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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
REVIEW
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Vol. LXX1II
NEW YORK, OCTOBER 8, 1921
No. 15
SUPPORT FOR THE SALES TAX PLAN
S the argument on the revision of Federal taxes continues before
the Senate, there is considerable justification for the declaration
of officials of the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce and other
interests to the effect that all is not lost, but that there is still hope of
favorable action being taken upon the manufacturers' sales tax plan
as proposed by Senator Smoot, or at least on some similar plan that
will tend to relieve the present burden of excise and excess profits
taxes.
Certain it is that Senator Smoot is making a strong fight 'for
his amendments, and according to reports he has gained the support
of many Senators for his plan. It is generally agreed that some sort
of sales tax plan will probably be adopted as the way out of the tax
tangle, if not at this session of Congress then at some later session,
and it is with the hope of having such action taken at once rather than
seeing it delayed that the members of the music industry are urged
to bring pressure to bear on their Senators with a view to obtaining
immediate relief.
Although Senator Simmons, representing the Democratic side.
has composed a substitute tax plan that fails to provide considerab 1 y
for the repeal of excise taxes, it is felt that Senator Smoot, trailing
with the Republican majority, has the best chance of seeing his ideas
adopted provided there is any really radical remodeling of the tax
bill as recently passed by the House. In view of the situation as it
now stands there is every reason in the world for the music industry
to continue the fight against excise taxes and in favor of the manu-
facturers' sales tax to the last ditch.
A
PRACTICAL CO-OPERATION
HERE is a good deal of talk at all times regarding co-operation
between music dealers in the same and adjacent cities with a view
to developing trade along lines that will enable all factors to profit. It
is a question, however, whether there exists in many sections the real
spirit of co-operation which moves the music merchant to see to it
personally that his neighboring dealer is put in direct touch with
T
OCTOBER 8, 1921
business' that he himself cannot handle rather than let the neighbor
find the opportunity for himself.
;•
This spirit of broad-minded helpLulness was displayed recently
by the Schmidt Music Co., of Davenport, la., in connection with the
company's exhibit at the Iowa State Fair. Of the 2,000 or more
visitors who registered on cards provided by the Schmidt company
several score whose answers indicated that they might be logically
considered as prospects were located in the territories of other dealers
in various cities. Instead of throwing these cards aside as useless,
the Schmidt company saw to it that the information thereon was
placed in the hands of music merchants who could use it- in going
after the sale.
In view of its action the Schmidt Music Co. is justified in
expecting that the same courtesy be extended to it by the dealers who
have been favored, without solicitation, when the opportunity for
reciprocating presents itself. The big thought, however, is to foster
this policy of passing on valuable sales information to neighboring or
even competing dealers, who can use it to the best advantage rather
than simply to forget about it.
THE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY IS REAL
A
N excellent summing up of the general business situation has
been made by the National Bank of Commerce in its latest
bulletin and there are some facts therein thai should prove of general
interest to the trade at large. The bulletin declares that the gams
thus far made in industrial activities are real and that there is steady
progress toward better business. There is no justification for any
world-wide rise in prices at this time, according to the report, owing
to the fact that the process of readjustment has already evidenced
itself strongly. Just how the readjustment has worked out is set forth
in the report as follows:
"Producers of raw materials, from the farmer to the metal mine
operator, have taken their losses. Those classes of labor which have
accepted wage reductions in keeping with the changed economic
situation have likewise taken their losses, while other large classes
of labor have done so indirectly as a result of unemployment. The
conclusion is clear. Retail prices cannot go up without promptly
curtailing buying. They must be reduced until they are in line with
raw materials.
"Because of uncertainty as to what the consumer can and will
buy, retailers generally are ordering with great caution, while many
wholesalers in turn are refraining from placing advance orders. The
adoption, at any stage from manufacturer to consumer, of a policy
directed toward generally higher prices to the consumer will not only
curtail buying but will result in slowing down the gratifying progress
already made. Domestic conditions do not entirely govern. There
are international conditions to be reckoned with. The only far-
sighted policy is the expansion of sales on a narrow margin of profit."
THE TRADE SERVICE BUREAU
T
HAT the Trade Service Bureau of the Music Industries Chamber
of Commerce, under the direction of C. L. Dennis, has finally
begun to function, even though in a small way, is a matter for con-
gratulation, and will be of direct interest to the National Association
of Music Merchants, in which organization the idea was born, and
the members of which are to receive the chief benefit.
It is hoped that the work of the Trade Service Bureau will develop
substantially, for such work is calculated to prove a strong factor in
maintaining the interest of the average music merchant in the associa-
tion and what it is doing. The average dealer has become a believer
in the benefits of trade associations, though at the same time the
average dealer is not in a position to judge at first hand of the benefits
that are calculated to accrue to him through association efforts. The
fact that the Merchants' Association, as a part of the Chamber of
Commerce, is aiding directly in the tax fight for the dealer's benefit
is, of course, more or less understood, but there is more than one
dealer who does not feel he is getting all the benefits he should by
simply attending the conventions each year and listening to some busi-
ness talks.
The Trade Service Bureau affords the means for giving each
member of the association something tangible and constructive for his
money. Even should he be not inclined to take advantage of the
opportunities offered, he at least feels that they are there for him and
that any lack of interest, therefore, rests with himself and not with
the association. It is an idea that deserves encouragement.