Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/311

 THE SALOON IN CHICAGO 297

of such variety and quality, is due to the competition of the large brewing companies. These companies own a very large number of the saloons in Chicago. Thus the cost of not only the beer, but the meat, bread, and vegetables, bought in vast quantities, is greatly reduced. Only a portion of those who drink patronize the lunch counter. The small dealers are forced into the com- petition by the larger ones. The general appearance of abun- dance, so lacking either in their homes or in the cheap restaurants, and the absence of any sense of charity, so distaste- ful to the self-respecting man, add to the attractiveness of the place, and are a wonderful help to the digestion. Here the hun- gry and the penniless find relief for the time, few being turned away until they become "steady regulars." I believe it is true that all the charity organizations in Chicago combined are feeding fewer people than the saloons. No questions are asked about the "deserving poor;" no "work test" is applied; and again and again relief is given in the shape of money, "loaned expecting no return."

Another function of the Charity Organization Society the saloon has taken unto itself and exercises more or less perfectly : the laboring man out of employment knows that in some saloon he is likely to find, not only temporary relief, but assistance in finding work. That these saloons pose as labor bureaus is evi- denced by the names placed above their doors. The sig- nificance of these names is this : Men of the same trade, having common interests, make the saloon that represents their interests their rendezvous. To the "Stonecutters' Exchange," for example, men seeking stonecutters often apply. But information concerning positions is dependent more upon that gathered by the men themselves and made common prop- erty. Many a man has been " put on his feet " by just this kind of help, nor does he feel that he is accepting charity, but that he is as likely to give as to receive. He is asked neither his age nor his pedigree. His past history is not desired as long as he is in need now. Not a sense of obligation, but a real feel- ing of brotherhood ; and this feeling, existing among these men to a degree not usually recognized, prompts them to aid each other.