Music Trade Review

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THE
FEBRUARY 12, 1921
MUSIC
TRADE
TITLE OF SONG CHANGED
DISPUTES OVER POSTAGE RATES
"I've Got the Blues for My Kentucky Home"
Now Called "Kentucky Blues"
Misunderstanding of Postal Law by Dealers
Brings Arguments With Publishers—Ship-
ments of Sheet Music Weighing Less Than
Four Pounds at Third-class Rates
When M. Witmark & Sons published the
fox-trot, "I've Got the Blues for My Kentucky
Home," it appeared to be the unanimous opinion
that it was destined to be a success. This was
Certain music publishers in and about New
York are reporting a number of disputes with
dealers over the amount of postage charged on
shipments of less than four pounds weight,
traceable to two reasons: First, a misunder-
standing of the postal law by dealers, and, sec-
ondly, the willingness of some few publishers
and jobbers to chance evading the law.
{I'VE GOT THE BLUES FOR My KENTVCKy HOME)
When the parcel post law first went into ef*
feet, it was the hope of the music publishers
that sheet music would be mailable under par-
cel post regulations. The Government, how-
ever, decreed otherwise. On several occasions
the postoffice authorities have been called upon
to emphasize the mailing rules on sheet music,
and not so very long ago this matter was again
brought to the attention of the trade by the
postoffice people.
The parcel post law covering rates of postage
on fourth-class matter reads distinctly as fol-
lows, under Section C:
"Parcels of miscellaneous printed matter
weighing more than four pounds and all other
Sam/ wtff (tirof tfein
parcels of fourth-class matter weighing more
Me
than four ounces are chargeable, according to
distance of zone, at the pound rate shown in tht
Vintrr Gertkn, Ma' Xri
following table, a fraction of a pound being con-
CUREHCE
GASKILL
sidered a full pound."
Sheet music is clearly listed as such under
articles included in third-class matter upon
New Title Page of Witmark Hit
quickly followed by absolute evidence in the which the postage is one cent for each two
shape of orders. It became so popular that ounces or fraction thereof. It is only when the
practically everyone referred to it as "Ken- bundle of music exceeds four pounds in weight
tucky Blues." The trade, at least, simplified it that it is mailable under parcel post rates, as is
in this manner, as also did the professional quite evident by reading the preceding quota-
singers, and even the general public shortened tion.
That the postal authorities are keeping more
the title in the same way, all of which was a
spontaneous tribute to the recognized popularity or less careful watch on the matter is evidenced
of this work, and M. Witmark & Sons now have by the fact that in several cases where, through
issued the number with a new title page, in the error, the employes of certain publishers have
recognized simplified form, and as "Kentucky shipped mjusic as parcel post a demand has
been made for additional postage before deliv-
Blues" it will henceforth be known.
ery was made to the addressee.
It was only recently that a dealer complained
"WYOMING" RELEASED
that on a shipment of music from a publisher,
M. Witmark & Sons Plan Big Campaign for and another shipment from a jobber, both of
approximately the same weight, there was a
English Hit
difference of eleven cents in postage charged,
the heavier charge being on the publisher's
An announcement was made some time ago
package.
Investigation proved that both
by M. Witmark & Sons of their securing the
bundles weighed Jess than four pounds and
English waltz sensation, "Wyoming," and now
while the publisher had paid third-class rates,
the publishers are ready for its American re-
according to law, the jobber had slipped his
lease. A special campaign has been prepared
shipment through by parcel post and gotten
and "Wyoming" is to be given every opportunity
away with it.
to duplicate its English success. If elaborate
It is very easy for the dealer to prove to his
plans covering every channel of musical ac-
own satisfaction the justice of postage charges
tivity will put a number over in a large way
by making inquiry of the local postmaster who
then this new issue certainly will become very
will supply him with printed instructions. Ship-
popular.
ments of music weighing less than four pounds
that are shipped through as parcel post are in
FEATURED BY BERT WILLIAMS
the same class with merchandise that is shipped
as parcel post with the package containing let-
Bert Williams is singing with great success
the songs, "Eve Cost Adam Just One Bone" and ters that should be sent under first-class post-
"You Will Never Need a Doctor No More." age. The shipment may get by, but if the post-
These two numbers are from the catalog of the office finds it out there'll be trouble.
The .publishers have argued time and again,
Skidmore Music Co., Gaiety Theatre Building,
New York City, who are giving both of these and we believe rightly, that sheet music should
have the same consideration as books, and be
songs some unusual publicity.
eligible to parcel post rates when shipped in
bundles weighing eight ounces or more, but the
postoffice authorities have maintained otherwise.
STOCK
It would seem that the thing to do is not for
the dealers to "ride" the publishers, but for them
to get together and carry on a campaign to have
the postoffice department give to sheet music
a more favorable classification.
GARBEN
iiiiii T.B H A R M S ,
::::::
62 W E S T
4S'." ST
MELODY
47
REVIEW
TO ARRANGE FOR WITMARK & SONS
Emil Gerstenberger has signed an exclusive
contract to orchestrate and arrange, particularly
production music, for M. Witmark 8f Sons.
ar them
ora
SOUTHERN
GREAT FOr-TROT SONG
BY THE WRITER OF
"HINDU/T(fllN"
LEARNING
SOPHIE TUCKERS
VCRYlOWN
,
FORSTER
'MUSIC PUBUSHER INC
SOUTH m u i n