Business & Finance: In Praise of Speculation

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*One of the first things Speculator Cutten learned in the Pit was the code by which traders would signal their clerks what was going on. Rapid rotation of the fists upward meant selling. This, followed by a flex of the arm and a slap of the biceps would mean "selling by Armour." Popular signs at present: a finger on the nose refers to Uhlmann Grain Co.; holding up a package of cigarets refers to Rice & Co., because traders see a resemblance between Dan Rice and a camel; a quick jerk of the arm as if drinking refers to Stein, Alstrin & Co.; crossed arms refers to Jackson Bros., Boesel & Co., perhaps because crossed arms may signify two brothers; using the hands as if breaking a stick used to refer to Bendit & Co. but now means James E. Bennett & Co.; to put a forefinger in the mouth and bite it refers to J. J. Bittel; to draw one's hands over an imaginary tremendous stomach refers to Fred Lewis of F. S. Lewis & Co.