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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
tributions to the development of the American
pianoforte through the perfection of their
actions.
||jf)IANO key manufacturers will be glad to
<^s learn that the elephant of Africa is still a
tolerably abundant animal according to recent
reports. Its numbers, though doubtless dimin-
ished by more than one-half within this century,
are probably to be counted by the hundred
thousand. Nevertheless, in less than ioo years
the field which is occupied has been greatly re-
duced, and between the ivory hunter and the
sportsman, armed with guns of ever increasing
deadliness, it will certainly not require another
century of free shooting to annihilate the Afri-
can species. When that time comes, however,
the poor elephant and his useful tusks will be
relegated to obscurity, at least as far as piano
keys are concerned.
"R. NAHUM STETSON returned home last
week from his European vacation. He
reports his trip as being a most enjoyable one,
and his appearance denotes the benefit derived
from a health standpoint. Mr. Stetson found
the London branch of the Steinway house en-
joying a remarkably good trade. In fact the
volume of business transacted for the past three
months has been without precedent. The Stein-
way piano has obtained a strong foothold with
the aristocracy, and to be au fait, a Steinway
piano is the "proper thing " in the drawing-
rooms of the society element in London and the
United Kingdom. It is only since its arrival
here that Mr. Stetson has been notified of several
sales to noted personages on the other side,
among whom may be mentioned the Duchess of
Westminster, who ranks next to royalty itself.
When asked about local trade Mr. Stetson
said that Steinway & Sons are experiencing the
usual summer quiet, but they are gratified at
the bright outlook for fall trade, which is due in
a large measure to the passage of the tariff bill.
EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS.
would call the attention of the trade to
our regular monthly statement of ex-
ports and imports of musical instruments which
appears on another page of this paper, and which
has been compiled specially from official sources
for THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW. The most
important fact to note in connection with the
figures presented, is the marked increase in do-
mestic exports, which amount to $70,209, as
compared with $56,410 for the same month of
1893.
This is the first time since the business de-
pression set in that such a pleasing condition of
things can be recorded. For the past twelve
months the exports of musical instruments have
been lower than for any year since 1889. This
is undoubtedly attributable to the business de-
pression which has been pretty universal in
Europe and this country, and which both are at
present recovering from, we are glad to say.
Another feature of this statement is the re-
markable falling off in dutiable imports. The
past twelve months have shown a gradual de-
cline. There can be no doubt but that home
manufactured instruments are slowly but surely
superseding the imported—this is very evident.
In the line of smaller musical instruments
usually placed under the heading, "All other
instruments and parts of the same," there has
been a steady growth in export trade, and the
figures in this special line for the past twelve
months are certainly cheering.
It is true the comparative estimate of imports
and exports of musical instruments for the past
fiscal year has been disappointing, but the fig-
ures presented in the latest monthly report af-
ford a great deal of encouragement, and lead us
to hope that the tide has turned, and that we
are on the eve of better times.
THE TARIFF BILL.
HE passage of the tariff bill cannot fail to
be received with a great deal of satisfaction
by the business community at large. After a
year of " talk " and shameful deals, it is a relief
to be rid of a suspense which interfered seriously
with the progress and prosperity of our country.
The bill is passed now, however, and awaits the
President's signature, and possibly before our
next issue it will become a law.
In another column of this paper will be found
excerpts from the tariff measure bearing directly
on the music trade industry. Outside of wool,
which has been placed on the free list, and
a presumable reduction in the price of ham-
mer felts, other materials are not seriously
effected. The reduction of ten per cent, ad
valorem on musical instruments and parts there-
of will not have a perceptible effect on the piano
industry. It is likely, however, to injure the
home manufacturer of small musical instru-
ments. The extracts from the "Democratic"
income tax will be found worthy of special
study.
We have little desire to enter into a detailed
criticism of the new measure. The piano trade
in common with- other industries has suffered,
and the main thing to be thankful for just now
is that there is an end to suspense, anxiety
and business depression. It is admitted by all
students of trade conditions that a marked im-
provement in business will immediately take
place, if it is not already evident. Stock is very
low in the piano trade as well as other indus-
tries, and the people must have goods. Fac-
tories must open up, and a revival of prosperity
is certain.
The lesson of the past twelve months should
not go unheeded by our law makers or business
men. Some legislative measure should be
enacted whereby the business of the country
will not be seriously disrupted as it has been
during the past year. The tariff should be
lifted from out the realms of party—it effects
the common prosperity of all the people and
should be treated from that standpoint.
S
TRADE with the Colby Piano Co., Erie, Pa.,
is up to its usual standard. The different agents
throughout the country report an excellent busi-
ness.
WE are sorry to learn of the continued indis-
position of Mr. Freeborn G. Smith. Mr. Smith
has evidently drawn too many checks on the
bank of energy—the capital of which in this
case seemed limitless. There is a limit, how-
ever, and Mr. Smith realizes it now. It is to
be hoped that a needed rest will restore him to
his old-time health and vigor,
MR. CARL A. DROOP, of the firm of E. F.
Droop & Sons, accompanied by Mr. Henry J.
Read, manager of the firm's sheet music depart-
ment, arrived in Southampton last Tuesday,
having sailed from New York a week ago per
North German Lloyd steamer '' Spree," on a
combined business and pleasure trip. Messrs.
Droop and Read will remain away several
weeks.
AT the annual meeting of the Manufacturers'
Piano Company, held in Chicago, Thursday of
last week, the old officers of the company were
re-elected. Mr. Wheelock was not present. Mr.
A. M. Wright, the vice-president, was in the
chair. Mr. Foster and Mr. Lawson were in at-
tendance.
IN addition to large sums left for charitable
purposes, the late William Hooper, president
of the John Church Company, made the fol-
lowing bequest: " T o each person, male and
female, who has been in the employ of the de-
ceased for one year prior to his death he gives
one year's wages at the rate they have been
paid." Whether this clause extends to all the
employees of the John Church Company, or to
the individual employees of Mr. Hooper is not
known. Anyhow, it speaks volumes for the
generosity and thoughtfulness of the deceased
gentleman.
HON, R. M. WALTERS, of New York City,
who delivered the famous speech in behalf of
the armory for the people of Hudson, is a guest
of Hon. C. C. Shayne, at the Maples, Gal way.
Mr. Walters wirl spend a few days at the Grand
Union, Saratoga Springs, before returning to
New York City.—Daily Saratogian, August 13th.
AT the annual meeting of the Aeolian Organ
Co., held at Meriden, Conn., July 30th, the fol-
lowing officers were elected : President, J. Mor-
gan, New York ; treasurer, J. A. Nichols ; sec-
retary and assistant treasurer, J. H. Chase;
general manager, H. B. Tremaine. The direc-
tors are : J. Morgan, J. B. Kelly, W. B. and H.
B. Tremaine, Geo. H. Wilcox, L. C. Clark and
A. Curtiss.
THE AMERICAN CHURCH ORGAN CO., which
we announced last week as having been incor-
porated at Baltimore, Md., for the manufacture
and sale of church organs, will have a capital
stock of $10,000 divided into a thousand shares
at the par value of $10.00 each. The operations
of the corporation will be carried on in the
United States and Canada, the principal offices
at Baltimore.
THE RUSSELL PIANO COMPANY, Chicago, re-
port a slight damage through fire to their build-
ing, 171 South Canal street. The loss sustained
amounts to about two thousand dollars, and is
fully covered by insurance. The fire will not
interfere in any respect with the progress of
business.
MR. E. L- EBBELS, with Alfred Dolge & Son,
is on a business trip in the East.