Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/871

 OUR ISHMAEL 851

so cruel at some moments, so generous at others ; so irrespon- sible at all times. In but one thing, it seems, are they steadfast : their loyalty to their friend and adviser has long been absolutely without a flaw.

That these and others have been greatly helped by their social life in the club it is impossible to doubt ; that the result is in every case painfully unsatisfying, lamentably inadequate to the need, every worker must deeply feel.

The boys' club does not and cannot strike at the root of those evils that blight so many young lives in our cities; it is, at best, but a palliative ; but it is one sorely needed in many an arid waste of our civilization, wherein our Ishmael yet roams, uncared for; his hand against every man every man's hand against him.

When the home, the school, and the church are everything to the boy that they should be, he will have no need of the club. Until that day, it has its mission and stands second in importance to none of the great philanthropic schemes that serve, at least, to keep the fire of human love alive in the midst of a cold and materialistic age.

M. W. LAW.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.