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THE
REVIEW
J1UJIC TIRADE
VOL. XLIII. N o . 2 3 . PubUshed Every Saturday by Edward Lyman Bill at 1 Madison Ave., New York, December 8, 1906.
SHORTAGE OF FREIGHT CARS.
The Interstate Commerce Commission Are
About to Inquire Into the Cause and This
Move Will be One Pleasing to Piano Manu-
facturers and Dealers.
(Special to The Kevlew.i
Washington, D. C, Dec. 3, 1906.
For some time past piano manufacturers in
common with leading industries throughout the
country have been complaining of the inability
to get cars in which to ship their goods, and as
a result of the representations made to the au-
thorities here the shortage in the car supplies is
to be made the subject of investigation by the
Interstate Commerce Commission. Many com-
plaints have been filed with the Commission, in
which it is asserted that the railroads are either
unable to supply cars for the transportation of
commodities that must be moved without further
delay if great loss to producers is to be pre-
vented, or they are deliberately discriminating
against certain industries.
This latter view of the case is not accepted
here, as many officials familiar with transporta-
tion problems are inclined to agree with Presi-
dent James J. Hill that the commercial and mer-
cantile business of the country is developing
with such rapidity that the railroads are unable
through lack of facilities to handle all the busi-
ness offered them. However, the facts as to car
shortage are to be inquired into, according to an
announcement made to-day by Interstate Com-
merce Commissioner Franklin K. Lane, who has
had the matter under consideration. The Com-
mission will begin its inquiry in the Northwest,
and all the causes of delay will be scrutinized.
"The most serious problem that faces the ship
ping public to-day," said Commissioner Lane, "is
that of getting traffic moved. It is no exaggera-
tion to say that there are millions of tons of
freight awaiting shipment at the present time
in the United States which the railroads con-
fess themselves unable promptly to handle.
Whether there is an actual car shortage or not
is a question that only full inquiry can deter-
mine, but that there is fault to be found with the
manner in which cars are used seems to be gen-
erally conceded by all traffic men.
"Some of the roads upon which there is the
gieatest congestion of traffic complain that while
they have been making every effort possible to
meet the demands for cars and have a sufficient
supply for their own needs, other lines have
taken possession of their cars to such an extent
that they are without adequate equipment to-day.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Company makes the
astonishing statement that approximately 80 per
cent, of its cars are not on its own lines.
"Some complaints which reach us go to show
that smaller roads are capturing cars of the
larger roads and paying the established 25 cents
per day rate for the use of these cars rather
than attempt to supply themselves with the
necessary facilities. Other complaints are to the
effect that an effort is made by some of the rail-
roads to make a record in the operating ex-
penses and the hauling of freight, that only the
more powerful locomotives are used, and these
are attached to very heavy trains, which move
not more than an average of 20 or 25 miles in a
day. It is even asserted that traffic does not be-
gin to move as fast as several years ago, that
in an effort to bring about economical results
the trains are loaded to their fullest capacity."
CHAS. H. STEINWAY DECORATED
By the Shah of Persia—Now a Member of the
Distinguished Order of Lion and Sun—Hon-
ored by Other Monarchs.
Charles H. Steinway, head of the famous piano
house of Steinway & Sons, is the possessor of
almost every foreign decoration of value, among
which are the Cross of the Legion of Honor from
the French Government, and the Order of the
Kiakat from the Sultan of Turkey. The latest
in that of Commander of the Order of the Lion
and Sun from the Shah of Persia, dated A. D.,
October 20, 1906. A translation of the quaint
and interesting document conferring Uiis honor
reads:
"In view of the friendly relations existing be-
tween the governments of Persia and the United
States of America, and in order to manifest Our
Imperial Regard fo.r Mr. Charles Herman Stein-
way, an American citizen,
"We do, by these presents, grant unto the said
Mr. Charles Herman Steinway the Dignity of a
Commander of Our Order of the Lion and Sun,
and We do hereby authorize him to have, hold
and enjoy the said Dignity as a Member of the
Third Class of Commanders, together with all
and singular privileges thereunto belonging and
appertaining.
"Given under Our Seal this first day of the
month of Ramazan, in the year one thousand
three hundred and twenty-four."
SHIPPING PIANOS TO CANADA.
Strike "Over the Border" Makes Greater De-
mand for Pianos Here—No Settlement in
View Notwithstanding Efforts of Men.
(Special to The Review.;
Toronto, Ont., Dec. 3, 1906.
It is said that on account of the strike among
the piano workers, United States pianos are com-
ing into the country to a greater extent than
ever before. The Canadian manufacturers, how-
ever, do not appear to be alarmed at the turn
affairs have taken. They state that foreign-
made pianos came into Canada before the strike,
and doubtless will continue to do so, though
hardly in numbers that will be hurtful to the
Canadian trade.
So far no conference has been held between
the men and the employers. James G. Merrick,
who is secretary of the Employers' Association,
stated last week that no conference would be
held. He was disposed to ridicule the idea of
United States competition settling the strike.
Philip Mersinger, the veteran dealer of Joliet,
111., died last week at the age of 60. He had built
up a highly successful business in Kimball and
Emerson pianos, and left a goodly estate. It is
believed his wife, who was his active assistant,
will continue the business,
SINGL
$ I.OO
0 P
P ER S VE 0 AR ENTS -
OUR EXPORT AND IMPORT TRADE.
Import Trade in Musical Instruments Shows
Increase—Exports for the Month, However,
Are Smaller—Player Shipments Make Fine
Record—The
Figures in Detail
Furnish
Some Interesting Particulars to Our Readers.
(Special to The Review.)
Washington, D. C, Dec. 5, 1906.
The summary of exports and imports of the
commerce of the United States for the month of
October, 1906, the latest period for which it has
been compiled, has just been issued by the Bu-
reau of Statistics of the Department of Com-
merce and Labor. The figures relating to musi-
cal merchandise, including pianos, organs, piano
players and miscellaneous "small goods" in the
musical field are as follows:
The dutiable imports of musical instruments
during October amounted to $133,745, as com-
pared with $126,887 worth which were imported
the same month of 1905. The ten months' total,
ending October, shows importations valued at
$1,139,210, as against $1,033,587 worth of musi-
cal instruments imported during the same period
of 1905. This gives an increase in imports for
the ten months ending October of $105,623.
The import figures for the ten months' period
for the three years are as follows: 1904, $1,027,-
508; 1905, $1,033,587; 1906, $1,139,210.
The total domestic exports of musical instru-
ments for October, 1906, amounted to $300,642, as
compared with $303,036 for the same month of
the previous year. The ten months' exportation
of musical instruments amounted to $2,540,733,
as against $2,578,521 for the same period in 1905.
This shows a decrease in exports for the ten
months ending October of $37,788.
The export figures for the ten months' period
for the three years are as follows: 1904, $2,419,-
328; 1905, $2,578,521; 1906, $2,540,733.
Of the aggregate exportations in October there
were 1,397 organs, valued at $83,411, as compared
with 1,501 organs in 1905, valued at $88,650.
The ten months' total shows that we exported
10,519 organs, valued at $719,167, as against
9,742 organs, valued at $673,509, for the same
period in 1905, and 10,732, valued at $761,563, for
the same period in 1904.
In October, 1906, we exported 341 pianos,
valued at $77,596, as against 217 pianos, valued
at $47,192 in October, 1905. The ten months'
total exports show 2,435 pianos, valued at $565,-
086, as compared with 2,053, valued at $467,471
exported in the same period in 1905, and 1,647,
valued at $343,123, for the same period in 1904.
Of the aggregate exportations in October there
were 287 piano players, valued a t $63,229. For
the ten months' period, 2,576 of these instru-
ments, valued at $533,162, were sent abroad.
The value of "all other instruments and parts
thereof" sent abroad during October, 1906,
amounted to $76,406; in the same month of 1905
the value was estimated at $78,888.
The total exports for the ten months under
this heading foot up $723,318, as against $681,-
815 exported during the same period of 1905, and
$718,944 exported during the same period in 1904.
This shows an increase of $41,503.