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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
the growth of the American piano business ary powers if it should bestow any special spirits who will swing back the door and
say, brothers come to dinner. Many will
abroad. As a matter of fact, practically recognition upon the trade press.
The meeting in May presumably will be respond and a good starting point towards
two-thirds of our export trade in January
was done in musical instruments, parts the most important one which has ever eternal friendship will be made early in
thereof, piano players and specialties. This occurred in the annals of the industry. the twentieth century. By all means let
statement will show that America is cut- The men who will gather here will have us have expansion to the social side of the
ting largely into the German small goods serious matters to discuss. In the main piano question.
trade abroad, and in this alone we have they will be inclined towards that which
USEFUL TO DEALERS.
means trade betterment, and the various T^vEALERS not only consult the columns
made an almost marvelous advance.
It was only a few years ago when the sessions of the music trade congress can
of the trade papers with unswerving
musical jobber purchased everything in the best be devoted to the discussion of that regularity for news and information upon
small instrument way from the old coun- which will lead to trade advancement leading topics, but they also use them in a
try, and it was believed at that time that than wasting argumentative breath over greater degree than ever before, as instru-
the factories in this country never could the particular vices, follies and foibles ments in the exploitation of the wares
compete with the house system in vogue of the men who are at the head of the trade which they represent.
in Markneukirchen and other points of press. Years ago, before blackmailing had
During the last week we have received
Europe, where every member of the reached its decadence, the trade press was no less than twelve papers published in as
family is an artisan, in a limited way, in somewhat of a problem. Some men felt many different states containing excerpts
its sting in no uncertain way. To-day, as
building small musical instruments.
from articles which appeared in The Re-
The events of the last few years, how- a problem, it does not exist. There are view concerning instruments represented
ever, have rapidly changed that complex- few men now who exhibit any noticeable by the dealers who have reproduced them
ion of affairs, and it looks to the impartial signs of nervous fear of the black- in connection with their advertisements.
observer as if the days of the American mailer, who formerly were in a constant From California we have received an ex-
musical importer would soon be of the past. state of eruption, when making their adver- pensively gotten-up brochure in which is
On regular lines he cannot survive, and on tising appropriations. Music trade editors reproduced an extended descriptive article
specialties this country is bound to take who have exhibited a fair amount of enter- relating to one of the most distinguished
prise and ability in the conduct of their
the lead.
houses in the industry, which originally
publications are receiving the lion's share
appeared in The Review. This brochure
of trade patronage.
PRESS AND ASSOCIATION.
the dealer is now distributing in large
This is precisely as it should be, and we quantities and has found it very useful in
\ 1 7 E NOTICE that one particular paper,
which has been playfully using the have always taken the ground that the in- acquainting his trade with the accomplish-
association as a foot-ball for some seasons telligence of the trade could be relied upon ments of the house referred to.
past, is now laying down rules and regula- to exercise discriminating powers in the
There is no question but that this form
sions by which the forthcoming meeting in bestowal of their patronage when once the of advertising is more in vogue than ever
May shall be covered. No doubt the haunting fear of the blackmailer was re- before, and wideawake dealers are using
executive committee will quickly acquiesce moved. All of the silly little flings which leading trade publications in local adver-
in any suggestions which may emanate one paper may have anent another amounts tising work with good results.
to naught. It is what a paper produces
from this disinterested source.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM.
The "recognition of the press," too, weekly that patrons gauge their appropri-
A
MAN'S
success in life is usually in pro-
seems to be a matter which apparently ation by.
portion
to his confidence in himself
We have no doubt that the average
disturbs the peacefulness of this and other
editors. As far as the press is concerned music trade editor will perform his task and the energy and persistence with which
it is recognized as a legitimate adjunct to creditably during the forthcoming congress, he pursues his aim. In this competing age
the industry, but as far as special recog- but as far as special recognition goes, on there is little hope for the man who does
nition is concerned from the association general principles we are opposed to the not thoroughly believe in himself. A man
we consider that wholly unnecessary and idea of any official recognition of the trade who can be easily discouraged and turned
press. A free field, and judged according aside from his purpose, a man who has no
irrelevant. .
iron in his blood, will never win, whether
We have always held that piano men to merits, is about all there is left of the
in
the piano business or any other. This
should be perfectly free to place their ad- music trade press problem.
industry is constantly undergoing changes,
The trade press is part of the industry.
vertising wheresoever they will and, as
both in the manufacturing and retail de-
a rule, music trade publishers are paid It is wedded to it, and there is no divorce
partment and the men who will win the
fairly for that which they deliver, and suit pending.
future piano spurs must be up and doing.
there should be no more "special recog- T~\URING the music trade congress there
Less time in dreaming of tho "good old
nition of the press" than there should be
will be sumptuous repasts provided
days" when dealers clambered over each
special recognition of the action manufac- for both body and brain. The piano men
other in their haste to get pianos and more
turers, of the plate men, or of any other will clasp hands and present a solid, un-
time in adjusting one's affairs to the chang-
sub-division of the industry. The news- broken front for the benefit of themselves
ing conditions, is the key to future piano
paper men have their proper functions to individually and the industry which they
success.
execute, and some, unfortunately have not represent.
a very exalted idea of their calling in the
This idea of having banquets once a TPHE story is told of a certain piano mer-
performance of their tasks. But as far as year and having the freedom of a city is
chant whose bitterest enemy, by the
special recognition is concerned that is all all right. Love feasts and the abandon- way, cannot charge him with being a
tommyrot. The trade press is part and ment of business cares is helpful towards dreamy idealist. A young salesman was
parcel of the industry and the association the increase of avoirdupois and double recommended to him and upon the occa-
would go outside of its proper function- chins, and New York has a few iconoclastic sion of the young man's call upon him for