Whatever be the correct theory of play--that it is practice in the line of future methods of conduct, that it is simply the discharge of the surplus energy of the young, or that it is for the purpose of relaxation and recreation only--whatever theory be adopted, the inestimable value of play to the child and to the nation cannot be gainsaid. Play is an irrepressible method of self-expression.... The social and moral influences of play produce indelible effects upon the child mind.... The recognition of mutual rights is one of its initial values. These rights are but little understood by the unthinking child, and when brute force permits, are often entirely overthrown or perverted into a mere toleration of privileges.... On the supervised playground a new regime is put into operation.... The growth of the instinct of co-operation is perhaps the most valuable result of play.... Ability to co-operate spells ability to excel.[28] [Sidenote: Jane Addams on Play.] Miss Jane Addams of Hull House, Chicago, speaks with no uncertain sound and with undisputed authority on this subject. This stupid experiment of organizing work and failing to organize play has, of course, brought about a fine revenge. The love of pleasure will not be denied, and, when it has turned into all sorts of malignant and vicious appetites, then we, the middle aged, grow quite distracted, and resort to all sorts of restrictive measures. We even try to dam up the sweet fountain itself because we are affrighted by these neglected streams; but almost worse than the restrictive measures is our apparent belief that the city itself has no obligation in the matter, an assumption upon which the modern city turns over to commercialism practically all the provisions for public recreation.[29] [Sidenote: Professor St. John on the little girl and her doll.] Singling out one type of the play instinct, the little girl and her doll, Professor St. John of the Hartford School of Religious Pedagogy says:-- Altruistic feeling had its origin in motherhood, and it has reached no greater heights of self-denial and service than in that same relationship. In playing with her doll the child is in thought and feeling making that experience her own. At a very formative period of her life it gives her much the same training that the race has received through the actual experience.... Every impulse toward loving care of the doll should be encouraged. To the child in her play it is a living child, and hence the experience provides the same kind of emotional training that would come from the care of a baby, without the obvious disadvantages to the infant.