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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
SPECIALTY TALKS,
relative to the advancement of the music
trade industry?
Mr. MacDonald—Cannot well specify,
QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED BY THE "REVIEW
UPON THE LIVE MATTERS OF THE DAY AND There are several, if discussed in the right
ANSWERED BY LEADING MEN IN THE TRADE.
spirit, with an effort at co-operation, would
elevate, dignify and advance the general
Interview XII.—Chas. H. MacDonald.
interests of the trade.
REVIEW—You, doubtless, Mr. MacDon-
NDER the above head THE REVIEW
REVIEW—Admitting that the time pay- ald, have implicit faith in the future of the
proposes to give weekly the expressed ment system is a necessary evil, is it not Western metropolis. Do you not think
views of some members of the trade upon time that a halt should be made in the that the natural advantages and magnifi-
cent situation of that city will ultimately
matters which are of live interest.
It matter of easy terms for the purchaser?
should be understood that the answers to
Mr. MacDonald—The halt should have result in its becoming a still greater center
these inquiries will be published in every been called long ago. I know of no busi- for both produce and distribution?
instance without editorial criticism.
In ness where the basis of terms of sale are
Mr. MacDonald—Yes, sir; but I am too
other words, every "specialty talk" will so inconsistent with the capital invested as inexperienced and perhaps a trifle too mod-
fairly express the sentiment of the individ- shown in the piano trade. Reasonable con- est to try to impress the average New
ual under whose name it appears, rather ditions for both seller and buyer should be Yorker with my opinion on the subject.
than the editorial belief of THE REVIEW. maintained.
REVIEW—You are a firm believer in the
There will be no distortion; no boiling
REVIEW—Is the demand for "grands" in- value of advertising, are you not, Mr. Mac-
down. The answers will be published with- creasing?
Donald, and take considerable interest in
out change or comment, and in
this deparment of your business?
every case the individuality of the
Have you found any special adver-
one whose opinions are written
tising channel to produce excep-
will be preserved. We propose in
tionally good results?
this way to build one of the most
Mr. MacDonald—Judicious ad-
interesting features which a trade
vertising is always desirable, but
paper can offer to its readers.
just where to place it and secure
This week Mr. MacDonald favors
the best possible results is a prob-
us with a talk.
lem hard to solve. I have found
bulletin display profitable as a
constant
reminder of goods and
Mr. MacDonald, knowing full
location,
but
it must be followed
well and appreciating your inher-
by
a
liberal
amount
of printer's
ent modesty, we do not propose
ink
in
the
best
circulating
me-
to directly or indirectly pay you
diums.
compliments concerning the suc-
REVIEW—During your tenure of
cess achieved by you in furthering
office as President of the Chicago
the interests of the Pease piano in
Music Trade Association have
the Western metropolis.
That
any
special measures been adopt-
success speaks for itself.
If,
ed
in
the interest of the music
however, among your numerous
trade
in
that locality that you
duties you can find time to favor
deem
worth}'
of mention?
REVIEW readers with a few general
Mr. MacDonald—Nothing what-
opinions re trade affairs your obser-
ever.
Future?
We may die
vations will be much appreciated.
quietly,
asking
to
be
remembered
REVIEW—What, to your way of
for
the
good
we
have
done. We
thinking, are the chief causes of
may
live
on,
under
some
reor-
present day business depression ?
ganization,
and
yet
prove
to
our
Mr. MacDonald — Insufficient
neighboring
cities
that
the
Chi-
protection to American industries;
cago trade succeeded in establish-
depleting the purchasing power
ing permanent business and social
of the masses on whom we depend
relations; but it will be done only
for business prosperity.
Com-
when business is transacted in a
mercial distrust being created by
C. H. MACDONALD.
business
way among its own members, and
misleading and unwise agitation of our
social
banquets,
etc., be given for the ex-
Mr. MacDonald—I believe there will be
national financial affairs.
tending
of
business
acquaintance and not
RKVIEW—Provided the Presidential elec- a permanent demand for the medium-sized
the
transaction
of
business
in which guests
tion in November next results in a trium- grand piano that can be made first-class
are
not
interested.
phant majority for the sound money candi- and sold at a reasonable price.
U
date do you not anticipate a speedy return
to prosperous times?
Mr. MacDonald—The return to prosper-
ity will doubtless be gradual, but none the
less discernible, an.d with an assurance of
permanency.
REVIEW—Do you not think that the re-
cent trade failures will have a tendency to
result in a purification of trade conditions,
and that ultimately a more conservative
policy will be 1 adopted?
Mr. MacDonald—While trade failures are
to be deplored generally, final results may
bring about legitimate conditions of which
the general trade is sadly in need.
REVIEW'—Do you consider the piano bus-
iness provides really good openings for
young men who possess the required quali-
fications of good piano salesmen?
Mr. MacDonald—"Always room at the
top" applies to this as well as any other line
of business or profession.
REVIEW—Do you look for any radical
changes of style in piano construction dur-
ing the next five years or so?
Mr. MacDonald—Nothing radical. Per-
haps general improvement, such as shown
in the last five years.
REVIEW—What impresses you as being
to-day the most vital subject for discussion
Steinert's New Action.
M
ORRIS STEINERT, of New Haven,
was granted a patent this week for
"a new and useful improvement in grand
piano actions," which we will describe and
illustrate in a later issue. This innovation
is, according to some of the daily papers,
destined to mark a new era in piano
making.
HARDMAN,
PECK & Co. are preparing a
new catalogue, which will be ready for the
trade within the next two weeks.