Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/477

 THE SALOON IN CHICAGO 463

one which, if recognized, is seldom appreciated : the people of these industrial districts are simply human beings just like other folks, having the same moral, intellectual, physical, and social natures, which seek development, but along the lines of least resistance. The substitute cannot be a fixed thing, but, like the saloon, must vary according to the needs of a particular district.

From prolonged observation, and from conference with the keepers and patrons of saloons, I believe I am not far from the truth in stating that about 50 per cent, of the men who go to the saloon go there primarily for drink. The other 50 per cent, go there from such various legitimate motives as have been dis- cussed. The first 50 per cent., who go there to satisfy the drink element in our nature, substitution will not reach. Of the remain- ing only a portion can be drawn into these substitutes, both because in number they are inadequate and in adaptation poorly suited to the needs.

What, then, is the final solution of the liquor problem ? I shrink from answering this question, (i) because it does not fall within the province of this study to draw conclusions, but rather to state fairly and clearly the existing facts and conditions, from which each may draw his own conclusions; and (2) because "the coasts of history are strewn with the wrecks of predictions launched by historians and philosophers." Yet, knowing the interest that attaches to the conclusion to which one has been led who has studied the question while living in the very midst of the conditions portrayed, I append my conclusions for what they are worth.

The present conditions are the culminative result of a long series of events, and are not to be "abolished" at one stroke by legislation. For reasons above stated, no system of substitutes can, much less will, abolish the saloon. Gradually some of the causes for the present evil may be removed

By improvement in methods of lodging the people, as by model tenement-houses.

By increased facilities for obtaining cheap and wholesome food, such as is provided in the coffee-houses of London.