Cautionary tale of John Rivers and modern swindles
In Greenport a farmer named John Rivers is lured by James Snowden of Rio Vista Banana Company into a fraudulent investment with promises of high returns and rapid growth. After losing 270 dollars, John learns the fraud is genuine and evolves into a wiser observer of evolving schemes, from green goods to employing hoaxes and forged corporations. The piece surveys the history of scams from green goods to high finance while warning readers that fake profits and dubious partnerships remain common tactics in mid century promotions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Long Island
Greenport
John Rivers
John
James W. Snowden
Rio Vista Banana Company
New York
el Campo
Brazil
Mr. Snowden
Inland Seas Copper Mining Company of
Jennie
The Mrs. McLean stock swindle exposed in Chicago and New York
The tale follows Miller who funds a fraudulent broker Mrs. McLean from Broadway. He is duped into Union Pacific then pressured into risky Pennsylvania shares and Smelters. Investigations target fake firms. U S attorney Edwin W. Sims and post office inspector Walter Mayer describe a broad swindle network.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Milwaukee
Dubuque
Kansas City
New York
Bayonne
N. J
Frances M. McLean
Broadway
J. B. M. Miller
Cincinnati
Miller
Baltimore
McLean
Standard Oil
Station A
Union Pacific
Pennsylvania
Middle West
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Edwin W. Sims
United States
Ilinois
Chicago
Sims
Walter S. Mayer
Post Office
Federal
Mayer
England
Jengland
Twentieth Century Limited Flash Through Suburban Night
A vivid reminiscence of the Twentieth Century Limited barreling through a city at dawn. Railroad workers brace for its arrival while crossing gates drop and signals light the night. The train’s roar and blazing wheels evoke awe as it speeds past in a blur.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Utica
New York Tribune
Twentieth Century Limited
Lochinvar
Swiss Newspapers and Publication Landscape Summary
The consular report notes Switzerland with 3.5 million people and 1,384 periodicals, about one publication per 2,715 residents. News and politics titles number 472 in German, 101 in French, 21 in Italian, and one in Romansh, with religious papers totaling 60 German Protestant, 40 French Protestant, 24 Catholic, nine Missions, two Jewish and three Free Thought. Telegraph services are limited compared to other nations, though generally well edited.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Switzerland
Mournful Pleasure in Comedy Quips About Grief and Marriage
In a witty exchange a master chides his grieving wife’s death. The servant defends lingering in sorrow while the master urges remarriage as a remedy. The humor hinges on contrasting coping styles and social expectations.
Rheumatism Cured in a Day by Detchon's Relief
A patent remedy promises rapid cure for rheumatism claiming relief in 1 to 3 days. The advertisement touts the treatment as removing the disease cause with the first dose and notes availability from druggists at 7 cents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Detchon
Wrigley Spearmint Ad Claims and Quack Remedies
An assortment of ad copy references di gestible WRIGLEY'S SPEARMINT for children and promotes a laxative with LAXATIVE BROMO QUININE. The excerpt also notes a Jewish proverb about the Golden Rule and humor about cigar smoke. It mentions a signature RE. W. GROVE and a one day cold cure claim priced at 26c.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
RE. W. Grove
Quaker Oats Promise Health Benefits
An advertisement extols Quaker Oats as a path to better health. It emphasizes nutrition and daily breakfast value. The copy targets health-conscious readers with mentions of wholesome oats and steady energy.
Also Mentioned on This Page
By Bailey Millard
Pearson Publishing Co
Taces
LVE Tabilies Co
Boston
Mr. Miller
Pamplin
the Centaur Company
Bears
Castoria
Wrigley
California
A! A
Baby
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