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THE
MUSIC TRADE
EEVIE1
EDWARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
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An important feature of this publication is a complete sec-
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Exposition Honors Won by The Review
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N E W Y O R K , JUNE 4, 1 9 1 0
EDITORIAL
T
H E attitude of some of the members of the Dealers' Associa-
tion relative to the resolutions which were passed at the
Richmond Convention, discountenancing the use of certificates in
piano selling, is rather amusing.
No matter what parliamentarians may say regarding the con-
tention there is nothing on record that we know of whereby the
association had previously agreed to follow the parliamentary rules
laid down by either dishing or Roberts. Therefore, it is not a
question of what some authority on parliamentary law might say,
the facts are that the Dealers' Association took up this question
boldly, notwithstanding threats which were made alleging many
withdrawals from its ranks, and placed the resolutions which were
laid over from the Detroit meeting fairly before the Richmond
Convention.
In order that there might be no misunderstanding, these reso-
lutions were read two or three times and every member present
knew thoroughly well what he was voting for.
President Droop, upon placing the resolutions before the Con-
vention, stated emphatically that neither he nor the officers of the
association believed in furthering or encouraging guessing contests,
certificates or other methods used in piano selling. Then the reso-
lutions were read and duly seconded. Following that they were
read two or three times and were voted upon by the assembly, each
man responding when the secretary read his name.
A majority of three to one was recorded in favor of the adop-
tion of the anti-certificate resolutions.
After such an overwhelming vote it seems absurd to raise a
technical question particularly when the resolutions are meaning-
less unless there is a spirit behind them which makes for their adop-
tion.
There is no penalty clause and to allege a technical error comes
pretty near being sour grapes,
REVIEW
At least that is the way it looks to those on the outside.
The facts are, the Dealers' Association had courage to take up
this subject and handle it, and, an opinion was passed expressing
condemnation of the certificate plan of selling pianos.
The sentiment of the association as voiced by the Richmond
Convention is opposed to the coupon plan of piano selling.
All the parliamentarians from Hartford to Hong Kong could
not change that, and there you are!
W
E have received numerous commendatory communications
anent the Convention Number of The Review.
It is true that The Review was the only paper issued during
Convention week which contained a full and complete report of the
various conventions held at Richmond.
But. that fact alone does not call for any extended comment
nor praise.
Every issue of this publication fairly covers in its news service
the happenings of every department of the music trade during the
week.
Now, no publication which pretends to be a newspaper in any
sense can ignore important trade developments and perform its
duty to subscribers, who have a right to demand the news, and, no
matter how embittered particular publications may be, they only
show their narrowness in a stronger light when they fail in serving
up important news.
In this connection the attitude of a frayed and rundown at the
heel sheet is somewhat amusing. But why should this alleged trade
paper love associations?
We do not have to turn back the trade records very far to find
that the Piano Manufacturers' Association passed resolutions up-
holding one of its members in a damage suit against this publication.
In fact, the. Piano Manufacturers' Association did more than
any other single force to break the power of abusive trade jour-
nalism.
It was easy to take the manufacturers singly and compel them
to walk up to the captain's office and settle, but, when they stood
together, a solid unbroken front, it was entirely different, and imme-
diately after an encounter with the association the editor became
apologetic. Abuse was considered healthy, but even men of this
type can never forget. And, of course, the spots on the leopard
remain unchanged—in this case they are sort of burned on the
back.
Whv not!
T
HERE is something peculiar in the situation of this country
and its business relations with other nations.
We have made loud and frequent boasts concerning our grow-
ing foreign trade, but according to recent developments that trade
does not show an altogether pleasing study for the average Amer-
ican who has watched the foreign trade of this country grow with
leaps and bounds.
It may be that a study of the trade by men of the music trade
will encourage them to make suggestions to their Congressmen and
urge them to stand for the rejuvenation of the American Merchant
Marine.
Everything would certainly help and we have men in the music
trade who formed a Musical Industry Merchant Marine League,
who are devoting a good deal of time and money to creating in-
terest in the passage of a bill which will make for American advance.
It is not strange that the public, which generally regard trade
tables as dull figures, is beginning to note the shrinkage of the
disparity between exports and imports. In January, IQIO, mer-
chandise exports exceeded imports by but $10,000,000, against
$50,000,000 a year ago and $121,000,000 two years ago. Not since
1893 n a s there been for a January so small an excess of exports.
The balance is being cut into on both sides—imports are increasing
and exports decreasing. Last spring, when the movement began,
it was attributed to the prospect of a new tariff". But it has gone
on with increased force since the tariff change was effected.
That normally our merchandise exports should exceed—even
greatly exceed—our imports is shown by the trade figures of a
series of years. With the balance we pay foreign interest, the ex-
pense of transport, insurance, and the bills of Americans traveling
abroad, Tt is a matter for genera] concern and a warning that this