The New York Stock Exchange and Public Opinion

ombination of men. It would sweep any man or men aside like driftwood if they stood in its way or attempted to deflect it.

[Sidenote: Do "big men" put the market up or down?]

True, men at times discern the approach of that current from afar off and back their judgment singly, or sometimes even a few of them together, as to its time and effect. They may hasten a little the advent of that current, they may a little intensify its effect, but they have not the power to either unloosen it or stop it.

If by the term "big men" you mean Bankers, let me add that a genuine Banker has very little time and, generally speaking, equally little inclination to speculate, and that his very training and occupation unfit him to be a successful speculator.

The Banker's training is to judge intrinsic values, his outlook must be broad and comprehensive, his plans must take account of the longer future. The Speculator's business is to discern and take advantage of immediate situations, his outlo