Summary:
"The New York Stock Exchange and Public Opinion" by Otto H. Kahn is a historical account presented as remarks made during an annual dinner for the Association of Stock Exchange Brokers in the early 20th century. The book was likely written in the context of the growing public scrutiny of financial institutions and provides an analysis of the relationship between the New York Stock Exchange and public opinion during a time of significant economic change. Kahn discusses the role of the Stock Exchange in the American economy and addresses various misconceptions about its practices and ethics. In this address, Kahn tackles critical issues surrounding the operations of the New York Stock Exchange, such as the necessity of public confidence, the impact of public opinion on market practices, and the ethical responsibilities of stockbrokers. He defends the Exchange against accusations of malfeasance, arguing that many of the problems identified by critics stem from individual actions outside the Exchange's direct control. Kahn urges members of the Exchange to foster better communication with the public and lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in maintaining trust. He highlights the Exchange's role as a national institution, advocating for reforms that align with evolving ethical standards and improve public understanding of its operations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)