Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/456

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THE A.MEIUCAX JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

The same is true of citi/ens. The dignity of citizenship is here a pervasive fact. A visitor who was being shown the grounds by a young' citi/.en said : " I suppose you are very proud

OFFICERS OF THE BATTALION

of vour institution." " Institution, ma'am, I'll have you know this is not an institution this is a republic."

It is difficult for anyone trained in the traditional charity, no matter how enthusiastic his support of the Republic, to enter fully into its spirit. One of the helpers, a woman of sincerest devotion and popularity among the citizens, who, like the others, served gra- tuitously, was frequently shocked by their independence towards the helpers, and even Mr. George himself. She called it inso- lence, whereas it was only the equality of common citizenship, for Mr. George submits himself consistently to all their laws and their business methods. On one occasion, after witnessing a peculiarly trying expression of this independence, this woman upbraided a girl in the true spirit of the extant charity: "You