Music Trade Review

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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
From A Traveler's
Note Book.
have so successfully directed the Ship of
State.
There is, if properly cultivated, a good
trade to be carried on with this country in
musical merchandise. The trouble is, just
Glances in Mexico—Possibilities of Won-
now American manufacturers have, to a cer-
derful Development in flanufacture
tain extent ignored Mexico, while the manu-
and Agriculture—A Good Oppor-
facturers of Germany and France have been
tunity for the United States
for many years steadily encouraging and
to Encourage Commercial
fostering commercial relations with a coun-
Relations—Piano Han-
try which from its proximity belongs to us
ufacturers should
in a commercial sense. The same applies
look to this
to South America. Similar conditions pre-
Country.
vail there regarding commercial relations
CaseandVarnishWork should be Looked up.
with the United States and Europe. This,
A Chance for Small Goods—Moving
however, is sure to change. There is no
Pianos—A Queer Sight—Packing
reason to believe that American pianos
flusical Instruments—Mexican
cannot be sold as largely south of us as are
Composers — Nunez the
instruments of European make. Instead of
riozart of Mexico—E.
our heavy, large upright pianos, instru-
Heuer & Co,—A
ments could be easily built of a lighter
Progressive
weight, thus reducing the duty, which is, as
Concern.
I wrote previously, 50 cents per kilo.
Sights and Scenes in riexico.
I would also suggest that the varnishing
should be given serious consideration. I
HIS charming climate! Ah,
have seen a notable instance where an
me! how I dislike to leave it,
American piano just went to pieces as far
particularly when I think of
as the varnish was concerned; still I know
the snowy and cold weather
that the varnish used on that instrument
that I may encounter in the
bore a high reputation in the States. This
North.
I know that during
matter can be easily arranged so that pianos
the next few weeks 1 shall make many
will stand like a rock, and will be invulner-
mental returns to this land of sun and
able, as far as atmospheric effect is con-
brightness. Ah! the days and nights in
cerned, upon the case or varnish work.
Mexico!
There is also a big field here for the manu-
The longer that I tarry here the more am
facturer of small instruments. This trade
I impressed with the wonderful resources
is almost entirely monopolized by the Ger-
which this country possesses. Its riches lie
man and French makers, simply because
not alone in its mines of silver and prec-
they have had no competition from our
ious stones, but in agriculture and manu-
country. There is business here for such a
facturing as well. At Orizaba I saw one
concern as Lyon & Healy, and I will pre-
cotton factory in which were employed some
dict they soon will be getting a good slice
sixteen hundred operatives. I think .that
of Mexican trade.
within the next decade there will have been
There is no doubt but that we are on the
made wonderful progress in all the varied
eve of important commercial development
lines of manufacture and agriculture. Take
with our sister Republic on the south, and
the latter. ' I saw some of the finest coffee
I believe that no section of America offers
plantations in the world in the State of
the same returns for investment as does
Vera Cruz. The coffee lands are of a very
Mexico to-day. It should be considered
remunerative character. The natives are
that the time will be short when the ex-
now rather favorably inclined toward Amer-
change will be so largely in our favor. To-
icans, and within a short time will have
day one dollar of our money is worth two in
absorbed American ideas. The capacity of
Mexican money. That state of affairs can-
the Indian race for culture is demonstrated
not last.
by the celebrated scientists, priests and
The music trade is, of course, conducted
statesmen which have sprung from this
on different lines than with us. The per-
race, some of whom, like Juarez and Diaz,
centage of cash sales is greater with the
Mexican dealer than with us. Still there is a
large installment business done in Mexico.
The matter of moving pianos is peculiar. I
was interested in a sight which I saw before
A high-grade piano costs more the establishment of E. Heuer & Co. On a
than an instrument which is in frame which rested upon the shoulders of
that class known as "medium," four Indians, was an upright piano. Behind
but what a satisfaction to sell a
high-grade piano, and how pleasant the quartette stood two more Indians who
to meet the customer and friends af- were to act as relays. These men who bore
ter the sale is made, particularly if it is a the piano seemed utterly indifferent to the
weight w r hich they supported, and stood
there calmly awaiting orders. Mr. Heuer
told me that the piano was to be delivered
some six miles distant. The piano bearers
started off on a trot, which I understand
they
maintain when carrying burdens of
Just make a minute right here to write
to 215 Tremont Street, Boston, and find any sort. I think it would attract some of
the piano movers who frequent Union
out about it.
Of Course...
BOURNE
vSquare to see four men start off on a dog
trot bearing on their backs a heavy upright
piano to be delivered, say on Washington
Heights.
In packing pianos and musical instru-
ments Americans may well take lessons
from Europeans. All of the pianos, and in
fact all other instruments, are packed in
zinc-lined cases, and I can say that instni-
ments packed in that way open up splen-
didly after the long ocean trip. I have
heard much complaint regarding American
goods in this particular. One dealer re-
marked to me that "Americans pack their
goods just the same, whether intended for
delivery in Hoboken or in Hong Kong."
In Mexico there are many native com-
posers, whose works have had a large sale.
H. Nagel, Successors, were the first to pub-
lish music in the Republic. I saw a line
of their music and was surprised to note the
attractive title pages which they use in
their publications.
I met Gonzalo de
Nunez here the other day. Seiior Nunez
has now an exalted position, and the papers
refer to him as "the Mozart of Mexico."
He does not, however, like the country, and
will at an early date return to New York.
It is possible that he will make a concert
tour of the country. I am particularly in-
debted to Mr. Heuer for the many cour-
tesies which he has extended to me during
my tarry in the City of Mexico. Mr.
Heuer, besides being one of the most com-
panionable of fellows, is a business man of
marked ability. He has introduced modern
features in the conduct of his business, and
has been particularly successful in handling
American pianos and organs.
The City of Mexico is most interesting.
There is much to absorb. Its romantic his-
tory—its picturesque situation, make it one
of the most interesting cities on this con-
tinent. The abundance of historical sights
render a stay here most charming, and it is
with feelings akin to regret that I find my
time narrowing down to a few more days
of this glorious sunshine.
BYRON MAUZY, the Sohmer agent in San
Francisco, Cal., is doing some effective ad-
vertising of the Sohmer instruments. At
the grand jubilee festival tendered Cheva-
lier de Kontski recently, the Sohmer piano
was used, and a very handsome cut, show-
ing him at the keyboard of a Sohmer,
adorns each program, a copy of which has
been sent us.
Winter Tours
In Elegant Pullman Trains
With Dining Cars
Four Days to California
^
Five Days to the City of Mexico
*'**
SUk
The "SUNSET LIMITED" leaves New York and
other Eastern Cities on Tuesdays, New Orleans on
Thursdays and arrives Los Angeles on Saturdays, and
San Francisco Sunday mornings.
For further information, free illustrated pamphlets,
maps and time tables, also lowest freight and passage
rates to all points in Texas, New and Old Mexico,
Arizona, California, Japan, China, India, Australia,
New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands and Round theWorld,
Apply to E. MAWLEY
„_ L. H. NUTTINO
or
A. O. T. Mjjr.
E. P. Agt.
Southern Pacific Co.'s Sunset, Ogden and Shasta Routes
Also Representing the Pacific Mail S. S. Co.; Occidental
& Oriental S. S. Co.; Houston & Texas Central R. R.;
Mexican International R. R. and San Antonio & Arkansas
Pass. Ry.
343 BROADWAY, or
Washington Building
1 BATTERY PLACE
New York