Music Trade Review

THE
MTJSIC TEADE
li
THE COMMERCIAL STATUS OP EXHIBITION "PREMIUMS. 1
LIGHTE & ERNST.—Messrs. Lighte & Ernst claim to have received a very
flattering letter from N. Heins, piano-dealer of London. The Score says :
"There is no prominent piano-dealer of that name in London, but there is
THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE.
one at Hereford, England, who has just written a private letter saying that
(Concluded.)
he never heard of L. & E. and certainly never wrote them."
VI.—DEPARTMENT OF INTEKCOMMITNICATION.
JARDINE'S PROGRESS.—Mr. Fred. Jardine, of Manchester, England, who
With 134 exhibits 105 exhibitors are favored with 103 " somethings given has built some of the largest organs in England, is now on his way to New
to invite a loan or a bargain." While twelve exhibitors secure nothing, the York to visit his uncle, Mr. Geo. Jardine ; he is bringing quite a number of
novelties which will soon appear in Jardine's organs, among them a new
average yet affords nearly one apiece.
Gamba stop from France, of beautiful tone and quick intonation.
VH.—DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE.
EATING UP HIS PROFITS.—Mr. Edward Jardine visited Long Beach with
The catalogue gives 21 exhibits by 18 exhibitors, two of whom fail to his family last week. He says the place is high-toned, Schneider's band is
reach the honor of a diploma, leaving 19 awards for the other 16 exhibitors— high-toned, and the prices for dinner at the hotel are high-toned. The
not a bad average, by any means. In this department the exhibitors of last, he adds, amounted to the profits on at least three organs. This re-
flowers, vegetables, etc., are not in the catalogue, but 229 awards are made minds us of Dr. Tanner's fast, where one organ (the stomach) is provided for
in those divisions, 196 of which are cash (amounting to 3934: by far the at the expense of another.
most valuable batch of prizes). Thus, in this department of an "exhibition "
we witness the ridiculous spectacle of about 60 exhibitors receiving 248
THE PIANO TUNING WAR.
awards, 19 of which are medals, 33 diplomas, and 196 cash prizes, averaging
"STRANGERS Y E T " AND CARPET-BAGGERS."
84.76 apiece.
SUMMARY.
SAVANNAH, G A . , July 27, 1880.
EDITOR MUSIC TRADE JOURNAL.
DEAR SIR : So says S. in hia last learned dissertation. How dreadful. Well, we
In the seven departments, so far as can be gathered from the only perti-
nent official documents published, there were 1,103 exhibits made by (about) have'at lived a " quarter of a century among " our people, it is true and we were once,
when
came here ten years ago, "comparatively strangers," but even way back in
680 exhibitors, who were awarded 871 "premiums." After toilsome labor those we
days, we had the assurance of many prominent citizens, and among them several
the information can be gleaned from the official lists that about 80 exhibitors vestrymen
and members of St. John's church, that they " entertained far more respect for
in all were "sent hungry away," which leaves 871 awards among 600 exhib- a Yankee who
fought them in the field than for a coward who, during the war, skulked
itors, nearly one and one-half each; or, averaging the whole number, over behind bomb proofs, and when the Yankees reached Savannah became suddenly
one and one-third "premiums," "rewards and other benefits" for each and ' loyal.' " From the people of Savannah we have thus far received nothing but kindness
every exhibitor taking something to the "show." Of these awards 411 were and support, and if they do not like and respect Us they certainly have a queer way of
"diplomas," the value of which may be said to be regulated by the junk- showing it. A man with so slim a war record as S. enjoys, should be the last one to cry
dealer ; 192 were copper or bronze medals, 61 silver (presumably; it is not " carpet-bagger." So say we, and if Savannah's reputable citizens do not with remarka
ble unanimity shout " amen " we shall be everlastingly surprised.
so stated) and 6 other medals (probably gold).
S. charges us with an " attack on his character." This is really amusing. If he has
It will be seen from the above statistics, which have been carefully ar-
a thing about him he keeps it mighty dark. Old residents say they never knew he
rived at, that nearly every exhibitor may rely upon a "premium" for his such
owned
one that was worth bragging over, and as far as we can tell they were not greatly
exhibit, and probably, as the whole thing bears the stamp of "trade," there mistaken.
are ways and means of easily reducing the possibility to a certainty. It is as
We observe that you abridged his last communication. This was unkind. One who
well that the music trades, which rely more or less upon the value of im- loves to see himself in print so well should have a whole page to air himself in, and in-
provements and inventions, and what experts say of them, should be able to struct the general trade and music-publishers in particular, how to run their business in a
discriminate between the value of bogus and genuine exhibition awards—to sound, business-like way. Then too, your abridgement was not made at exactly the right
be able to ascertain what difference exists between a "premium" and a place to suit the tastes of your readers. The proper place to abridge a dog's tail is just
"prize." As it is, it is very certain that an award from the American Insti- behind the ears. However can't you give us the cut-off part in your next, or in instal-
tute of the City of New York would be no special recommendation to a mu- ments ? Never mind the personalities or abuse. He has been barking at our heels for
ten years past, and hasn't succeeded in even muddying our boots. It is not in his power
sical instrument; though, of course, at the same time it could not detract to
us any injury; and so we give you carte blanche to print anything he writes, give
from its merit. The value of an award for merit is not in what the prize cost him do room,
and he will hang himself with his own rope.
or how much it will bring on sale : one paper diploma resulting from a gen-
His attempt to argue the half-price music question, is too peurile to notice seriously.
uine competition is of more value than all the "premiums" given by the A man has a right to give away music if he chooses, but business-men don't generally
American Institute together, because they are not in any sense indications of pursue that course. When S. gets rich out of the half-price music trade, we will go into
merit or desert, but simply payment for the use of the exhibit and receipts the toy and stationery business, and by selling at cost and in large quantities, try to pick
for the price of so many square feet of space in the "exhibition."
up a living.
If any reliance is to be placed upon its prospectus its object is to bestow
To that unfortunate coming tuner who is guaranteed perfect satisfaction and a pile of
money, we extend our condolences in advance. If he comes he will one of these fine
"rewards and other benefits on those who shall make such improvements or
excel in any of the said branches." In which case, from the facts and days understand that some people's guarantees are not as valuable as others.
Thanking you for courtesy in allowing us such trespass on your space, and begging
figures published by the institute, we can only conclude that 680 exhibitors
made so many "improvements" and so "excelled " that it was necessary to you will not rule out a few more " grunts," we are
Yours truly,
LUDDEN & BATES,
distinguish them one from the other with one and one-third '' reward or other
" Strangers and Carper-Baggers."
benefit" each. Ridiculous ! The whole gist of the matter is in the words
"other benefits," which may be read as an excellent opportunity to display,
advertise and sell certain commodities. There, the American Institute is do-
A VISIT TO ALFRED DOLGE'S WORKS AT BROCEETT'S BRIDGE.
ing a good, a commercial work ; as an institution to promote—by distinctions
N E W YORK, Julv 29, 1880.
To THE EDITOR OF THE MUSIC TRADE JOURNAL.
conferred—the arts and sciences, it is an unmitigated failure.
DEAR SIR : Knowing your earnest endeavors in the interests of the trade which your
The American Institute of the City of New York will be expected to
offer a better showing than the investment of $687 annually for the promo- journal so ably represents, to show all that skill, enterprise and industry can accomplish,
that I shall not be trespassing too much upon your space in giving you an account
tion of domestic science, invention and manufacture, to entitle it to an ap- I of feel
a very recent and most enjoyable visit paid to the extensive works of Mr. Alfred
propriation from the State of New York of $2,315.63, as it received last year. Dolge
at Brockett's Bridge by the writer and some few other gentlemen from New York
At least, the managers of the show, if to keep up appearances only, should and Boston.
surely invest in their avowed object something more than one-quarter the
It is somewhat difficult when so very much meets the eye .that is interesting, novel
amount set apart for " refreshments."
H. G. H.
and instructive, to condense one's remarks, but I shall endeavor, while being as brief as
possible, to give some faint idea of what we saw and enjoyed during a three days' stay
NOTE.—Since the above was in type the last balance-sheet issued by the in one of the most beautiful spots to be found in the United States of America.
Taking a sleeper at the Grand Central at 8.30 p. M., we are soon speeding north,
institute is to hand, and, besides supplying the figures wanting in the fore-
going, affords emphatic confirmation of the assertions therein contained. The away from New York with all its heat and bustle, thankful for a time to leave it and in-
admissions to the last fair amounted to $33,179.41, the entry fees for ex- hale a breath of fresh country air. Exchanging the perpendicular for the horizontal, we
are soon making the most of the little time we have for sleep, and the early morning finds
hibits to $4,604, and the sale of privileges to $4,401.34 ; total, $42,184.75. us
at Little Falls. Descending from our car we are met, " in the morning by the bright
The " premiums, medals and diplomas " totted up to the colossal figure of light,"
by a Boston contingent of gentlemen 3 representing various branches of the piano
$687 ! This, too, with such an item in the account as $2,432.03 for edibles trade, and
headed by that prince of salesmen, Karl Fink. After cordial greetings on all
consumed by officers and subordinates during the show—"refreshments" sides, a basket is produced containing, well, very little more than emptiness after eight
costing nearly four times as much as "premiums, medals and diplomas" hungry and thirsty souls had made a terrific onslaught upon it. Our carriages, however,
at an exhibition for the advancement of science and for the encouragement are in waiting, and we are soon bowling along, viewing with unspeakable delight nature
of excellence and improvement in manufacture. The income for the last in all its beauties. The morning is perfection. Stretching away at our feet is the finest
fiscal year amounted to $69,016.56, leaving a clear balance in hand of valley in all America, while the mountains on all sides seem like sentinels watching that
$52,605.58. The greater portion of this large sum is the profit on the in- the captive they have surrounded does not escape. The scene is enchanting and baffles
As we approach our destination we hear the sound of mighty rushing
vestment of the beggarly $687 in " premiums, medals and diplomas." The description.
waters, and stopping for a moment view with admiration, not unmixed with awe, the
$900 odd given in prizes in the horticultural department is not worthy con- mountain
torrent rushing in headlong fury over the precipice and dashing with relentless
sideration in the shape of awards—it is simply payment for the exhibition force against the rocks beneath, which try in vain to bar its mad career. Away below us
of perishable goods which form an attractive feature in the show.
nestles the village, the whole forming a scene of enchantment not easily to be forgotten.
" Beautiful, wonderfully beautiful," falls from the lips of each one of the party as, loath
to leave it, we continue our drive. In a few moments we draw up in front of a handsome
BABY GRANDS.—About this time look out for new baby grands.—Music house, and, after receiving a welcome from the kind hostess, hasten to perform our ablu-
Trade Almanac.
tions and make ourselves presentable at the breakfast table. The summons was quickly
The tones of the bell had scarcely died away before we were seated around
EMERSON PIANO CO.—The Emerson Piano Co. shipped 100 instruments forthcoming.
the festive board doing ample justice to the good things of this life 'neath which the table
to Kimball, at Chicago, last month.
literally groaned, and I could see by the merry twinkle in our host's eye the gratification
JOKES.—A new song in Church's Musical Visitor is entitled: "What it afforded him that his guests were enjoying themselves to their heart's content. Our
appetites appeased, we start for the great mills, and as we approach are surprised at the
kind of shoes are you going to wear?" "What boots it is to write such extent
of the buildings and lumber sheds.
music/"'—The Score. The above song, probably a sole-o and we hope the
last one of the kind we shall hear.
THE MILLS.
We enter the office, a large and handsome room fitted up with all modem improve-
BARLOW.—Mr. Charles Barlow, of the Mercantile Agency of
and conveniences, together with cabinets filled with samples of the different kinds
Messrs. Dun, Barlow & Co., of No. 314 Broadway, died recently in his ments
wool in the raw and in the different stages of manufacture. From there we pass <3 to
LU
country house at Long Branch. Mr. Barlow was one of the organizers of of
lower floor and are shown the first process of making felts. Here the wool
)1 is
the firm of Dun, Barlow & Co., and accumulated considerable wealth. He the
washed by a method known only to this house, very novel and far superior to any
leaves a widow, two sons and three daughters.
other mode. From thence we pass into the drying room, where another valuable
able
I
J
I
I