THE SALOON IN CHICAGO 295
Again, some saloons offer rooms furnished, heated, and lighted, free to certain men's clubs and organizations. For example, a certain German musical society, occupying one of these rooms, fully compensates the saloonkeeper with the money that passes over the bar as the members go in and out of the club-room. In like manner some trade unions and fraternal organizations are supplied with meeting-places. A saloon on Armitage ave- nue has a bowling-alley, billiard tables, and club-rooms, in which nonpartisan political meetings were held during last spring's campaign. It is also offered to the people for various neighbor- hood meetings. In such a room a gay wedding party celebrated the marriage vow. It is, in very truth, a part of the life of the people of this district.
But the young man, where does he spend his evenings ? Leav- ing the supper table he takes his hat and sets out from home, to go where? Let us follow the boy in the crowded districts in the river wards of Chicago. As he comes out of the house into the street he is surrounded for miles with brick and mortar ; not a blade of grass or a leaf of green to be seen. Placing his fingers to his mouth he gives a shrill whistle, which is answered by one and another of the boys, till the little crowd their club has gathered. Seeking to join informally such a crowd of the older young men, the only question asked on eligibility was : "Can you run?" Short words, but of tremendous significance. It is this : As soon as a small crowd of boys collects it is dis- persed by the police. Having been arrested once or twice, these young men learned the lesson, and I was told "to scatter" at the word "jiggers," the warning note given at the sight of an approaching " cop." Driven about the streets like dogs by the civil authorities (whether it be necessary I am not now discussing) ; provided with no place for the healthy exercise of their physical natures, or even an oppor- tunity to meet and tell stories, they have recourse to but one of two alternatives : to dodge the police, hiding in under- ground caves and under sidewalks until they become hardened against the law ; or to enter the places the saloon has provided for them.
