of Public Opinion?

In fact, Public Opinion may be considered in our modern societies as
the greatest driving power. For, Public Opinion is the vision of the
unthinking multitude, and vision is the first and foremost of
constructive or destructive forces. It lights the way and invites
action accordingly. Marvellous indeed is the sweep of the tide of
Public Opinion in various realms of human activities. Its ebb and
flow--although frequently beyond analysis, are felt on every shore.

In the world of finance,--and this is the lowest in the scale of real
values,--is not that fragile but mighty factor we call credit based on
Public Opinion? For, credit is but the general opinion of the
community on the possibilities of the industry or undertaking in which
its capital is involved, and on the honesty and ability of the
management.

What has weakened the moral fibre of our modern society so much that at
times one wonders if we are living in the Christian era? If the home
is now so often desecrated by theories of free love and trial
marriages, if the cradles are empty, if the very sense of shame is a
thing of the past, if the most elementary principles of morality are
questioned, is it not because the public conscience is being warped,
chloroformed, deadened by a frenzied propaganda of a corrupted Public
Opinion?

Has not the politician and the legislator the ear to the wind, the eye
on the running tides and cross currents of thought, to know and sound
Public Opinion? Like the skilful and watchful pilot, he counts with
the set of the tide and catches it at its crest. He knows the exact
height of the rising tide that will float him and his cargo over the
bar . . . of a coming election--. This tide of public feeling has
carried some to the high seas of success but left many stranded on the
desert shores. Many public men indeed have set out on its angry waters
to brave its fury . . . and have never returned. "In our times of
Democracy when the "competitive" principle has replaced the
"hereditary," not the kings, princes and nobles, but bankers,
merchants, railroad magnates, capitalists, politicians, editors,
educators, writers and artists occupy the high seats, hold the baton
and beat the time for the great social orchestra." (Ross-Social
Psychology.) "Power and influence," said Morley, "no longer reside in
the Crown but in the strong, subtle forces called Public Opinion: and
that Public Opinion is apt to involve