THE PROBLEM OP^ VICE AND CRIME ig^ 



be multiplied a hundredfold before the tide of 

 vice and crime will ebb materially. 



Wise reform will not fail to recognize the force 

 of heredity whether for the continuance and multi- 

 plication of human ills, or for their diminution. 

 It will do but little good to work for individuals 

 here and there. Such conditions must be created 

 as will redeem the human life-stream itself. It 

 may be that the greatness of this task will stagger 

 the thought and shake the courage of some. It 

 is scarcely to be denied that the study of human 

 nature as conditioned by heredity and environ- 

 ment is depressing in its initial stages. It makes 

 humanity seem like clay in the hands of an in- 

 exorable and remorseless potter ; but it will save 

 an immense waste of time, effort, and means, and, 

 by and by, the depression will change to hope, as 

 it is seen that the same law that necessitates 

 degeneration under certain conditions, under other 

 conditions works regeneration ; and the hope will 

 change to inspiration when it is realized that even 

 the means which are in the feeblest hands may 

 make beneficent, and full of blessing, that which 

 before has seemed only a curse. 



One fact, at least, can scarcely be questioned 

 any longer : reform must be along positive rather 

 than negative lines. The intemperate must be 



