THE ITALIAN CONTRIBUTION
 

so valuable a "working" and "workable" unit is incal¬
culable. Immeasurable again, is the effect on trade,
commerce and business generally.

It is worth while then for America on account of the
invaluable character of tlie raw human product involved,
to take careful and complete steps requisite to its most
economic preservation. At the same time this large
Italian group must be given direction and afforded
leadership if it is to be advantageously used. ■ This is the
note sounded by Douglas, who says

"In summarizing we shall state some of the general
characteristics of the Italian as we have found him.
Looseness of organization, general lack of leadership,
and small continuity of effort and of determination are
his worse traits. But lie is sang-une in temperament, not
easily discouraged, courteous and affable in disposition
and generally moderate ia all desires. He is plastic and
acceptable and with proper training his worse faults
could be overcome. His potentiali'ies are large but will
probably be dormant unless native Americans step into
the breach that opportunity has opened,"*

* Douglas, David W, — "The Influence of the Southern Italian
on American Society," p. 41,