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THE MUSIC TRADE
THE
fTOJICTJADE
PUBLISHED BY THE ESTATE OF EDWARD LYMAN BILL
(C. L. BILL, Executrix.)
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
J. RAYMOND BILL, Associate Editor
AUGUST J. TIMPE
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' I U I I I U aUU
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning, regu-
npnarlmonfc
lating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos are
U t p a r ! m e i l l ! > . dealt with, will be found in another section of this
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which will be cheerfully given upon request.
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NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 2 , 1916
EDITORIAL
REVIEW
the foreign corporations are working strategically together in
combine, as they naturally will be after the world war, the Amer-
ican business men need something more than regulating laws of
restraint—they need governmental co-operation, because they
must attack world commerce shoulder to shoulder, and arm in
arm, if they are to succeed in keeping American commerce promi-
nent in foreign fields. The Webb bill is a really constructive
measure, designed to promote American export trade, and we,
as a trade journal representing the music industries of the United
States, urge you to support the Webb bill.
" T H E MUSIC TRADE REVIEW."
In response to the above telegram, Secretary Tumulty, on
behalf of President Wilson, sent the following letter:
"The Music Trade Review, New York City.
"Gentlemen : The President directs me to acknowledge the
receipt of your telegram of August 18, and to say to you that
he not only has this matter very much at heart, but has taken
an active part in attempting to find the right solution for it. He
feels confident that legislation of this sort can be accomplished,
n not at this session of Congress, at any rate in time to meet the
necessities of the case. Sincerely yours,
"J. H. TUMULTY, Secretary to the President."
The President's response to the telegram sent by this pub-
lication is not only a cheering indication that the ultimate enact-
ment of the Webb bill into the Federal statutes is practically
assured, but is also practical evidence of the influence which
progressive trade papers of the day have upon the larger ques-
tions which influence our national economic life.
The policy of this publication has always been to do all
within its power to aid the enactment of laws and the promul-
gation of ideas and methods which in any measure were deemed
beneficial to the music industry at large. The Music Trade Re-
view has been a staunch advocate of the Stephens bill ever since
it was introduced in Congress and is still doing all within its
power to impress upon its readers the necessity of a law of this
kind. Likewise, the Webb bill has received the unstinted sup-
port of this publication, and will continue to receive it until the
bill, or one similar to it, has become part of the Federal statutes.
It is this spirit which is making of the trade press of this
country a powerful influence for good, an influence which, be-
cause of the broad and unselfish spirit which actuates it, is grow-
ing stronger and more beneficial with the passing of each suc-
ceeding year.
IANO manufacturers all over the country have been greatly
interested in the Webb bill, which at present is before the
House for consideration. This bill provides that American manu-
facturers may enter into trade combinations for the purpose
N all lines of business the instalment or deferred payment
of standardizing prices and facilitating the opening up of export
plan of purchasing has steadily grown, notwithstanding the
fact that credit men are not* over partial to this plan of doing
fields. It is, in reality, an abrogation of the spirit of the Sher-
business.
man Act, in so far as export trade in concerned. It is a measure
which will prove of vast benefit to American manufacturers who
Despite the efforts made by the automobile manufacturers
seek a wider expansion in foreign fields.
and dealers to keep that industry on a cash basis, they are now
When the present war is over, European industry will en-
doing business on the instalment plan, but on a much more satis-
deavor to recoup its export trade, and each European govern-
factory system than exists in the piano industry. Large initial
ment, following plans which were in operation even before the
payments are required, as well as a definite time when the entire
beginning of hostilities, will lend every possible assistance to
amount must be cleared up. The time limit of six or seven
those manufacturers within its borders who are engaged in
months makes the arrangement seem like a cash transaction as
export trade. In order to contend successfully with the keen
compared with the long time instalment methods which exist in
competition offered by European industries, American manu-
the piano trade.
facturers need every possible assistance, both governmental and
The instalment plan of developing business is unquestionably
otherwise. The Webb bill, which has been approved by the here to stay, and all that can be done by piano merchants is to
Federal Trade Commission, will enable American business men
endeavor so to control the sales as to shorten the time limit, and
to co-operate in the export field. The Associated Business
particularly to get larger initial payments.
Papers, an organization which grew out of the Federation of
A prominent man in touch with industrial conditions stated
Trade Press Associations, has been doing some very active work
the other day that the county clerk's office is now reporting an
in creating sentiment in favor of the Webb bill. Realizing the
unusually large number of conditional bills of sale, representing
importance of this bill and the benefit which it will bring to those articles purchased on the instalment plan, notably automobiles,
manufacturers in the piano industry who are seeking to enlarge
pianos, player-pianos and talking machines. This condition is
their export business, The Music Trade Review sent the follow-
due to the larger employment of labor, and to the better wages
ing telegram to President Wilson last week:
being received. It is not confined to one district, but is general
"Hon. Woodrow Wilson, White House, Washington. D. C.
throughout the country.
"Of over sixty-two thousand laws passed in the various
Discussing the instalment tendency, the following remarks
States, .more than fifty thousand are designed to regulate busi-
from the Credit Men's Bulletin are timely: "From the economic
ness in some particular. To this legal restraint must be added
side and the credit standpoint, the theory of instalment payment
the vigorous activities of the Federal Government, under the
is undoubtedly not good. A thing purchased on the instalment
commerce clause of the Constitution, and yet the business men
plan must, of necessity, cost the buyer more than if he accumu-
are the real foundation of the nation, and big business is the back- lated enough to put down the cash, and again the expectation
bone of all business. Truly, when the foreign governments and
that involves one, two or more years is a great factor of uncer-
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