Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 52.djvu/124

112 five could scarcely have full justice done them either during the first hour, when a large room and a small gymnasium are all they have to play a wonderful variety of games in, or during the last hour, when the allotted time would be insufficient for each boy to have his part in the discussion of the many subjects that come before the club for consideration.

Each of the two hours of the club's session has its special significance. During the first the boys and the large room with its many opportunities (and limitations also) represent the conditions of a primitive society, for the only law which seems necessary to make every one happy is a simple one, and is applied in this hour in its simplest way. This law is "perfect freedom for all, bounded only by the freedom of others." No one thing could teach the principles of this great law better than games, for not only must it be obeyed within each game, but it must be constantly observed in the relations of one to another, when, in a very limited space, many different kinds are being played at the same time.

Visitors have often seen some of the boys in "No. 1" playing modified baseball in the main part of the room, and others practicing trapeze and dumb-bell exercises in the gymnasium, while in odd corners and other available spots of both rooms boxing and wrestling matches were taking place at the same time that the more quiet boys were playing at tables the games that better suited their natures. All the boys realize so well that each one of them must make some concession for the good of all and for the safety of property, that these games are played with the utmost good nature, apparently great pleasure, and safety not only for the members but for the pictures and gas shades which decorate the walls.

During this first hour a great deal of noise is allowed; but it is only in harmony with the law of freedom that, should it become annoying, it must cease. During the usual amusements of this first hour, however, no one can fail to notice how noise adds to the spirit of gayety, and how it increases physical activity. Indeed, has a silent game of tag or baseball ever been heard of?

In this hour the director interferes as little as possible, although she is obliged, three or four times, to suggest some adaptation by which a greater number of boys can enjoy themselves. She can not remember a time, however, in which it has been necessary for her to more than suggest the change. Such a thing as dismissing any of the boys, or threatening to dismiss them if they will not accept the suggestion, is unheard of. In the experience of this writer all normal children prefer right to wrong. If one believes this, one must see at once that it is only fair to give them the chance voluntarily to do right first. The question, "Is this just, is this