The Social Trend

been losing population and gaining no new industries. I talked freely with Y. M. C. A. secretaries, school principals and superintendents, clergymen, physicians, heads of State institutions, officials, business men, and other intelligent citizens. The data were not secured for publication, and I now submit them only in the hope that they may throw light on a problem that is presenting itself in those parts of the East and Middle West which have contributed most heavily to the upbuilding of other commonwealths. The striking thing I found in these counties was the opinion generally held by thoughtful people that the community is not up to its former standard. Whether this is the case or not, the fact that those in the best position to know think so is worthy of serious attention. There is complaint that the young people lack "ginger." A leader in boys' work said that his lads cannot be persuaded to go on a "hike" to mountain or lake on Saturday afternoon in order to camp there overnight. The prospect of a nine-mile walk "scared them out." Twenty might promise, but scarcely half a dozen would show up at the rendezvous. If a "rig" were provided, all were glad to go. The boys in the larger centers were said to be more active in disposition. In the small villages there sometimes is no response to the "Boy Scout" program. A hotel proprietor noticed that, whereas in his youth every boy had some work to do and did it, now many boys between fifteen and eighteen are i... --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.