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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
TWENTY-SECOND YEAR.
justify an adjudication in bankruptcy with-
out reference to the solvency of the debtor
at the time of the filing of the petition.
Another ruling has been, that the consent
of a partnership to the appointment of a re-
ceiver over its property, and the surrender
EDWARD LYMAN BILL,
of
its property to such receiver, do not con-
EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
stitute an act of bankruptcy even if the part-
J . B. S P I L L A N E , MANAGING EDITOR,
( THOS. CAMPBELL-COPELAND nership be insolvent, where it was not shown
) WALDO E. LADD
Executive Staff:
that thereby a preference was created. The
GEO.
W. QUERIPEL
A. J. NICKLIN
following is told of a Salt Lake City bank-
Published Every Saturday at 3 East 14th Street, New
rupt, who included in his schedule as per-
sonal property two suits of clothes, four
wives and a '98 bicycle. Under exemptions,
is anuwcu. /vaverusing 1'ages 9 0.00, opposite reauing maiici,
$75.00.
he
claimed the two suits of clothes and the
REfllTTANCES, in other than currency form, should be
made payable to Edward Lyman Bill.
bicycle, placing the balance of his personal
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second C/ass Matter
property at the disposal of his creditors,
NEW YORK, APRIL 13, 1901.
either as being no further value to him, or
TELEPHONE NUMBER, 1745-E1QHTEENTH STREET.
acting on the principle embodied in the pop-
On the first Saturday of each month The
Review contains in its "Artists' Department" all ular song, "If you haven't got no money,
the current musical news. This is effected without vou needn't come 'round."
in any way trespassing on the size or service of
immediately met by salesmen, who court-
eously exhibit instruments to them. They
have not to walk up and, in fear and
trembling, disturb the salesman who is read-
ing his favorite paper, or is engaged in dis-
cussing politics with his neighbor, but they
are ever alert to interest the public.
It is not the intention of this article to
boom John Wanamaker, but it is our desire
to interest what we may term the army of
piano regulars, who are more or less sensi-
tive upon the invasion of their hitherto sacred
preserves by the large department stores.
After visiting the establishment of John
Wanamaker they will not wonder why he
sells pianos. The atmosphere of cheapness—
of bargain counter—of kitchen ware—of
corsets—of candy and other things—does
not exist. On the contrary, there is a pre-
vailing charm which is captivating.
Plain truths, nothing less, and the sooner
the trade section of the paper. It has a special
the
regular piano merchant becomes keenly
circulation, and therefore augments materially the
PLAIN UNVARNISHED FACTS.
value of The Review to advertisers.
J AST week reference was made in these alive to the plans in operation by their de-
The directory of piano manufacturing firms and
columns to the enlargement which Wan- partment store competitors, the better it will
corporations found on page 22 will be of great
value as a reference for dealers and others.
amaker has recently made to his piano store be for them.
A directory of all advertisers in The Review in this city. We may state in this connec-
We can name plenty of piano warerooms
will be found on page 6.
in
this country that are positively repellent
tion that it will be to the advantage of every
BANKRUPTCY LAWS.
piano merchant while tarrying within our to the visitor of refined tastes. There is a
'"THAT the present bankruptcy law of the gates, to pay a visit to this establishment. chilliness forever present, suggestive of a
United States has not accomplished all He will then have a complete realization piano morgue, and the dust on instruments
that its supporters desired is obvious to all of some of the forces which are instrumental lies thick enough to write an epitaph thereon,
who have studied its results upon the mer- in creating Wanamaker a strong piano dis- while the stock has a general unkempt, worn-
cantile interests of the country.
tributing factor in New York and vicinity. at-the-heel appearance. When one enters
Instead of it being a benefit to the de- He will see a piano establishment, which, in no salesman is visible, and after wandering
serving, though unfortunate man, and afford- extent, variety and beauty of equipment is around amid a labyrinth of piano paths,
ing him an opportunity to begin his busi- unsurpassed. Thousands of square feet, in some may be discovered seated at desks in
ness life over again, it has been an open number approximating ten, we believe, are far distant corners and secluded nooks, where
door for the dishonest individual to evade given over to the tasteful display of pianos. they cannot be easily disturbed. One does
his rightful obligations.
The arrangement and general effectiveness not like to interrupt their regular reading
One piano merchant in this city related of the entire decorative scheme is worthy of hours. A lady sometimes feels a spirit of
reluctance about disturbing the serenity of
recently that he has traced one customer to the strongest commendation.
whom he sold a piano, through the courts,
Mr. Chapman, the local manager, has dem- their thoughts.
Thus far the Wanamaker methods have
and during the past two years he has taken onstrated his taste and ability to arrange the
advantage of the bankruptcy law no less piano stock in a manner which is of obvious been of obvious advantage to the piano busi-
than three times.
interest to visitors. There is not a particle of ness. With him there has been no price-
This is but one among thousands of cases. dust visible upon the instruments under his cutting, there has been no defaming of other
So it would seem, as it at present exists, care. They are all arranged so that a sub- pianos, the business has been conducted on
the bankruptcy law affords almost a pre- dued light falls upon them, showing them absolutely correct and honorable business
mium to the dishonest. Of course, it pos- to the best possible advantage, and yet no lines. We desire to impress upon the minds
sesses good features, and it would seem piano occupies a point of vantage over its of our readers the educational advantages of
somewhat difficult to frame a law which adjacent neighbors. Potted palms are dis- a survey of the Wanamaker establishment
could not be used to the detriment of the tributed through the entire series of rooms. as it at present exists in New York.
One cannot deny that as a piano factor
straightforward business man, as well as the The mural decorations and pictures are up
rogue.
to the highest standard. There are rooms he must be reckoned with, and we affirm that
Bankruptcy laws now form a part of the for the display of Chickering and Vose pia- every dealer can gain something of advantage
administrative system of all civilized nations. nos, as well as the Symphony, and the whole to him in his daily pursuit of too frequently
elusive piano customers by visiting this su-
In Russia the right of the debtor to resume ensemble is captivating to the beholder.
business depends upon the good will of the
Another point, too, which is noticeable to perb piano store which has been created with-
creditors, and in that land of Nihilists and one who is familiar with the various piano in our midst.
While writing upon this subject we may
(iabrilowitch's, a single dissatisfied debtor emporiums in all parts of America, is the
can be kept a bankruptcy prisoner until entire absence of salesmen's desks. To our say that the possibility of Wanamaker hand-
the debt is paid. Under our own law it is minds this is a departure well worthy of ling pianos dates farther back than two
held that the deed of general assignment emulation by other men. When visitors years. For, if we refer to The Review of
for the benefit of creditors is sufficient to enter the Wanamaker warerooms they are August 20, 1884, we find that Wanamaker
REMEW