Better Business

People once gulled by a false advertisement become less susceptible to legitimate ones. For this reason in 1911 the associated advertising clubs of the world decided they needed a committee to promulgate "Truth in Advertising." The next year they formed the National Vigilance Committee. In 1925 the N. V. C. was incorporated as the National Better Business Bureau, placed under the general managership of Edward L. Greene, remembered by oldtime collegians as '"Big Ed." half back and captain of the University of Pennsylvania football team in 1908, already known to Better Businessmen as manager of the Cleveland Bureau and originator of the slogan: "Before You Invest, Investigate."

Throughout the country there are 47 Better Business Bureaus. Sometimes they appeal to the national one for aid, sometimes matters are referred by the national to them. From the national bureau have emanated many broadsides against malpractices, including recently an attack against the advertising of American Tobacco Co. (Lucky Strikes") and American Cigar Co. (Cremo).

Boston has its share and perhaps more, of frauds. The Boston Better Business Bureau was built up by Mr. Greene and now has over 600 members. Last fall they exposed the methods of Wrestler Gu's Sonnenberg. It has been especially active recently in routing out stock promoters; it put a quietus on many Boston Curb Exchange operators. Last fortnight it published a bulletin which contained some surprising firms and products which it flayed for offering stock with merchandise, viz.:

Page & Shaw, Inc., two boxes of candy, one share of a stock for $2.

Massachusetts Thread Mills, Inc., a $7.50 blanket and a share of stock supposedly worth $4, for $3.75.

Marland Firearms Co., Inc., a $50 shot rifle or a $30 shotgun and four shares of 7% preferred stock for $100.

Likely Luggage, Inc., a $25 suitcase and a share of stock for $17.

Le Boeuf Fountain Pen Co., Inc., one share of stock and a pen for $2.

New England Magnesia Corp. of Boston, ten bottles of gingerale, two of citrate of magnesia, one share of preferred stock, for $1.

Holland Far-East Tea, Coffee and Cocoa Enterprises, one share of stock, half a pound each of tea, cocoa and coffee, for $1.

In many of these cases, even if the stock is regarded as worthless, the offer is a bargain. But soon after the purchaser is known as a stockholder, warned B. B. B., high-pressure salesmen would visit him, sell him many more shares of stock. Even less legitimate than most offers, however, is that of the Wrigley Pharmaceutical Co., selling stock and a ''spearmint toothpaste." For although the company's president signs himself W. W. Wrigley, neither he nor the concern are connected with potent William Wrigley Jr. Co. of Chicago.

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