Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/310

 296 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

Thus again business interests have seized the opportunity that has been let slip, and have taken advantage of boys' necessi- ties. Rooms, well lighted, furnished with billiard and pool tables, tables for cards and other games, are placed at the dis- posal of these boys. Five cents is charged for a game of bil- liards and a check which entitles the holder to a glass of beer, a five-cent cigar, a box of cigarettes, or a soft drink. The table shows 27 per cent, of these saloons thus equipped. Much less numerous are the saloons furnishing handball courts. These courts, models of attractiveness when compared with the neigh- borhood in which they are located, are used by young and old. Shower-baths are provided free. The boys must pass out by the bar of the adjoining saloon, where, heated by the game and feeling somewhat under obligations, they patronize the saloon- keeper. Some saloons have gymnasiums, more or less fully equipped. Bowling-alleys and shuffle-board are among the attractions offered.

For the large floating population of these districts, and for the thousands of men whose only home is in the street or the cheap lodging-house, where they are herded together like cattle, the saloon is practically the basis of food supply. The table shows that 68 per cent, furnish free lunches, and 15 per cent, business lunches. On the free-lunch counters are dishes con- taining bread, several kinds of meats, vegetables, cheeses, etc., to which the men freely help themselves. Red-hots (Frank- furters), clams, and egg sandwiches are dispensed with equal freedom to those who drink and to those who do not. For those desiring a hot lunch, clam chowder, hot potatoes, several kinds of meat, and vegetables are served at tables, nearly always with a glass of beer. The following amount is consumed per day in a saloon near here: 150-200 pounds of meat, 1^2 bushels of potatoes, 50 loaves of bread, 35 pounds of beans, 45 dozens of eggs on some days (eggs not usually being used), 10 dozen ears of sweet corn, $ 1.50-^2 worth of vegetables. Five men are con- stantly employed at the lunch counter. The total cost of the lunch is $30 to $40 per day.

That the saloons are able to put out such an abundance, and