Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/315

 THE SALOON IN CHICAGO 301

Be it known, however, that there are in every neighborhood saloons free from any connection whatever with gambling or the social vice places where indecency in conversation or manner is strictly prohibited, and drinking to excess not allowed. This is sometimes to secure " a better class of trade," and sometimes, incredible as it seems, to accord with certain principles and religious scruples of the saloonkeepers, who are not all archfiends of the evil one.

THE SALOON IN BUSINESS SECTIONS.

The saloon in business portions presents a slightly different phase. While it is true that saloons in all parts of the city have about the same features, it is also true that in some certain features predominate, as the peculiar conditions emphasize that particular demand. Thus in the workingmen's district, the wretched conditions of home- and lodging-house life, and the failure of church and philanthropy to provide opportunity for social life, have turned over to the saloon this large field, from which it is reaping an abundant harvest. So in the business portions the lack of an adequate provision of places for business appointments has given the saloon an advan- tage which it was quick to take. Men who spend the day in the heart of the city come here for business and do not, as a rule, have time to sit around in saloons. Neither in the evening have the social features any special attraction for them. The majority of these men find in their homes and in the clubs to which they belong ample opportunity for social life. A larger per cent, than in the districts just treated enter the saloon just for the drink and pass out again.

The average business-man, aside from the regular duties of his office or place of business, has many appointments of a semi- business nature. Seeking a place for these appointments, other than his office, where constant interruptions must occur, he finds in many a first-class saloon a place altogether suited to this pur- pose. Here he may sit down, often in an alcove, at one of the polished oak tables with which this "drawing-room " is fur- nished, and discuss business at leisure. Some of these "drawing- rooms" are veritable palm gardens; costly paintings hang upon