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THE: MUSIC TRADE
admitted that the defenders are few in numbers and weak in argu-
ment.
One correspondent attempts to defend his position by assert-
ing that there arc other evils just as great, which should be ex-
terminated, as if that statement constituted any kind of an argu-
ment!
Suppose there are other evils!
Certainly that affords no reason why others should be intro-
duced which are liable to wreck the trade entirely.
Suppose the selling of special brand pianos has exerted an evil
influence in the trade—then that fact alone should mean that all
other evils are welcomed with outstretched arms.
Consistency thou art a jewel whose flashing rays have never
been discovered by the man who advances such a reason in defence
of a position of which he seems to be somewhat ashamed!
A man might follow the same line of reasoning and say be-
cause a burglar had blown open one safe that he was justified in
cracking the next one.
While reluctantly admitting that there are many evils in the
trade, let us combine for the elimination of one at a time and hav-
ing successfully accomplished one feat then strike out for another
—but one at a time!
APPOINT A NATIONAL ANTI-GUESSING CONTEST DAY.
OW, as we have continued this matter for several weeks, giv-
ing everybody an opportunity to present their views on the
guessing contest scheme, it is quite time for action.
A number of possible remedies have been suggested.
The Minneapolis idea seems to us to be the most feasible in
every particular, and that is to make a fair presentation of the case
to the editors and publishers of local newspapers in every city where
these contests have taken place.
Show the opinions of leading dealers and arguments which
have been made in condemnation of the guessing schemes.
Then impress upon the conductors of these papers that they
are particeps criminis by permitting these announcements to appear
in their columns.
In other words, that they are aiding and abetting a business
which is not conducive to good trade morals.
This plan, which was originated, we believe, by R. O. Foster,
has worked out successfully in Minneapolis.
It has partially succeeded in New York, for a number of the
metropolitan papers have refused to accept coupon advertising,
but, in this connection, The Review has a suggestion to make to the
members of the trade, and that is the adoption of the Minneapolis
idea with some additions.
To illustrate, set one day apart for the dealers in every section
of the country to visit the newspapers and make their protests
against the insertion of puzzle contest advertisements.
Think what this would mean if in every city regular piano
dealers called upon the leading papers and brought this matter
before them on the same day.
Then on the same date there should appear a statement drawn
up and signed by the local dealers as advertising matter embodying
a succinct statement of facts concerning these contests and the
manner in which the public is deceived.
Now, if such action were taken upon a specific date the sum
total effect would be tremendous.
It would sweep like a wave over the land and with one stroke
it would undermine the pillars of the guessing contest structure.
It would inform the public as to the true inwardness of the
guessing contest.
It would awaken country wide interest and it would show that
the dealers of the nation protest almost as a unit against the adop-
tion of questionable methods for creating piano sales.
We make this suggestion to President Droop, of the Dealers'
National Association, to appoint a day in which concerted action
should be taken as we have outlined above.
We feel confident that it will awaken such interest that by a
single stroke the guessing contest bubble will have been successfully
pricked.
N
W H A T THOUSANDS O F MEN COULD ACCOMPLISH.
NE of our correspondents suggests that the dealers of this
country agree to boycott the pianos of any manufacturer
O
REVIEW
who is directly interested in promoting the guessing contest scheme
in any city in the land.
That is a radical step.
Boycotts as a whole are un-American, but the piano business
should be protected from the assaults of those within.
And why is not the suggestion of The Review a good one?
Appoint a NATIONAL ANTI-PIANO GUESSING CON-
TEST DAY.
A notice or two in the columns of the dailies all over the coun-
try announcing this fact would interest, and the position would be
novel for a trade to rise up in indignant wrath and protest against
methods which threaten to undermine the confidence of the public
in an industry which should be far removed from debasing influ-
ences.
There must be something done to successfully counteract the
effect of the coupon business, for it must be admitted that the per-
centage of the confiding public which is susceptible to a proposition
whereby it is offered apparently something for nothing is consider-
able.
In other words, a beautifully embossed coupon which is sup-
posed to represent a value will—well—there are things which it
would be better not to dwell upon.
But if anyone has a better suggestion than The Review—to
have the President of the Piano Dealers' Association appoint a
SPECIAL DAY for NATIONAL CO-OPERATION against the
guessing contests and lay plans whereby publicity can be obtained
in this connection—we shall be glad to hear from him.
Now, what say you gentlemen of the trade to this proposition?
Has anyone a better solution of this vexatious problem to
offer?
It might prove a record-breaking event with thousands of
minds bent upon the accomplishment of a single purpose at the same
time.
It is possible that a great psychic wave would sweep over this
country.
The inter-communication of thousands of minds would in the
belief of many people exert an influence which would be tremendous.
The mental telepathy plan would work out along these lines.
Why not try it out?
IN LIGHTER VEIN
WHY PRICES ARE HIGHER.—Anyhow, experience has taught us
one thing in this matter of the increased cost of living—agitation against
high prices is one method of sending them still higher.
NO CHOICE.—Ben was putting on his shoes one morning when his
mother said: "Why, Ben, you have your shoes on the wrong feet."
"Why, mother," replied Ben, "they are the only feet I have."
WHAT SHE WANTED.—A beautiful young bride entered a corner
grocery one morning and said:
"Have you got any jackpots, Mr. Sands?"
"No, ma'am," Sands answered, and he hid a smile behind his hand.
"I've got teapots and coffee pots, but jackpots I don't stock."
"Oh, dear!" said the bride. A frown wrinkled her smooth and beau-
tiful brow. "I'm so sorry! You see, Mr. Sands, my husband's mother
used to cook for him, and nearly every night he talks in hia sleep about
a jackpot. So I thought I'd get one, for, since he mentions it so often,
he must be used to it. Could you tell me, Mr. Sands, what they cook in
jackpots!"
"Greens, ma'am," was the quick answer.—Detroit Free Press.
JOYS OP WOMANHOOD.—"You women," exclaimed the disgusted
brother, "simply have a glorious time doing nothing! My word, I envy
you your idleness!"
"Idleness?" shrieked his pretty sister.
"Yes, idleness! Oh, why—why—why wasn't I born a woman?"
"Oh, yes; you'd like to be a woman!" retorted the pretty sister.
"Just try it for a day! Fasten a blanket and a counterpane round your
legs, buckle a strap round your waist so tight you can't draw a full breath
or eat a hearty meal, have your hair all loose and fluffy so that it keeps
tickling your ears and getting into your eyes, wear high-heeled shoes
and gloves a size too small for you, cover your face with a veil full of
spots that make you squint, fix a huge hat on with pins, so that every
time the wind blows it pulls your hair out by the roots, and then, with-
out any pockets and with short sleeves and openwork stockings go for
a walk on a winter's day and enjoy yourself. Oh, yes, my word, you
would like it!"