Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/407

 GREEKS IN CHICAGO 393

tion a great hardship. They work for long hours cheerfully, confident that in a short time they will be in a position, not to work fewer hours, but to set up as independent business men for themselves.

The Greeks then upon acquaintance prove to be bright, indus- trious, and capable men and women. Better than some and not so well as others they are meeting the dangerous temptations which come with long hours and unwholesome living conditions. What they become as a result of their American environment should be an American responsibility. The best way to help them and the city is not by the general condemnation which is too often meted out to **the stranger within our gates" but by recognizing their ability, industry, and capacity for good citizen- ship and uniting with them to suppress the vice and exploita- tions from which they suffer.