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I have already noted that in this community of 25,000
there are over 50 saloons and other drinking places, ranging from "speak-easies"
to the conventional bar-rooms with plate glass and bright lights. It was
no part of my study to investigate the ownership or police surveillance
of these establishments, the profits gathered in on pay nights, or the
intoxication which, as we have seen, the courts prove so ineffectual in
controlling. As places of relaxation, they fill a need not otherwise supplied.
The Carnegie Library has a gymnasium and clubs, but, except for the saloons
and the club rooms of one or two fraternal orders, there are no free and
easy lounging places for refreshment and friendly intercourse. The Slavs
bring much of the liquor they buy home and drink it sociably there, many
of them being heavy drinkers. The budgets gave no basis for a conclusion
that English-speaking Homestead men are hard drinkers. My inquiries naturally
lay among men with families rather than among the unattached ones, who
are the constant tipplers in all towns. In the homes on the hill streets
I heard almost no complaints that men were drunkards, though many men undoubtedly,
in good times, spent money that way that was needed for the household budget.
An old resident said that among the older stock he could name perhaps a
half dozen men known as drunkards in the town. With hot work to whet thirst,
and with the natural rebellion of human nature against the tension of long
hours, the liquor interests have exploited the needs of the adults for
recreation and refreshment. It is true that they have not really met that
need, and have exploited the opportunities they offer; but it is equally
true that the need is met in no other way.
This text was taken from pages 112-113, from the chapter
titled "Of Human Relations." |
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