Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
NOT THE TIME TO CULTIVATE PESSIMISM
(Continued front page 3)
Some of our ancient philosophers had it that no man could be defeated until he lost faith in himself, and
these wiseacres were right.
We do not mean to convey that it is not well to analyze most carefully conditions which have a bearing
on the future, and to consider certain eventualities.
This is absolutely essential, and perhaps never more so than at the present time, when the entire world
is so tremendously upset, and when great nations are at each other's throats.
It would be absurd and unbusinesslike not to discuss and prepare for the radical changes that are almost
inevitable when the great war closes in Europe. But it will not do to handicap ourselves by considering
these subjects along pessimistic lines. There is little gained by sitting down and wasting such a valuable asset
as time, in figuring out sombre predictions, none of which may ever come true.
As far as the music trade industry is concerned, the outlook is most satisfactory in every way. The
working classes throughout the country have more money at their disposal than ever before for the purchase
of musical instruments, and unless all indications come to naught, the coming fall should mark an enormous
trade in the music trade field. The demand may not come voluntarily; there must be an active, earnest
advertising and soliciting campaign carried on, so that people will be impressed with the fact that musical
instruments are a necessity in the home, and particularly so this year when there is a surplus of money in
the banks to purchase them.
If the proper attention is given to. the making of the cuts and
the preparation of the descriptive matter the small catalog can
be designed to give a great deal of desirable information about
the line, and its preparation is not simply an indication of
economy, for it has a real mission. Moreover, it supplements
rather than replaces the catalogs of more imposing and expensive
character and larger size.
ROM time to time questions have arisen concerning the op-
eration of the Workmen's Compensation Law, which would
F
seem to indicate at first glance that this law was exceedingly
imperfect, and so entangled with red tape as to make it of little
practical advantage either to the employer or the employe. In
proof of this contention, individual and isolated cases are quoted
which seem to show that, the operation of the Workmen's Com-
pensation Law worked a hardship, sometimes to the employe
and sometimes to the employer.
The citing of these isolated examples does not destroy the
fact, a fact apparent to everyone who has given the subject any
thought that the Workmen's Compensation Law of New York
State is one of the best pieces of legislation that has been written
into the statutes of the state in the last decade.
Sometime ago The Review published an exclusive article by
Deputy Industrial Commissioner Archer, which explained in a
concise and authoritative manner the working of the act. While
it is not generally understood, nevertheless the history of work-
men's compensation in those states where it has been in vogue
longer than it has been in New York State proves that the em-
ployer benefits thereby to even a greater extent than does the
employe, because of the absolute protection he is given from
damage suits and from the payment of large sums to employes
who may become injured while in his employ.
Not only that, but the indirect influence of the Workmen's
Compensation Act, in creating a more strict observance of the
basic rules of factory hygiene, sanitation, accident prevention
and the like, have not only materially added to the comfort and
well-being of the workmen, but have also increased their efficiency
and added to their productiveness, the direct "benefit of which to
the employer is readily discernible.
Few, if any, of our laws are absolutely perfect, and a statute
as comprehensive as is the Compensation Act is bound to have
minor defects which can only be eliminated through an observa-
tion of its actual practical operation. That this will come in
time is certain, and in the meantime, the piano manufacturers in
this state, in common with all employers of labor, should do
their part in observing the rules and regulations prescribed by
this law, knowing that it is an influence for good wherever it is
put in operation.
GETTING DOWN TO PLAIN PLAYER FACTS
The education of the public along player lines is a necessity for the expansion of the player business.
There is no doubt of that; and education of the piano merchants and salesmen is also a vital necessity,
because through them will come a powerful force in the education of the public; and right here we wish to
remark that we have produced a line of books upon the player-piano which comprehensively covers the
entire player situation.
In this respect this trade newspaper stands alone, for it has been the principal source from which player
information has been available for piano merchants and salesmen for a period of years. Our latest book,
"The Player-Piano Up to Date"
is the best of the series. It contains upwards of 220 pages of matter bearing directly upon the player.
Every piano merchant and piano salesman should have a copy of this book within easy reach. It
gives to readers a fund of information not obtainable elsewhere.
It contains a series of original drawings and a vast amount of instructive and educational matter, as
well as a detailed description of some of the principal player mechanisms.
It costs $1.50 to have this book delivered to any address in the United States, and your money will be
refunded if you are not satisfied with the book after examination. No one yet has availed himself of this
opportunity. Foreign countries, 15c. to cover extra postage, should be added.
Estate of EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Publisher
373 Fourth Ave., New York