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THE MUSIC TRADE
HE question of the hour for the piano trade is that of war
T
taxation, for upon the amount of the tax and the manner in
which it is levied will depend largely the ability of the piano trade
to meet the war situation, overcome undue handicaps and also
keep the industry on a normal basis. The piano men have gone
to the extent of sending representatives to Washington to look
into the matter and endeavor to influence Congress to give the
trade greater consideration in levying a tax, although definite
results are not yet reported.
The automobile interests have entered the fight in an ener-
getic manner.. Automobile manufacturers, dealers and garage
proprietors have sent messages to their Congressmen protesting
against the proposed tax as unjust, and representing class legis-
lation. If the automobile men can win concessions and can have
automobiles classed as necessities rather than luxuries, the piano
men should spare no effort to win a similar concession.
Every minute lost is going to count against the trade. If
the piano men are going to protest let every manufacturer and
dealer, and for that matter anyone else engaged in the trade, im-
press their Congressman with their views regarding the situation.
It is a right and privilege that belongs to every citizen.
it is right and proper that Government officials and
W HILE
others take precautions to conserve, and at the same time,
by various means, increase the stock of foodstuffs in this country,
it is apparent that some officials, aided by the newspapers, are
endeavoring to create a panicky feeling regarding the food situa-
tion. To read some of the newspaper articles one would imagine
that starvation is to be the portion of the United States in the
very near future, and this impression, if it gains ground, will
undoubtedly hurt business. The truth of the matter is, as a
prominent Western banker puts it, that the United States this
year will sell a large crop of foodstuffs to the world for the
biggest prices in the annals of history and that this money, to-
gether with the money spent by the nation among the people,
will keep conditions fine and make business the best possible.
It is a fact that farmers throughout the country are planting
heavier than ever this year, not necessarily from patriotic reasons
REVIEW
solely, but from the fact that high prices offer an incentive that
cannot be resisted. If the United States is to represent the
larder of the Entente Allies, it must be remembered that all the
food will be paid for, and that the pay will come into the hands
of the farmers and eventually the business men of this country.
HE problem for the piano man to-day is that of adjusting
his business to meet the war time situation, not a panicky
adjustment but a cool headed effort not only to keep his business
normal during the continuance of hostilities but to profit in
some measure by the prosperity that frequently grows out of
war demands. The Review presents in this issue several articles
by prominent men in the trade giving their views of the best
way to prepare for coming conditions, including a symposium
of comments from piano merchants from various sections of the
country, that serve to indicate a general spirit of optimism.
C. M. Tremaine, director of the National Bureau for the
Advancement of Music, sets forth in an interesting article what
the piano men can and must do to develop a more general appre-
ciation of music and consequently a greater demand for musical
instruments. R. W. Lawrence, a member of the committee on
music advancement of the National Piano Manufacturers' Asso-
ciation, also offers some inspiring comments on the same sub-
ject. It all goes to prove that the trade is not depressed or mark-
ing time, but is prepared to let optimism have full sway.
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VERY piano man going to the conventions in Chicago next
E of the
week or the week following should take with him the map
Western metropolis which forms a supplement to The
Review this week. The map may be detached without trouble
and is intended for pocket use. It serves as a detailed guide to
the music trade of the city and gives definite directions as to
how to reach various concerns, as well as points of general in-
terest about the city. It is also well to bear in mind that the
services of the Chicago staff oi The Review are at the command
of every Convention visitor, either at The Review offices in the
Republic Building, or at The Review space, 12A, at the Na-
tional Music Show.
THE FOUR ESSENTIALS OF A
HIGH CLASS PIANO
*
Tone quality, responsive action, sturdy endurance, and attractive
appearance. Careful dealers look for these essentials first. Then
comes the question—"is the price right? "
PIANOS
PLAYERS
are offered with confidence that they will meet the most exacting re-
quirements for tonal richness, sensitive and reliable action, constructive
excellence and beautiful exteriors. And the price is right. Write
today for the interesting facts about the Bogart.
THE BOGART PIANO CO.,
NEW.YORK
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