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of purchase. In that case only two out of the
three cardinal points, contained in the rule we
have just set out, were followed. The capital
was evenly divided over three first-class
stocks ; the prices of these stocks were identical
in width of fluctuation ; hut they were all
subject to the same market and trade in
fluence ; in other words, they were all subject
to the general investment conditions obtaining
on the London Stock Exchange as well as to
the general trade conditions ruling in Great
Britain ; for all Trustee stocks are alike in
this respect, that they are almost solely held
in this country. This one defect was sufficient
to nullify the rest of the precautions which the
investor had taken.
In this case the loss was due to the
disregard of the same essential to sound
investment as is neglected in all investments
which consist exclusively of British stocks.
And this same defect is responsible for all
the losses which are made in investments of
this type.
Now, having detailed the dangers which
assail capital, we will next consider the risks
attendant upon the safety and regularity of
income. Income is paid out of revenue. In
the case of Government and Corporation stocks,
revenue is derived from rates and taxes raised