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THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
SUBSCRIPTION
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Lyman Bill.
American manufacturer to take advantage of foreign markets, par-
ticularly those of South America, little has been done in this field.
This is due in a large measure to the fact that conditions in South
America and other countries to which Americans may export, have
been as badly disturbed financially and industrially as has this
country.
In many countries, owing to the European war, moratoriums
have prevailed, which, of course, suspended payments of obliga-
tions for a certain period, making it impossible to transact business.
With the disappearance of these conditions, and the betterment
which is now in evidence in South America, there is reason to be-
lieve that our manufacturers will settle down seriously to get a fair
share of the foreign business which has been going to some of the
nations now at war.
The opening of an American bank in Argentina, and the im-
proved international relations which are resulting therefrom, will
undoubtedly be a great factor in developing trade not only with that
republic, but with other countries in South America. Then the
Government is aiding materially in advancing trade relations. This,
combined with the campaign being carried on by manufacturers'
associations, must bear results in due course and enable us to do a
larger business in musical instruments and other products made in
the United States with foreign countries.
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
tions of a technical nature reUtiag to the tunjqg, regu-
lating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos are
dealt with, will be found in another section of this
paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning which
will be cheerfully give* upon request
J
REM
EDWARD LYMAN BILL - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportoiial Stall:
B. BBITTAIH WILSON,
A. J. NicKLiN,
CABLETON CHACK,
AUGUST J. TIMPB,
L. M. ROBINSON,
GLAD HENDEBSON,
W M . CHICAGO
B. WHITE, OFFICE:
L. E. BOWBBS.
BOSTON OFFICE
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NEWS SERVICE IS SUPPLIED WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED IN THE LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
Enttred at tht New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.
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Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prim
Diploma
Paris Exposition, 1900
Silver Medal.. .Charleston Exposition, 1901
Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal
St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Utdml. .Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905
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OabU addreaa: "Xlblfi, If aw Tork."
NEW
TORK,
APRIL
•Q
3, 1915
EDITORIAL
D
ESPITE the prediction made in certain quarters that owing
to the distance from Eastern centers the annual convention
of the National Association of Piano Merchants at San Francisco,
July 26 to 28 would be very poorly attended, it appears from present
reports that there will be some pleasant surprises in store in the
matter of attendance at that meeting. The great majority of people,
whether piano dealers or not, have a desire to see the Panama-
Pacific Exposition, and it is very likely that a great many piano men
will find in the convention an excuse to make the trip.
The Talking Machine Jobbers' Association, with a membership
of about 115, has arranged for a party of 125 members and fami-
lies to travel to its convention, which is held a week before the piano
men gather. As a large number of the jobbers also handle pianos,
those that stay over for the piano convention will form a very satis-
factory beginning.
The rates to the Pacific Coast and return have never been so low,
and in many other particulars the inducements to make the trip at
this time are particularly alluring. While it may be admitted that
San Francisco would not be a satisfactory center for a convention
of a national body similar to the piano trade organization under the
usual circumstances, yet with two expositions on the Pacific Coast
there seems to be no doubt that the association convention will draw
an attendance quite in keeping with its usual following in the East.
UDGING from letters which we have received from piano deal-
ers in various parts of the country, the opinions expressed by
local Internal Revenue Collectors relative to promissory notes and
the Emergency Tax Revenue Law seem to vary materially.
This is rather surprising in view of the fact that the Treasury
Department has issued specific instructions to collectors, which,
through the courtesy of Percy S. Foster, secretary of the National
Association of Piano Merchants, we were able to print in The
Review last week.
Owing to the misunderstanding which apparently prevails
among dealers regarding the Emergency Tax Revenue Law, as far
as its bearing upon promissory notes are concerned, we give herewith
the substance of this order, which is quite unambiguous, and which
should enable dealers to know where they are at.
The order in question takes up the proposition of the taxability
of contracts for the purchase of pianos, etc., in which provisions
are included to pay the vendor stipulated sums at certain times
with interest. The order states that if such contracts arc in form as
a valid promissory note upon which the maker would be liable to a
suit at law, the same is taxable in the act.
If, however, the contract merely provides for the payment of a
purchase price in instalments, and states dates upon which such
payments are due, and in default of payment the vendor may take
the property, then such agreement is not a promissory note.
Piano merchants who are still in doubt regarding the exact
standing of the paper in their possession can quickly have those
doubts dispelled by taking the matter up direct with the Treasury
Department in Washington, and giving full details. Tt is better to
be safe in the matter than sorry, when the payment of Federal
taxes is in question.
I
T is not improbable that the great activity in the concert field
during the present musical season has had a bearing on the
increased demand for grand pianos which is now evident throughout
the country, for at no time in trade history has there been such a
call for instruments of this type. The grand makes an especial
appeal to those owning their own homes, for it is the ideal instru-
HE latest figures bearing upon the imports and exports of
ment for the music room. Tts artistic design harmonizes more
musical instruments published in The Review show a decided effectively with the general furnishings and environment than any
curtailment in business, there being a decrease in imports of almost
other type of instrument.
a half million dollars for the seven months ending January 31, and
The fact that in the designing of large apartments in the cities
a decrease in domestic export trade for the same period of close to
the music room is now an important consideration has also led to
one million dollars.
the placing therein by the lessees of grand pianos which can be
Conditions in the import and export field have not bettered
either manually or pneumatically controlled. In such apartments
during the past few months, and there is no evidence of our benefit-
the small grands are, of course, the most favored instruments.
ing by a larger trade in musical instruments with foreign markets,
With the increase of wealth in the United States it is obvious
for, as can be seen, our exports show a greater decrease than that the grand piano is designed to play a more important part in
imports.
sales than ever before. Americans having the money want the
As a matter of fact, despite all the public meetings and the in- best, and the highest type of instrument being the grand will natu-
numerable articles in the magazines and daily papers urging the
rallv benefit.
T