Music Trade Review

Issue: 1897 Vol. 24 N. 15

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
It is well enough at all times to move
just a trifle cautiously before entering a
conflict of any nature. Looking backward,
lessons in history teach us that as a result
the side precipitating a conflict fails in
many ways to appreciate the strength of
- ^ . E D W A R D LVMAN
its opponent.
Editor and Proprietor.
In 1861 the South, bitter and sore over
PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY
its steadily decreasing political strength in
3 East 14th St.. New York
the councils of the nation, precipitated, in
a moment of rage and impetuousness, a
SUBSCRIPTION (including- postage) United States and
Canada, $3-00 per year; Foreign Countries, $4.00.
civil war which devastated its own fair
ADVERTISEMENTS, $a.oo per inch, single column, per
Insertion. On quarterly or yearly contracts a special dis»
fields, and cost the nation millions of lives
count 15 allowed.
REMITTANCES, In other than currency form, should
and billions of treasure. Had its leaders
%• made payable to Edward Lyman BilL
clearly weighed the financial and numerical
Bnttrtdot tka Jfno York Post Offic* as Second-Class Mmttmr.
strength of the North, they would never
NEW YORK, APRIL 10, 1897.
have precipitated, that fratricidal conflict,
because their own sober judgment must
TELEPHONE NUMBER 1745. — EIGHTEENTH STREET.
have surely told them the inevitable result
THE KEYNOTE.
of
such a contest.
The first week of each month, The Review
It is the same in business life. Often-
will contain a supplement embodying the liter-
ary and musical features which have heretofore times a commercial war is begun without
appeared in The Keynote. This amalgamation
will be effected without in any way trespassing a fair analysis on the part of those who
on our regular news service. The Review will precipitate the war of the resources of their
continue to remain, as before, essentially atrade
opponents. Then, after all, what comes
paper.
of it?
THE TRADE DIRECTORY.
Simply exhaustion, business paralysis,
The Trade Directory, which is a feature of
The Review each month, is complete. In it ap- and at the end both sides are in-
pears the names and addressee of all firms en-
gaged in the manufacture of musical instruments finitely worse off than they were at the Be-
and the allied trades. The Review is sent to ginning.
the United States Consulates throughout the
It is true revenge is sweet, in fact it is
world, and is on file in the reading rooms of the
oftentimes delicious; but is it not well be-
principal hotels in America.
fore we stuff ourselves with revenge to
IS A PIANO WAR IMMINENT?
ascertain at least a fractional part of its
S a piano war imminent?
cost? There are many of us who at times
There are indications which would have the inclination to dance, and we do
seem to warrant the belief that such is the dance, but we would never enter into the
case. On the trade horizon hang heavy, whirl did we previously learn at least an
sombre, sulphurous clouds, and occasional approximate idea of the fiddler's charge.
flashes of lightning athwart the darkness It pays best never to be blinded by passion
followed by low mutterings indicate clear- or revenge, but to first ascertain the pos-
ly that the signs are threatening to say the sibilities of winning, next just what the
least.
cost will be to acquire that victory. Some-
If the storm strikes us there will be a times an enemy develops prodigious unseen
jingling of chords and discords in this trade strength—a strength which is cumulative,
that will set things tingling from the rock overpowering, crushing.
bound coast of Maine to where the Colum-
A long bank account may be a strong
bia pours her golden sands on the shores of factor in prolonging a commercial war
California; from the zone where the cyclone but it does not give indisputable assurance
rages with unabated fervor in the far North- of success.
west to where the painted savage jingfes
Brains too are to be considered but again
the empty tomato cans across the cactus the possibility of misdirected effort.
dotted Mohave desert which borders on the
There is strength in numbers, likewise
domains of President Diaz. Even the weakness as well, because there are some
crested billows as they beat upon the East- whose influence will undermine the earnest
ern shores will be luminous with fire if the work of others.
storm clouds once break upon us; while the
Again, while a warfare of a few months
green savannahs of the billowy West will might result in a serious paralysis of trade
swell the maddened cry.
and the annihilation of individuals, it
There is no mistaking the fact that pre- could not succeed in seriously changing
parations are being made for the impend- public opinion, encrusted as it is with the
ing storm. Cyclone proof cellars are being barnacles of time.
dug; watch towers are being planted on the
Have a care, gentlemen, count well the
highest points of vantage.
cost, for if the blades are once unsheathed,
I
there will be a shedding of trade blood
never equaled before in this industry.
It will flow in rivulets and streams, for
there are men to-day panting for the fray,
in whose cuirass there is many a vulner-
able spot, and it will require strong armor
to stand the blows dealt with stout swords.
Think it over before unfurling the war
standards.
The able and scholarly lecture deliv-
ered last Tuesday evening by Mr. Alfred
Dolge at the University Club, Little Falls,
N. Y., a full report of which will be found
elsewhere in this paper, is interesting and
instructive reading.
The labor question is one of those ills of
the body politic and industrial which manu-
facturers have heretofore left almost en-
tirely to the treatment of economic doctors
—theorists,professors—well-meaning men,
it is true, but generally lacking in that es-
sential experience which enables their
schemes of reform being effective or prac-
tical.
Hence when such a topic as "How to
avoid a conflict between capital and labor"
is dwelt upon by a man of Mr. Dolge's
wide experience and ripe judgment, con-
clusions are apt to be arrived at which are
of direct application and benefit.
And we are not disappointed, for Mr.
Dolge suggests an admirable panacea in
the formation of a labor senate where the
rights of organized labor and organized
capital would be equally recognized, and
the causes of the present-day conflicts dis-
cussed and eradicated partially if not en-
tirely.
Judge and analyze it as you will, Mr.
Dolge's treatment of his difficult subject is
profound, exhaustive and erudite.
He emphasizes the grand truth that "civ-
ilization progresses step by step in the
ratio as the condition of labor is improved,"
and illustrates his remarks by reference to
the condition of labor in the past, tracing
the progress of events up to the complex
industrial and commercial problems that
confront us in the United States to-day.
In his conclusions therefrom he displays
such originality in ideas, thorough mastery
of his subject, and an ease and happy choice
of language, that we fear Mr. Dolge has
too long been allowed to hide his oratorical
light "under a bushel."
In this address we recognize the student,
the thinker, the philosopher—and yet the
common sense business man. For it seems
to us that the great strength of Mr. Dolge's
arguments lies in their practical applica-
tion—here he has the advantage over the
ordinary "book man."
Mr. Dolge has attained an unsought for
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
prominence as a leader in the field of econ-
omics. He has paved the way. He has not
merely theorized, he has shown by practical
demonstration how the gulf that divides cap-
ital and labor may be bridged. In this lec-
ture he advocates another step toward that
treaty of peace between two opposing armies
whose interests are one and indivisible—a
treaty that did it materialize would be pro-
lific in beneficial results for civilization and
human progress.
At all events, the present condition of af-
fairs cannot continue. The road season of
the company has been a dismal failure, and
changes must be made if we are to have
opera next fall in this city.
* *
In the rounds of the trade one meets all
kinds and conditions of salesmen, and it is
an interesting study to watch the different
methods of securing results. It does not
follow because an employee creates a great
deal of stir that he is either developing
trade or benefiting himself. In fact, he
may be doing the business a positive in-
jury by over-fussiness. It is a case of
method and not bustle. When customers
display a preference to be waited upon by
a special employee, that one is on the road
to success; for, rest assured, there is some-
thing in him which merits it, or they would
not do so. Business method, unbounded
courtesy, limitless patience and tact, in
connection with personal magnetism, are
necessary requisites in the pathway to suc-
cess; and many who envy those who reach
the goal are either lacking in these respects
or fail to put in operation what natural
ability they possess.
* * *
Some time ago the Indicator mildly
twitted the editors of the Eastern press
about going to Chicago to obtain a square
meal. A turn about is only fair, and I note
that brother Fox is now on his way
East. Shall I interpret this as meaning
that the banquet board in Chicago is
running on light supplies, or has brother
Fox discovered that the Raines bill will
now permit of lunches to be served in the
various hostelries in Gotham? Brother
Fox has a keen eye, and an appreciative
stomach as well.
Strich & Ziedler are in every way en-
titled to success. They have abiding faith
in the discriminating qualities of the Am-
erican people, to distinguish good qualities
from inferior. They have built and are en-
gaged in building pianos which are an
honor to themselves, and a credit to the
entire industry with which they are iden-
tified. Their new scale is pronounced by
musicians and critics to be in every way a
distinct advance in modern piano making.
This week Mr. W. W. Wallace, the Strich
& Zeidler representative, Springfield,
Mass., was in town, and we had the pleas-
ure of chatting with him regarding the
The "Henderson" Piano.
Strich & Zeidler pianos. He is an enthusi-
The piano which will shortly be placed
astic admirer of the instruments and as-
serts that there is nothing on the market on the market by the Ann Arbor Organ
which surpasses the Strich & Zeidler Co. will bear the euphonious and appropri-
pianos. He believes in them, and has great ate name of "Henderson" on the fall-board,
faith in the commercial future of this young in compliment to the popular manager of
the company, Mr. J. C. Henderson.
and progressive concern.
The company are to be congratulated on
the selection of such an excellent name for
With the last of the four performances of their piano, as it associates it with an active
grand opera at the Metropolitan Opera personality in the company and, moreover,
House next week, it is expected that the imparts an individuality to the product.
Mr. Henderson is a live, wide-awake
firm of Abbey, Schoeffel & Grau, Ltd., will
pass out of existence as far as operatic progressive gentleman who is doing some
management in this city is concerned, the splendid work as general manager of the
directors being unwilling to continue the Ann Arbor Co. and when the dealer handles
present connection unless the financial af- the "Henderson" he can feel confident that
fairs of the firm are in a more satisfactory he is handling an instrument that will pos-
condition. This seems rather impossible sess the best possible value at a reasonable
price.
in these non-miracle days.
The "Henderson" piano will be archi-
The death of Mr. Steinway is, in a meas-
ure, the cause of the breaking up. He was tecturally attractive while the tone will be
the mainstay of the whole affair, and was such as to satisfy the exacting. The "Hen-
ready at all times to advance money. In derson" will be a success, and like the in-
fact, the reorganization of the firm a year dividual whose name it bears, it will not be
ago was due to his generous spirit. The many moons before it can claim a big host
present operatic season was founded upon of friends.
his money.
Salvadore La Grassa has announced that
It is not improbable, however, that a new
he
is no longer superintendent of Jacob
company will be organized with which
Doll's
factory.
Messrs. Schoeffel & Grau will be connected,
From the City by the Lake.
Chicago, April 7, 1897.
The new Kingsbury piano made its ap-
pearance this week at the wholesale rooms
of the company, on Wabash avenue. The
style is Colonial; the tone is excellent and
large in volume. This instrument will be
followed by two other styles. The Kings-
bury is a commercial instrument of an ex-
cellent grade, and when ready for the mar-
ket will find plenty of purchasers.
This has been an exciting week—politi-
cally, not commercially. Chicago is in the
hands of the Silverites; Carter Harrison is
mayor. It's the old story: lack of union,
lack of common sense.
The agency for the Capen piano in Chi-
cago has been secured by August Gross, a
go-ahead piano dealer on the North side.
An excellent move for Brockport Co. and
Mr. Gross.
Horace Branch, who was at one time a
Steck agent in this city, died last week.
The Steinway warerooms here are being
handsomely decorated.
E. S. Conway, of the W. W. Kimball
Co., has returned from a trip East.
The ^Steck warerooms have been com-
pletely renovated and touched up, and pre-
sent a regular spring appearance. In keep-
ing with the environment a handsome line
of Steck instruments is on exhibition, some
of the creations in fancy woods being
really works of art.
Mr. Mabon, traveling representative for
the Mehlin pianos, returned early in the
week from a short and successful Eastern
trip, and has again left town on an extend-
ed Western tour.
O. P. Newell, a well-known citizen of
Brattleboro, V t , was found dead at his
home last Sunday morning. He was a
foreman in the Estey organ factory. Apo-
plexy is supposed to have caused his
demise.
J. K. M. Gill is making an Eastern trip
in the interest of the Shaeffer Piano Co.,
Chicago. Business with this concern is ex-
cellent and Mr. Gill is steadily augmenting
the line of representatives.
J. T. Wamelink's store at 145 Euclid
avenue, Cleveland, O., which was destroyed
some time since by fire, will be occupied by
him as soon as renovated.
Emil Wulschner & Son, Indianapolis,
Ind., have entered the jobbing field and
have just issued a handsome and complete
catalogue of their specialties.
Wm. Knabe, of Wm. Knabe & Co., of
Baltimore, who is now making a trip
West, will probably leave for Europe early
in the summer.
The Hallet & Davis Co., Boston, are at
present at work on a number of new styles
which they will have ready for the opening
of the fall trade. They will be something
entirely original.
Geo. J. Birkel, the Steinway, Chickering
and Steck agent in San Diego, Cal., has
recently enlarged his establishment in that
city.

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