the last three sets of figures (1900 to
1912), and they are here given (omitting 000,000).

1900. 1904. 1912.
1. Real property (excepting
some items below) 52,538 62,331 110,700
2. Irrigation enterprises [a] [a] 360