Music Trade Review

Issue: 1919 Vol. 69 N. 19

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE
RE™
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Inc.
President and Treasurer, C. L. Bill, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Vice-President,
T. B. Spillane, 373 Fourth Ave., New York; Second Vice-President, Raymond Bill, 373
Fourth Ave., New York; Assistant Treasurer, Wm. A. Low.
J. B. SPILLANE, Editor
RAYMOND BILL, B. B. WILSON, Associate Editors
CARLETON CHACE, Business Manager
Executive and Reportorlal Stall
WILSON D. BUSH, V. D. WALSH, WM. BRAID WHITE (Technical Editor), E. B. MUNCH,
L. M. ROBINSON, C. A. LEONARD, EDWARD LYMAN BILL, A. J. NICKLIN, L. E. BOWERS
BOSTON OFFICE;
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E. P. VAJI HARLINCEN, Republic Building,
Telephone, Main 69S0.
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LONDON, ENGLAND: 1 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall St., D. C.
NEWS SERVICE IS SUPPLIED WEEKLY BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS
LOCATED IN THE LEADING CITIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA.
Published Every Saturday at 373 Fourth Avenue, New York
Entered as second-class matter 'September 10, 1892, at the post office at New York, N. Y.,
under the Act of March 3, 1879.
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REMITTANCES, in other than currency forms, should be made payahle to Edward
Lyman Bill, Inc.
Departments conducted by an expert wherein all ques-
anil
tions of a technical nature relating to the tuning,
regulating and repairing of pianos and player-pianos
p
are dealt with, will be founS in another section of
this paper. We also publish a number of reliable technical works, information concerning
which will be -cheerfully given upon request.
Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Grand Prix
Paris Exposition, 1900 Silver Medal.. .Charleston Exposition, 1902
Diploma.... Pan-American Exposition, 1901 Cold Medal. ... .St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Medal—Lewis-Clark Exposition, 1905
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONES—NUMBERS 5982—5983 MADISON SQ.
Connecting all Departments
Cable address: "Klbill, New York"
Vol. LXIX
NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8, 1 9 1 9
No. 19
The printing strike in New York City is still in pro-
gress, and the severe handicaps arising therefrom make it
practically impossible for the publishers of The Music Trade
Review to issue this publication on schedule time.
A MENACE TO PUBLIC INTEREST
HE attitude taken by the Government in connection with the
strike of coal miners is worthy of the earnest support not only
of the business men of the country, but of all citizens who feel that
society still has some rights that must be respected by the labor
element.
It is all well enough to talk about the rights of labor to organize
and to enjoy the privileges of collective bargaining. It is proper
to adhere to the principle that the worker is entitled to at least a
fair share of the profits which his labor produces, but when, as in
the case of the coal miners, and in other cases that have attracted
public attention lately, demands are made of such a drastic nature
that they cannot be met, there must be found some means for forc-
ing a sensible and honorable settlement separate and apart from
resorting to a strike. To cut off the coal supply of the country is
not alone a blow to the operators, but an attack on society as a
whole. It means the crippling of transportation and of industries,
and untold suffering to millions who have no direct interest in the
miners' labor troubles and who are assumed to have the right to
enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness unhampered by any
one group of industrial workers.
There is much said by the strike leaders about the Government
threatening to reduce the miners to serfdom through the use of the
military and that the employment of force to keep the mines open
in order to keep the industries of the country going is against the
law. These same agitators and organizers are advocating the em-
ployment of force to their own interest. It is a fine example of the
autocracy of labor. The firm stand taken by the Government, sup-
ported by Congress, and, it is hoped, by the citizens generally, will
do much to check this reign of labor autocracy that is sweeping
the country,
T
REVIEW
NOVEMBER 8, 1919
We in our own trade are finding these same conditions existing
to a certain degree. Labor is not satisfied in demanding shorter hours
and higher pay, but demands union recognition and the power to
dictate to the manufacturer just how he will run his plant and who
he will hire to run it. When union effort and the idea of collective
bargaining is brought to a point where it operates on a basis of
fairness much will have been gained. When the opportunity is sim-
ply utilized as a means for exerting force to win concessions that
are often distinctly unjust, then unionism is bound to be discouraged.
Many union labor leaders recognize this fact right now and acclaim
it publicly. Wbat is now necessary is to force the radicals to accept
the same viewpoint.
HIS MEMORY SHALL LONG ENDURE
HE passing of Charles H. Steinway, president of Steinway &
T
Sons, which was recorded in last week's Review, is a loss
not only to the house of which he was the esteemed executive, but
also is a loss to the entire music trade industry. The name of
Steinway is so intermingled with the early history and development
of the piano and of musical appreciation generally in America, that
the death of such a worthy representative of the house as Charles
H. Steinway is an event of international importance.
Since Charles H. Steinway assumed the presidency of Steinway
& Sons, following' the death of his uncle, he had ever exercised a
most beneficent influence on every department of the business. He
was a man who believed in accomplishments rather than words. He
disliked flambouyancy of speech or action, and worked along those
quiet, constructive lines that were ever in keeping with the dignity
of the Steinway institution. Like his forbears, he was keenly inter-
ested in the musical advance of America and contributed in various
ways to this end. Personally he was a man of charming disposition
and he attracted a large number of friends, who valued him for his
many estimable traits of character.
Although Mr. Steinway never boasted of his skill as a musician,
yet he was a pianist and composer of no mean ability, and he ever
kept foremost the Steinway traditions and ideals in the manufac-
ture of pianos. In this respect he worthily wore the mantle of his
uncle, William Steinway. To his relatives and associates in Stein-
way Hall The Review extends its condolences, and in this we feel
sure we are joined by an army of manufacturers, dealers and musi-
cians throughout the country, for the Steinway house has ever been
identified with musical art, both locally and nationally.
INDICATIONS OF PROGRESS
the past few weeks there has been announced the
W ITHIN
reorganization along broad lines of several of the promi-
nent manufacturing concerns in the music trade. That this de-
velopment has been carried out at this particular time is signifi-
cant as indicating that these members of the trade not only have
confidence in the immediate future of the industry, but are will-
ing to back up that confidence in a positive manner, and are
planning to be prepared for the coming trade expansion. More-
over, in several instances, bankers of more than local prominence
and leading business men in other lines have cast their lot in the
piano trade—a trade at which, not so very long ago, some bank-
ers looked askance. In these days of industrial stress, these calm
preparations for the future are most encouraging and are calcu-
lated to promote the general confidence that is so essential to our
industry at the present time.
CHECKING MAIL ORDER COMPETITION
CCORDING to a report from Louisville, Ky., the newspapers
A
of that city have refused to publish large talking machine
advertising of a prominent mail order house, with a view to afford-
ing protection to local music dealers. The stand thus taken by the
newspapers is most unusual and should be duly appreciated by the
Louisville retailers. The advertising was refused by the news-
papers, not because it was unethical or misleading, but because, al-
though of a proper nature, it was calculated to take from the city
the business to which local merchants were properly entitled. It
will be interesting to see if this new method of checking mail order
competition gains ground. It certainly should be encouraged by
local merchants who, through the medium of rent, taxes and wages,
are contributing to the prosperity of their respective communities.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
NOVEMBER 8, 1919
MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
FUNERAL OF CHARLES H. STEINWAY MOST IMPRESSIVE
G. W. POUND IN JACKSONVILLE
Many Prominent Figures in Trade, Professional and Civic Life Gather to Pay Final Tribute to
Departed President of Steinway & Sons—Interment in Greenwood Cemetery
Delivers the Message of Music Advancement
Before a Large Gathering of Florida Music
Dealers at a Dinner at Mason Hotel
Seldom have members of the music trade and pro- est Hutchinson, Yolando Mero, Franz Kneisel, John
fession witnessed more impressive funeral cere- H. Brewer, president of the Apollo Club, Rubin
Goldmark, Paul Reimers, Milton Aborn, Victor Har-
monies than those conducted over the body of
Charles H. Steinway, at the Campbell Funeral rison, Eugene Heffley, Mischa Elman, Col. Charles
Church, 66th street and Broadway, on last Sunday Cresson, Mrs. Mary McDowell, and many others.
As soon as the news of Mr. Steinway's death
afternoon, and seldom has so sincere a tribute been
paid to the memory of a man who had sought so swept through the country, hundreds of letters and
telegrams of condolence began to pour in from
little of the limelight during his life.
At the hour for the services the private chapel people in all walks of life and offered still further
was filled to overflowing with friends of the departed proof of the high regard in which he had been
from business, professional and social circles, and held.
there preceded them a wealth of floral tributes
that turned the chapel and adjoining hall into a CINCINNATI AGAINST FREE TUNING
bower of roses, chrysanthemums and lilies. The
heavy bronze casket itself was covered with a mag- Music Industries to Discuss Question at Next
Meeting—C. E. Scott Appointed Chairman of
nificent blanket of white chrysanthemums, edged
Ohio Association of Piano Merchants
with golden flowers of the same sort and with
smilax.
CINCINNATI, O., November 4.—C. E. Scott has
The services began with a rendition on the organ, been appointed chairman of the membership com-
by H. Everett Hall, of Mr. Steinway's own composi- mittee of the Ohio Association of Piano Merchants
tion "Lamentation," deeply solemn in its harmonies. by Wm. R. Graul, state president, who is sitting
Next the Clyric Quartet sang "Thy Way, O God, on the lid in Cincinnati, mapping out a pla"h for
Is Compassion." The services proper were then con- putting his organization on the map of the United
ducted by Dr. Nathan A. Seagle, of St. Stephen's States.
Episcopal Church, and were distinctly impressive.
Aides to Mr. Scott are Geo. P. Gross, Cincinnati;
Dr. Seagle took occasion to pay tribute to Air. Stein-
W. V. Crowe, Columbus; W. M. Smith, Toledo, and
way's life both in its business and social phases
W. E. Jones, Loudonville.
and remarked particularly upon the affection in
Rex Hyre, who, as secretary, is Mr. Graul's right-
which he was held by his associates. During the
hand assistant, has been requested to publish a ros-
course of the services the Clyric Quartet assisted in
ter of the state association which is to serve as a
the responses and the singing of Tennyson's "Cross-
guide for the members of the membership commit-
ing the Bar," while Miss Mary Jordan-Cresson sang
tee. This will avoid mistakes on the part of the
"O, Rest in the Lord" from "Elijah," and "Lead,
committee.
Kindly Light."
Elimination of tuners as a part of the piano busi-
Those who gathered to pay their last sad respects ness is being agitated in this part of the state and
to Mr. Steinway's memory came from every walk of
some expressions may be heard on this subject at
life. There were musicians of national and inter- the next meeting of the Music Industries of Cincin-
national prominence, men of national importance nati. It will come under the same head as "What
in the manufacturing and retailing branches of the Constitutes Service?" which thought is now upper-
industry, and scores of veteran workers from the most in the minds of members of the piano and
Steinway factories. The Steinway & Sons executive allied branches in the Queen City.
staff and the office force attended in a body, in re-
The trade, at least some of the thinking members,
spect to the memory of their late president and
believe that when the piano is delivered to the
friend. The great majority of those who were
home and properly tuned, that branch of the trans-
present at the servics accompanied the body to its
action is closed. Those at the head of the move-
final resting place in the Steinway vault in Green-
ment want some expression along this line. There
wood Cemetery.
are some who believe the trade should co-operate
Among the Steinway dealers who made a special with tuners to the extent of furnishing them work
trip to New York to attend the services were E. H. benches in their places of business and turn over
and Carl Droop, of E. F. Droop & Sons Co., Wash- orders which might come in. The idea uppermost at
ington, D. C.; W. C. Dierks, of the C. C. Mellor Co., this time is to do away with the expense of piano
Pittsburgti; W. B. Turlington, of the Sanders & tuning after the delivery of the instrument.
Stayman Co., Baltimore; C A. Grinnell, of Grin-
The Cincinnati store of Steinway & Sons, in
nell Bros., Detroit; Edmund Gram, of the Edmund
charge of R. E. Wells, was closed on account of
Gram Music Co., Milwaukee; Rudolph Steinert, of
the death of Charles Steinway.
M. Steinert & Sons Co., New Haven, Conn.; Alex.
Geo. W. Armstrong, Jr., president of the Baldwin
Steinert, of M. Steinert & Sons Co., Boston; Henry
Co., left Sunday for Florida. He will be away sev-
Dreher, of B. Dreher's Sons Co., Cleveland; James
eral weeks.
F. Bowers, Lyon & Healy, Chicago; J. W. Jenkins,
W. S. Jenkins, sales manager for the John Church
of J. W. Jenkins' Sons Music Co., Kansas City;
Co., with headquarters in Chicago, spent part of last
C. H. Hickok, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Albert Nord-
week at headquarters.
heimer, of Nordheimer Piano & Music Co., Ltd.,
October's volume of business among the piano
Toronto, Canada; George Clay Cox, of J. W. Martin
& Bro., Rochester, N. Y.; F. Ernest Watkins, Wat- houses was in keeping with the general demand of
kins Bros., Inc., Hartford, Conn.; F. W. Baumer, the public. All firms speak glowingly of last month's
New Rochelle, N. Y.; August von Bernuth, of N. results. Used pianos are being gobbled up as fast
Stetson & Co., Philadelphia; W. P. Shaw, Cluett & as the houses can make them presentable for the
Sons, Albany, N. Y.; W. V. Swords, the Aeolian public.
Co., New York; Harry Leiter, of Leiter Bros.,
FIRST PRIZE AT CAROLINA FAIR
Syracuse, N. Y., and R. E. Wells, of Cincinnati,
manager of the Steinway branches in the Middle
A. J. Crafts Piano Co. Receives Highest Honors
West.
for Display of Pianos and Players
Members of the local trade who attended the serv-
RICHMOND, VA.. November 3.—The A. J. Crafts
ices included R. W. Lawrence, Paul B. Klugh, Wil-
liam Tonk, R. S. Howard, Albert Behning, A. W. Piano Co. was awarded the first prize, a blue ribbon
Johnston, A. L. and I. E. Bretzfelder, A. H. Kay- and diploma, at the North Carolina State Fair held
ton, Berthold Neuer, and many others of note. The in Raleigh last week. «This prize was given on the
Art-O-Crafts player-piano and also for the best dis-
music profession was also well represented by Josef
Hofmann, Arthur Friedheim, Arthur Lambert, Ern- play of pianos, players and talking machines.
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jACKSONviu.lv, FLA., October 30.—One of the most
successful meetings thus far addressed by George
W. Pound, general counsel of the Music Industries
Chamber of Commerce, on his Southern trip, was
that held in this city last night, when 160 music
dealers of Jacksonville and the surrounding coun-
try gathered at a special meeting and dinner at the
Mason Hotel to hear the message of music advance-
ment.
The meeting was held under the auspices of the
Jacksonville Music Dealers' Association, with F. O.
Miller, of the F. O. Miller Piano Co., as chair-
man. The affair was enlivened by some excellent
chorus singing led by Frank L. Root, after which
Mr. Pound was introduced as the principal speaker.
In the course of his address Mr. Pound reviewed
the wartime conditions as they affected music and
the music industry, told how he had succeeded in
winning Government recognition for music and had
in other ways, individually and through the Cham-
ber of Commerce, kept music in the forefront. He
declared that today America was the greatest musical
nation in the world and that, therefore, business
prospects for those who dealt in musical instru-
ments were of the brightest.
In setting forth the important place music- holds
today, Mr. Pound quoted such eminent men as Dr.
Charles W. Eliot, of Harvard University, and Dr.
P. P. Claxton, U. S. Commissioner of Education, in
support of the art. He also told of the healing
value of music and of the course in musico-therapy
that has been inaugurated at Columbia University,
New York.
In closing his address Mr. Pound made an earn-
est plea for the support of the National Bureau
for the Advancement of Music, and urged that all
music merchants join the National Association in
carrying on the work for the advancement of music
and for furthering the interests of the industry.
MME. POWELL IN NEW ROCHELLE
Noted Singer and Lecturer Gives Lecture— Re-
cital at College of New Rochelle
NEW ROCHELUJ, N. Y., November 3.—Mme. Alma
Webster Powell, the noted prima donna and lec-
turer who has done so much to advance the cause
of music by her lecture-recitals throughout the
United States under the auspices of the National
Bureau for the Advancement of Music, appeared at
the College of New Rochelle last Thursday even-
ing and delivered a unique lecture-recital demon-
strating the relation of music to human health and
happiness. Her lecture and demonstration were re-
ceived with great interest and enthusiasm as has
been the case in all of the 200 cities where she has
spoken in the interest of music.
RESUME SPECIAL LUNCHEONS
Robert G. Wall First Speaker in Series to Be
Held by Piano Club of New York
A special luncheon was held at the Piano Club,
New York, on Wednesday of this week, after which
Robert G. Wall addressed the Club on "Business
Problems of the Day." There was a large attend-
ance and Mr. Wall's talk was enthusiastically re-
ceived. This is the first of a series of after-lunch-
eon addresses which will be given during the winter
periodically by several speakers.
A firm of manufacturers' agents in Colombia, hav-
ing sample rooms and several commercial travelers,
desires phonographs and player-pianos among a num-
ber of other lines to represent on a consignment
basis. Refer to file number 30,956 at the Bureau
of Foreign and Domestic Commerce.
E . 1 T ORGANS
E5TEY PIAND COMPANY NEW YDnK CITY
pfodacer/gri/ie
dealer jnfheflrade.

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