Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/449

 THE SALOON IN CHICAGO 435

means." Others would foster an interest in their national lan- guage. "To promote temperance reform," "to inculcate patriot- ism and love of country to spread and sustain the doctrine of equal rights, universal liberty, and justice to all," complete the list of professed objects.

It is not my purpose here to discuss whether they realize their ideals more nearly than other organizations of professedly high and noble aims, nor whether they are taking the place of the church or home a question at least worthy of careful con- sideration before any conclusion is reached. Enough has been said to show that they are in their essence social institutions, and as such I would consider how far they are a substitute for the saloons. In considering these organizations the thought must not be entirely, " How much will more lodges accomplish in doing away with the saloon?" there are as many as there is a demand for, and more would be of no avail but, " How great would be the increased patronage of the saloon if these lodges were not in existence?" Their influence is both direct, in fur- nishing rooms and social occasions ; and indirect, in the uncon- scious influence of their teachings, and their bearing upon the lives of the members. Their ritualistic services make a deep and lasting impression ; lessons are learned here by these men, the majority of whom never enter the church ; the insurance and benevolent features forcibly impress them with the evils of intemperance, and act as a restraining influence. The general attitude of fraternal societies upon this subject is evidenced by the increasing number of them that are excluding liquor deal- ers and bartenders from their ranks. It may be said, then, that to a certain extent they supply the social function of the saloon. A careful study of the city of Chicago, with reference to the location of the saloons and lodges, reveals two facts which point to conclusions seemingly contradictory : first, in many localities, where lodges are very abundant the saloons are correspondingly scarce ; second, the lodges are situated either immediately above the saloons or the saloons are clustered about the lodge-halls. In one district in particular, the Russian-Jewish district, the social life of the people finds expression almost entirely in