50 THE WORK OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE If, then, the volume of transactions in organized markets is likely to experience a large increase in the future, whether through the creation of new or the expansion of old exchanges, it follows that the volume of speculation in securities and com- modities will increase in proportion. The business man of 2000 A.D. will probably be able with the greatest ease to make short sales of wool or tobacco, or purchase futures in coal and crude oil, whether in the course of his business, or for the sake of speculative profits. The past century has seen a gradual stabilization in busi- ness, largely through the operations of our organized markets. The next century will see the further stabilizing of prices and minimizing of risk. The accomplishment of these desirable ends will depend largely upon the creation and adequate devel- opment of organized markets.