Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE: MUSIC TRADE
KLVEW
En WARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorlal Staff:
B. BtiTTAiN WiLsoM,
A.J. NICKLIN,
CABLETON CHACE.
AUGUST J.TiMPE,
L. M. ROBINSON,
W M . B. W H I T * .
GLAD HENDERSON,
L. E. B O W E U
BOSTON OFFICE:
CHICAGO OFFICE:
JOMM H. WILSON, 824 Washington S t
E. P. VAN HABLINGEN, 87 South Wabash Ave.
Telephone, Main 6950.
Room 806. Telephone, Central 414
PHILADELPHIA:
MINNEAPOLIS a n d S T . P A U L :
S T . LOUIS:
REVIEW
every demand of the law to the fullest extent, and secure expert
legal opinion regarding the protection he is afforded by the State.
It is stated that a contract which provides that upon the piano
being replevined the amounts paid are to be retained as com-
pensation for the use of the instrument are safer than a contract
in which the purchaser simply agrees to waive rights in the
event that the payments fall in arrears.
Suggestions made by Counsellor N. J. Weldgen in his sum-
mary of the Diver case in The Review of January 18 should be
carefully read and digested by all dealers, especially those doing
business in New York State, for his comments, as well as the case
itself, point out some of the pitfalls that face the dealer selling
on instalments, and which, under proper advice, may be avoided.
S
ELDOM has the death of a member of the trade caused more
universal regret than that of Major Jonas M. Cleland, vice-
R. W. KAUFFMAN.
ADOLF EDSTEN.
CLYBS JENNINGS
president of the Cable Company, recorded in last week's Review.
SAN FRANCISCO: S. H. GIAY, 88 First St.
DETROIT, MICH.: MORRIS J. WRITE.
CINCINNATI. O.: JACOB W. WALTERS.
INDIANAPOLIS, I N D U STANLEY H. SMITH.
His passing came with such unexpectedness that it seemed diffi-
B A L T I M O R E . MD.i A. ROBERT FRENCH.
MILWAUKEE, W I S . : L. E. MEYER.
cult to realize that the genial Major, whose presence always
LONDON, ENGLAND: 1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., E. C.
radiated good cheer, and whose heart was full of humanity and
Published Every .Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
affection
for his fellows, had thrown off his earthly habiliments.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
Major Cleland came into the piano industry with a splendid
SUBSCRIPTION, (including postage), United States and Mexico, $2.00 per year; Canada,
record in Sioux City, having been city attorney and subsequently
II.&U; all other countries, $4.00.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S , $2.50 per inch single column, per insertion.
On quarterly or
mayor of that city for a long term of years, and later served
yearly contracts, a special discount is allowed. Advertising Pages, $75.00.
REMITTANCES, in other than currency forms, should be made payable to Edward
with distinction in the Spanish-American War. During the
Lyman Bill.
twelve
years of his association with music trade affairs Major
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
31 fill
j * "• PianA
laUU allU
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning, regu-
Cleland
had occupied positions which brought him into inti-
lating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos are
ICllllllCal IFCpal IlircillS. dealth with, will be found in another section of thii
mate
contact
with the manufacturing and selling forces of the
paper. We also publish
a number of reliable technical works, information concerning which
bl
will be cheerfully given upon request.
country, and this condition, supplemented with wide travel,
acquainted him with piano merchants in all parts of America.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900
Silver Medal. . .Charleston Exposition, 190*
His genial presence fairly exuded good nature and brotherly
Diploma... .Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal
St. Louis Exposition, 1904
spirit. He was indeed a fine type of man. He loved men,
Gold Mtdal. .Lewis-Clark Exposition. 1905
and was himself loved by them. He was kindly and considerate
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES-NUMBERS 5982-5983 MADISON SQUARE
Connecting all Departments.
of others, and his sunny nature illumined the sombre spots in the
Cable address •• "Elblll, N e w York."
lives of those with whom he came in contact. No man who had
NEW Y O R K , F E B R U A R Y 1, 1 9 1 3
shaken his hand could forget that gentle, soul-warming smile
which lifted the veil and disclosed his gentle manhood.
Although he had not been what is termed one of the "old
timers," he had during his connection with the trade formed a
EDITORIAL
chain of friends from coast to coast, and at the meeting of the
executive committee of the National Piano Manufacturers' Asso-
HE path of the instalment merchant is not one wherein all
ciation in New York last week, as well as at the special meeting
the rough spots have been removed, especially in the of the Chicago Piano Trade Association, the man and his accom-
matter of legal difficulties. In all too many cases the efforts of
plishments were the subject of well-merited eulogies. He pos-
zealous legislators to safeguard the helpless public have resulted
sessed enthusiasm and magnetism, and no matter in what channel
in laws in various States that not only do not accomplish their his efforts were directed he never failed to succeed. He was
object, but make it decidedly more difficult for the dealer to con-
taken away on the very eve of his promotion to high honors in
duct an instalment business with safety to himself, no matter
the company which he had so loyally and so ably served.
how honest his methods.
No phase of Major Cleland's career was more beautiful or
The report of the suit against John H. Diver, the New York
more inspiring that his home life. He was the most devoted of
State piano dealer, and the result after the case had been fought
husbands, while his children and himself were like chums. He
up to the Supreme Court, which was published in The Review
demonstrated the old-time saying that character is best developed
recently, points out the dangers that lurk in the instalment
in the home.
contract, no matter how safe it may appear to the dealer himself.
At the time of his sudden death Major Cleland was in the
And yet to comply with every detail of the laws covering instal-
very zenith of mental activity and force, and his three score years
ment leases in a number of States would prove so troublesome
sat lightly on him. Judging from his past career everyone looked
and inconvenient as to prove practically prohibitive to the seller.
for still greater accomplishments in the music trade field, but it
was to be otherwise. Death, that great mystery—or is it only
There is no question but that the tactics of certain instal-
transition?—rang down the curtain on a life which was an in-
ment houses, particularly those engaged in selling furniture on
spiration and a stimulus to others. The influence of such a man
the deferred payment plan to people of slim means, have reflected
is always for the good. He left life sweeter and better by his
in an entirely undesirable manner upon the instalment business
presence, and brought hope and cheer and optimism into the
as a whole, and produces legislation that has worked against the
lives of those with whom he came in contact, driving away dread
interests of the innocent as well as the guilty.
Only last week there appeared a number of column stories and fear and the other ills which tend to make our journey
through this life less happy. Men of the type of Major Cleland
of the victory of a poor widow in her suit against a furniture
are like the flowers that blossom spring after spring, bringing us
house which had replevined all the furniture in her apartment,
despite the fact that there had been $124 paid on the instalment hope, faith and cheer after winters that are full of problems and
difficulties, and which so often test one's faith and strength.
contract of $150. Much was made of the fact that the Appellate
Division of the Supreme Court had decided against the "grasping
instalment dealers," and had ordered that the entire amount paid
HILE business in the music trade industry throughout
on the furniture be refunded. Regardless of the rights or wrongs
the country is not overactive, there is every evidence of
of the case, details of which might have reflected more credit upon
a healthy undertone. Piano merchants have perfected their
the furniture house, there is no question but that such reports
general plans for the new year, and orders are now coming in to
have an unpleasant effect on all lines of instalment business.
the manufacturers in a manner that would indicate a very fair
volume of business this spring.
In the matter of leases the piano dealer should comply with
T
W