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THE
MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
REVIEW
EDWARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
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A. J. NicKLiN,
^AHLKTON CHACE,
AUGUST J. TIIIFE,
L. M. ROBINSON,
W M . B. WHITE,
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»»•'**',
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning, regu-
lating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos are
.— .
—,••• • ' .
dealt with, will be found in another section of this
paper. We H»o pitrjisji*^.dumber of reliable technical works, information concerning which
will be ch«ol*fully l?iyen HRqn request
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NEW Y O R K , J A N U A R Y 2 , 1915
EDITORIAL
W
E are now standing on the threshold of a new year—facing
new conditions and developments, and a retrospective
glance over the past twelve months is not specially inspiring. The
year recently laid to rest cannot be said to have been a satisfactory
one from many viewpoints.
During the first part of 1914 the country, with nervousness and
apprehension, faced a change in the whole economic structure,
brought about by a complete and almost revolutionary change in
our tariff program. Naturally business would not adjust itself in-
stantly to conditions which affected so many industries.
Then there was the fear of other legislation more or less dis-
turbing, and this condition created nervousness among financial and
industrial chiefs.
Surrounded by these influences, business moved along- the first
half of the year in a very unsatisfactory manner, and when the
great European war came naturally the bad state existing was ma-
terially accentuated; but it should be remembered that business was
of a most unsatisfactory nature before the war broke out.
While we may attribute a good many things to the war which
is raising havoc in so many countries, yet, as a matter of fact, we
should not forget that conditions in this country, financially, indus-
trially and commercially, had reached a low point, if not the lowest
point for years before the great struggle commenced in foreign
lands. However, a new state of affairs has now been forced upon
us and we are resolutely adjusting ourselves to them.
The output of pianos for 1914 was very seriously curtailed
through the causes named above.
Some assert a 60 per cent, year based on the output of 1012 and
1913, but that is perhaps too pessimistic a view. The output has
shrunk materially over earlier years, and the percentage will be diffi-
cult to estimate with exactness until we have secured further data
upon which to base the total output of instruments for the past year.
From present indications much better things are assured for
the new year.
Tanuary will probably be a quiet month. It usually is, and
there is no reason to expect that things will be changed materially
for the better during the first month of the year. However, we
face the future with the fixed belief that the building-up process
has arrived, and having been way down in the sub-cellar of doubt
and uncertainty, we are now climbing to the upper stories.
The granting of the increased rates to the railroads has been
a factor which is bound to make for business advance in hundreds
of different ways. It gives the roads backing which will enable
them to make purchases on a scale which will mean demands upon
various lines of trade. Furthermore, it gives confidence to scores
of industries and will give a foundation of the right kind for plans
in the industrial world.
Now we know what we have to face, for a while at least, in
tariff conditions, and the war in Europe has created a deficit in
manufactures which we must make good, because we are the only
great producing nation left, outside of the line of belligerents. We
must make good and we will.
The American spirit never falters, and we are going ahead to
bigger and better things during 1915.
Trade may reach a boom in many lines before the year is very
old.
Many well-posted men feel assured of this and predict this
happy state, but we are rather inclined to a more temperate view
of the situation. We believe that the return to prosperity will be
gradual, but that the move is in the right direction cannot be denied
by those who are in touch with the fundamentals. Let us help the
move with a boost rather than a knock.
There is every reason why we should face the future with a
firm belief in the business prospects of the new year.
If business men sit around waiting for prosperity to come thun-
dering at their doors they will wait a long time and they will have
failed to do their part in bringing about the desired improvement.
There is no better way in which we can aid the general pros-
perity of the country than to show by our own acts that we our-
selves have confidence in the business future of America.
Let us all be a nation of boosters rather than a nation of
knockers. Tt is said in some cases that every knock is a boost,
but in this case every knock helps to retard the wheels of pros-
perity to a certain extent. It is sand in the bearings.
If business men go ahead and make their arrangements for the
new year along systematic, regular lines, without hanging back to
see what the other fellow is going to do, they certainly will have
played a useful part in helping the onward march of prosperity.
There is much which this nation has to be thankful for. It
is rich in every kind of resources—in fact, the richest nation in the
world.
We are at peace with all nations and the country is peopled
by the most progressive men on earth; but if we hold back in
doubt we are not playing just the part we should in the nation's
prosperity. Do not let us be holdbackers.
T
RADE for December was marked by one very pleasing de-
velopment, and that was the demand for higher priced
pianos and player-pianos—in other words, an appreciation of the
best grades of instruments. This condition seemed to prevail
throughout the entire country judging from the reports made by
our correspondents. It is a most gratifying sign, and accom-
panied by larger cash payments, covering a shorter time than lias
been prevailing in some years past, it would indicate that the
dealers are doing their share toward educating the purchasing
public to the importance of buying good pianos and paying proper
prices for them.
P>e the credit due to the dealer or to the intelligence of the
purchaser, it is a matter of congratulation that this condition
prevails, for it is having its effect on the manufacturers. Tn a
recent talk with The Review two of our leading houses in New-
York and Boston reported the largest output of grands and high-
priced upright pianos in nianv vears. This despite the disturbance
in the business world, due to the European war, and other annoying
factors.
Now that this pleasing change is in evidence it is well worth
while for dealers everywhere to start the new year with a reso-
lution (that should not be broken), to secure larger cash instal-
ments with sales covering a shorter period than heretofore. In
this way they will be able to keep their business on a sounder
basis, be able to meet their notes to manufacturers more promptly,
and keep the wheels of commerce moving more smoothly.