New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-09-26
TRUTH IN ADVERTISING"
KEYNOTE OF SUCCESS
W. c. Freeman. of The Tribune,
Tells Convention of Clubs to
Beware of ExaggeratiOnS.
VERACITY PAYS THE BEST
Interests Delegates by Citing
Evolution of the Business
Absolute Facts Now
Requisite.
rBvTeler-aph 70 The Tribune :

BvTeleC-aph 70 The Tribune
Cincinnati. Sent Fl have been an
advertising man for twenty-nine years.
For the first twenty-three years 7 had no
scruples about publishing exaggerations
or misrepresentation and ! am ashamed
OF the work Of those days. But six years
ago I was converted TO the religion OF
truth in advertising. and I can feel AZ
least somewhat proud Of my work since
then"
The delegates AZ the advertisers con-
vcntion to-day all moved 20 the front ann
drew their seats up closer when William
G. Freeman. 81 The New-York Tribune,
thus began his address on Truth in Ad-
vortisinE."
Mr.. Freeman gave a number Of in
stances I'm which. in the old DAYS, money
WAS paid to people TO induce them 10 give
false testimonials about certain medi-
cires. He told how certain soldiers re-
turning from Cuba were induced 10 sign
false statements that they had used a
certain medicine to Withstand the trying
Cuban climate during the war, and how
fictitious testimonials had also been So
cured from railroad hremen. Consump-
ton cures and other deceptive advertise
ments were also referred 20.
"One night was unable n sleep be-
cause Of worry over deceptive adver;is-
ing talk. That night ] was converted 10
the religion Of truth in advertising" said
tho speaker
Next day ! told tho owner Of The
new spaper on which was employed Of
q. ~ ri pf T0TGT
Using. and nc agreed to my plans. Nd
vertisors were put on their honor that
statements they made in their advertise
mcnts were true and when mon give
their word OF honor you can usually DC
pend upon it. for II IS better than ine
law.
Fake advertisements were rejected
the news and editorial columns were no
longer used for paid advertisements.
Rusiucss men found that the increased
confidence the public had in this honest
advertising brought increased patronage
and the newspaper. too. prospered more
than ever. the advertising increasirs
n,ore than threefold in n few years DO
not wish 10 urge truth iu ad'er'slhs
merely for the sake Of honesty hut ne
cause II really pays best In the cnd.
M Freeman told Of a number of recent
bic advertising contracts that were gwen
ONT on fhe new basis Of absolute ruin
telling -.
tie told ~ a recent contract for tl8o'-
600 Of advertising 20 exploit n large
building being erected IN New YORK. ana
rave n as fine example Of truth In al
,or,isinp for only real facts enter into
tho advertising matter. Mr. Freeman
showed how the cause he Is preach'hR
Is winning new converts daily and was
loudly appiauded a. the conclusion OF MS
address.
An interesting feature Of the second day
~ the convention was the almost iorci-
HE kidnapping Of former Governor Joseph
FoIk Of Missouri who was hailed from the
lohhv NJ tho hotel In which the convention
is being held and forced to make q
speech.
M Folk was recognized by friends.
and after declining to make talk 70 the
advertising men. was summary taken 10
tho convention hail. whore he comph-
nented the delegates for the efforts iheF
are making TO enforce truth In adVerus-
ing.
INDIANAPOLIS and Chicago are competing
for the next convention, with the Indiana
CITY the most favored.
7 Stokes. Of Chicago, spoke on
"Storcs as Educational institutions
Other addresses were made by Charles
Wilson Hoyt. Of New York and Samuel
Debbs. Of Atlanta
Tho concluding sessions NJ the conven-
ton will be held Tomorrow.
The following officers were elected
President. Rlocque Wilson. Toledo; vice
presidents. A. J. Fox, Chicago. and X. l.
Carver. Milwaukee. secretary. David Il.
Gibson, Cleveland; treasurer, 4. r. Mer-
rift Grand Rapita; executive committee
G. +. stevenson, Milwaukee; ". F. Cham
beers. Cincinnati c. II. Hathaway chi
cago: T. r. dwell Dayton and horace
T.. Ryan, indianapolis