Music Trade Review

Issue: 1908 Vol. 47 N. 3

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
HYHW
ffU JIC TI(ADE
VOL. XLVIII. N o . 3 . Published Every Saturday by Edward Lyman Bill at I Madison Ave., New York, July 18, 1908.
FREIGHT BUREAU WORK.
Colonel E. S. Conway Tells Briefly of the Work
Accomplished by the Freight Bureau and Ad-
vises All Association Members to Have Their
Bills Audited Through the Bureau.
I Supplied b.y Chairman Press Committee.)
Col. E. S. Conway, who is chairman of the
Freight Bureau of the National Association of
Piano Dealers of America, has always been thor-
oughly appreciative of the excellent work done
l>y Thomas C. Moore, manager of the Freight
Bureau, but feels that the membership at large
does not thoroughly appreciate the good that has
been accomplished; nor does he feel that the
members take advantage of the opportunity to
save themselves many dollars every year by con-
sult iug with Mr. Moore. The Bureau is always
available for checking up bills, adjusting claims,
etc.
In answer to the question as to work accom-
plished by Mr. Moore during the past year,
Colonel Conway states: "I beg to say, first, and
indeed what I may be able to say on this sub-
ject only covers a small part of it, because it is
impossible to chronicle all the things that have
been saved and advances avoided, but among the
prominent things accomplished are the privilege
of loading piano chairs and music cabinets in
carloads, with pianos at the same carload rate as
the pianos themselves.
"The privilege of carrying two second-hand
pianos in car with emigrants' movables at the
minimum movable rate is also a great saving
to many dealers, because, it enables a man to
buy a piano before leaving your city ami take
it with his movables and carry same to destina-
tion at about half rate.
"The continuance of 8,000 pounds minimum on
carloads of pianos and cabinet organs in Western
Classification territory.
"The privilege of shipping cabinet organs un>
boxed in carloads, not wrapped, in Western
Classification territory.
"Second-class carload rating, on boxed and un-
boxed pianos 10,000 pounds minimum between
Chicago and New York, in what is known as
Official Classification territory, which covers all
local shipments, thus giving you, for example, a
second-class rate on all your carloads of pianos
from New York to destination.
"Prevention of advance in carload and less
than carload rates on all territories.
"Now, regarding the sending and checking of
bills. A number of dealers have sent in their
bill for checking, and on many, of course, there
has been no over-charge, but on the claims filed
for such dealers as sent their business to Mr.
Moore's office the amount of $821.28 was saved
for our dealers last year, being more than two-
thirds of the $1,200 paid and appropriated for the
last year's expenses. It must be borne in mind
also in connection with this that more than half
of the overcharges collected for the dealers
throughout the country are handled through the
manufacturers, from whom they buy their goods,
hence it is more than safe to say that the deal-
ers last year secured in waving more than the
$1,200 contributed.
"This does not take into account any of the
concessions made in classifications. In addition
to this, there have been numerous damage claims
collected through the traffic manager's office in
a more satisfactory manner than would have
been possible did a dealer try to handle it him-
self.
"The Bureau is open to all members who wish
to deal with it, and if all the dealers in the asso-
ciation would send their Dills to the office of the
traffic manager, I believe he could show a sav-
ing during the year of more than the amount
paid him, thus getting his services in looking
after classification matters for absolutely noth-
ing.
"As far as my firm is concerned, we always
turn our bills over to that office, and do it by
mail, notwithstanding it is in our city, and it is
a pleasure when we find non-errors in the bills.
It is worth something to know that what we
have paid has been right. By using the Freight
Bureau we have saved several hundred dollars,
besides knowing that the classifications are
looked after, coupled with the fact that we are
entirely conscious that the money paid out to
railroads has been the exact legitimate amount
that they are entitled to."
* * * *
Thomas C. Moore is now attending the sessions
of the Western Classification Committee in Colo-
rado in the interests of the piano trade, and if
nothing more can be accomplished at this season
he expects to prevent an increase in rates which
has been threatened. Inasmuch as the associa-
tion has voted a stated sum from its resources
for the support of this bureau, every member is
urged to avail himself of the opportunity to save
on his freight transactions, and it is hoped that
the members will freely make use of this oppor-
tunity.
INDICTMENTS AGAINST PIANO MOVERS.
(Special to The Keview.)
Richmond, Va., July 11, 1908.
Among the most important of the many in-
dictments just returned by the Grand Jury in
the Henrico County Court, in this city, is that in
which five piano movers are sent on to a jury trial
on charges of burglary. It is alleged in the indict-
ment that the five men, employes of the Stieff
piano concern, did feloniously enter the home of
J. P. Knight and take therefrom a piano valued
at $80.
As set forth in the original warrant the men
are alleged to ha've entered the house during the
absence of the family and confiscated the piano.
The names of those against whom the jury re-
turned indictments are: Everett T. Nichols,
white, and Robert Rugg, William Pleasants,
Williftm White and Lee Carter, colored.
FELLOWS MUSIC CO. REORGANIZATION.
(Special to The Review.)
Gloversville, N. Y., July 11, 1908.
The final meeting of the directors of the G. A.
Fellows Music Co. was held in the salesrooms
of the company, 2? North .Main' street, yesterday
morning. At that time James G. Talbot and
SINGLE COPIES, 10 CENTS.
$1.00 PER YEAR.
John Anderson, who have been members of the
firm since its incorporation, withdrew. The
business of the company will be continued by
Mr. and Mrs. George A. Fellows under the name
of G. A. Fellows & Co.
BUSINESS GROWS BETTER.
Railroads Report Sharp Demand for
Cars.
Freight
(Special to The Iteview.)
Cleveland, O., July 13, 1908.
Indications are multiplying in all branches
of trade that a return of normal business condi-
tions is rapidly approaching. Railroad managers
especially report a decided improvement, and a
sharp demand for cars for the transportation of
all classes of freight, with the possible exception
of steel and iron.
A prominent railway official said to-day that
while this branch of business continued far below
normal, it no doubt largely resulted from the fact
that the railway companies themselves were not
buying material.
Grand Chief Engineer Stone, of the Brother-
hood of Locomotive Engineers, said to-day that
his reports showed decided business improve-
ments on the railroads throughout the country.
Repair shop forces, he added, had been put on
full time on practically all of the railroads both
east and west, and many engineers who have
been idle are now returning to work.
Two furnaces of the American Steel and Wire
Co., in this city, will soon be in full "blow," giv-
ing employment, it is said, to about 1,500 men.
THE VOUGH CHANGEABLE PITCH PIANO.
(Special to The Review.)
Bethlehem, Pa., July 11, 1908.
Angelo Tocce, proprietor of the National Vau-
deville Theater and Motion Pictures, in this city,
has purchased a "Vough changeable pitch piano"
from the G. C. Aschbach Music House, Allen-
town, Pa. The piano was used for the first time
on the occasion of the opening of this beautiful
place of amusement last week. The sweet, mel-
low and rich tone was particularly commented on
by many in the audience who know music. Mr.
Aschbaoh is the sole representative for the
"Vough" in this section.
SPORTING NEW PIANO WAGON.
H. Wallace Carner & Co., the enterprising
piano dealers of Fredericksburg, Va., have just
received a magnificently equipped piano wagon
and piano mover, which is the first outfit of this
kind used in Fredericksburg. They have also pur-
chased a fine pair of standard-bred driving
horses for use oh their new piano wagon. The
outfit is a stylish one and splendid publicity for
this concern.
E. E. and E. I. Jobes have opened a music
store at Abilene, Kan. Both are talented musi-
cians, and E. C. Jobes has only recently com-
pleted a course in tuning.
Sain & Pendleton have been succeeded by Pen-
dleton & Magness in Shelby, N. C.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
EDWARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorlal Stall:
GEO. B. KRLLHB,
L. E. BOWEHS,
W. H. DYKES,
F . H. THOMPSON,
J. HAYDBN CLARENDON,
B. BKITTAIN WILSON,
L. J. CHAMBEBLIN,
A. J. NICKLIN.
BOSTON OFFICE:
CHICAGO OFFICE
ERNEST L. WAITT, 100 Boylston St.E. P. VAN HARLINGEN, Room 806, 156 Wabash Ave.
Telephone, Central 414.
PHILADELPHIA:
MINNEAPOLIS a n d ST. PAUL:
ST. LOUIS:
R. \V. KAUFFMAN.
ADOLF EDSTEN.
SAN FRANCISCO:
CHAS. N. VAN BUREN.
S. IT. GRAY, 2407 Sacramento St.
CINCINNATI, O.:
BALTIMORE, MD.:
BERNARD C. BOWEN.
A. ROBERT FRENCH.
LONDON, ENGLAND: «!• Hasinghall St., E. C.
W. LIONEL STURDT, Manager.
Published Every Saturday at 1 Madison Avenue, New York
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
SUBSCRIPTION, (including postage), United States and Mexico, $2.00 per year;
Canada. $.'{..">(i: all other countries, $4.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $2,00 per Inch, single column, per Insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount Is allowed. Advertising Pages, $60.00; opposite
r<»ncling matter. $75.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency form, should be made payable to Edward
I.ymtm Kill.
Music Publishers'
An interesting feature of this publication Is a special depart-
Department ^ V ment devoted exclusively to the world of music publishing.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900
Silver Medal. Charleston Exposition, 1902
Diploma.Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal. ...St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal
Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905.
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES-NUMBERS 4677 and 4678 GRAMERCY
Connecting all Departments.
Cable address: "Elbill, New York."
NEW YORK,
JULY
18, 1 9 0 8
EDITORIAL
"T)RICES seem firm in all lines, and there is nothing so futile to
XT relieve the condition of dull trade as to cut prices. There is
nothing so stupid as to attempt to bridge over congested conditions.
In the talking machine industry price restriction has been maintained
and so safeguarded that there has been no cutting of prices, and
there has been no depreciation in stock or consequent demoraliza-
tion of trade conditions. Cutting prices is the short route to precipi-
tate hard times. It is the weakness of fear, and fear is the foe to
success.
A number of buyers in the piano trade have openly stated that
they hesitate to place orders because they believe that some manu-
facturers must have money, and if the selling season failed to regis-
ter a promising amount of business a break in prices would be sure
to come.
The break will not come in the piano trade, and we may say to
those men who are figuring on that condition that they might as
well right about face, because at the present time there is not the
slightest excuse for a break in prices. Stocks on the retail floors
are low; in fact, the dearth of pianos in retail establishments was
never so completely emphasized as to-day. Within the very near
future dealers must have stock, no question about that. The big-
crops which are practically assured will mean that there will be an
increased demand for pianos and musical instruments.
Now as the manufacturers themselves are not carrying large
reserve stocks, and there will be a rush in the early fall for pianos,
how can any one figure that a drop in prices will occur? In fact,
prevailing prices are not at a height that will admit slashing, be-
cause there are no abnormal profits in evidence. Lumber has not
diminished in price; labor is firm, and there will be no reduction
there, and then there are overhead expenses that are immovable.
Now where is the license for the cut in price? Nonsense, there will
be no cut in prices, because there is no good reason why there should
be, and everyone who is desirous of getting ready for business in
the fall should not wait for cut prices. They should place their
orders now at the present market rates and then they will be in
REVIEW
shape to reap the best advantage possible out of business conditions
which promise good things for all merchants.
\li / H I L E a great many piano players and talking machines are
V V being shipped from this country to different parts of the
earth, comparatively few pianos are being exported. It would seem
as if during the period of depression that it would be well for manu-
facturers to look to outside points for the distribution of the
products of their factories, and there are many indications that in
the strife for international trade the governments of the great com-
peting industrial and commercial nations are more and more taking
a hand. It is coming to be looked upon as one of the functions pi
government not only to protect its citizens in their dealings with
foreign lands, but to foster and facilitate foreign trade in many ways.
The frank admission of a great English statesman that the British
Empire is maintained for the sake of the trade with its colonies and
the designation of the Union Jack as a commercial asset is a pic-
turesque expression of a principle which is influential in countries
which have not yet carried their commercial relations so successfully
to the ends of the earth. Recognizing its need of foreign markets
and having full faith in its ability to supply them, the United States
is increasing its efforts to further in any way in its power the inter-
ests of its manufacturers and merchants who are in a position to do
an export business. Its chief activity in this work is through its
consular service to the improvement of which attention has recenth
been given, but the extension of foreign trade is also under the care
of the Department of Commerce and Labor, whose intelligent co-
operation may be counted on. The problem is, however, a compli-
cated one, invested with peculiar difficulties, and it is for manufac-
turers to suggest, if they can, the manner in which the department
can be of practical use to them. A number of our big piano concerns
have sought South America, and the output of the Aeolian Co.'s
products in that country is considerable, and this great concern have
sent at regular intervals representatives to the various countries in
Latin America, and as a result of their enterprise they have built
up a steadily growing trade in those lands south of us. It does not
pay to overlook any possible avenue which leads to good business,
and just now it might pay to put forth efforts to secure business
from different parts of the earth.
A SSOCIATIONS are performing splendid work in every indus-
1 ~ \ try. The talking machine jobbers' organization, which is
only a little more than a year old, met in convention at Atlantic City
during the first half of the month, and while this association is
hardly out of its swaddling clothes, so to speak, it grappled business
problems with a zeal and energy which was surprising in such a
young organization.
This splendid advance may be explained, however, when we state
that James F. Bowers was the first president of this national asso-
ciation, and the members do not hesitate to say that they owe much
of the success of the association work to his intelligent efforts.
Aside from the reading of a number of specially prepared
papers, bearing directly upon trade matters, the discussions included
'the business relations between manufacturers and jobbers, and a
number of resolutions were passed referring these matters to the
executive committee who will consult with talking machine manu-
facturers, urging the readjustment of some business policies.
One thing is certain, when a number of men go about the ac-
complishment of a desired object and are willing to concentrate their
efforts upon its accomplishment they will come nearer winning than
a number of individuals whose purposes may be somewhat divergent;
in other words to-day it pays to concentrate in every line rather than
scatter energies.
J
UST as surely as thousands of merchants are curtailing stocks
and pruning investments the manufacturer also cuts his cloth
accordingly, and if we all play at shrinking after having indulged
in expansion it means temporary depression at least, if nothing more
serious.
Thin stocks may be all right for spineless individuals, but the
up-to-date merchant must carry an adequate stock. To do this does
not necessarily require any plunging, but the danger of paring too
close should 'be avoided. Caution, yes, but over-caution is posi-
tively dangerous. The business man should be careful to avoid
going to extremes with a conservative policy.

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