Music Trade Review

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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
line with the arguments of Mr. Fischer, then not only
the houses in New York city, but those of the whole
country, would be consulted, and they would know
whether the latter were for or against the movement.
He (Mr. Baus) thought that the evening meeting
should be postponed until such time as a committee
could render its report, which might take ten days or
two weeks.
MR. E. L. BILL : I move that we now adjourn for
ten minutes, and that the chair in the meantime con-
sult with gentlemen with the view of nominating a
committee, so that we may come to some definite con-
clusion now. There is no time like the present. We
are here for business, and not to postpone matters in-
definitely (cheers).
The meeting therefore ordered that a recess of ten
minutes be taken, so that the chair might take steps to
appoint a committee.
MR. BAUS thought caution should be exercised in the
matter. He was not in favor of the committee being
appointed at that moment. Many firms of influence,
whose feelings ought to be considered, were absent.
The immediate appointment of the committee might
result in some mistakes. Good men might be omitted,
others who would not take an abiding and sufficient in-
terest in the movement might be appointed.
MR. E. L. BILL :—I think that whatever resolutions
this committee may draw up, the gentlemen present are
not bound to accept them. They will be drawn up sub-
ject to the approbation of the meeting, of course. It
would be perfectly easy to appoint ten men to draw up
a set of resolutions. That is what we are here for.
MR. BEN. STARR, of Richmond. Ind., did not see why
so much stress should be placed on the fact that certain
members of the trade were absent. He seconded the
motion of Mr. Bill, and and would like to add to such
motion that if any should decline to serve the chair
should have power to fill vacaucies.
Mr Starr's proposition being accepted, a recess was
taken, after which
THE CHAIRMAN nominated the following gentlemen
. to serve upon the committee appointed on the motion
of Mr. Fischer :—George A. Steinway, J. W. Vose, A.
J. Fischer, Henry Behr. B. Starr, Frank Conover, John
A. McLaughlin, Theo. P. Brown, W. A. Kimberly, and
Augustus Baus.
MR. STARR was afraid he could not serve, his home
being in the wild west.
MR. BLUMENBERG thought that the fact of Mr. Starr
being a western man was the very reason why he should
be one of the committee.
ON the motion of Mr. Bill the chairman (Mr. Walters)
and secretary (Mr. H. Behning, Jr.) were also appointed
on the committee.
MR. E. L. BILL submitted a resolution declaring that
in the opinion of the meeting the formation of a Piano
and Organ Makers' Protective Union was desirable;
enumerating certain possible objects to be aimed at by
such organization, such as a reform of the credit system,
a reduced scale of freight charges, a bureau of informa-
tion, the organization of headquarters in New York,
Boston, and Chicago, etc.; and further declaring that
manufacturers present did form themselves into an
association or union to be known as " The Protective
Union of Piano and Organ Makers of America."
MR. BAUS asked whether what had been read was to
be understood as a motion in the form of a resolution.
He did not think that any resolution offered should
state the definite objects of the association, such as the
establishment of clubs or headquarters, etc.
MR. STARR moved that the resolution as framed be
referred to the committee. There was no question that
the association was practically organized.
MR. BLUMENBERG of the Musical Courier said that
the meeting had selected a committee of ten to go
round and ascertain the sense of the trade. They had
not power to instruct the meeting as to how the organ-
ization should be formed.
MR. E. L. BILL thought it was the duty of the meet-
ing to pass resolutions favorable to organization.
MR. BAUS said it was well enough to pass resolutions
to the effect that they had organized as a Piano and
Organ Makers' Union, but they must not outline the
policy of the Union. That could only be done after the
permanent organization had been formed.
MR. BLUMENBERG informed the chair that if the reso-
tion that had been submitted were voted upon he would
move to add thereto a clause stating that among the
evils at present attaching to the piano trade the chief
and most flagrant was the practice of stenciling (laugh-
ter).
MR. BAUS objected to the introduction of such a
clause, just as he had objected to the insertion of other
statements as to the specific objects of the organiza-
tion.)
After some further discussion the following resolu-
tion was, upon the motion of Mr. E. L. Bill, unanimous-
ly carried:—
Whereas, The duly authorized representatives of the
piano and organ industries of America, in public meet-
ing here assembled, are unanimously of opinion that
in the interests of such industries it is desirable that
a Protective Union of American Piano and Organ
Makers be established, be it
Resolved, That such American Piano and Organ
Makers as are duly represented at this meeting do now
form themselves into an association or union to be
known as The Protective Union of Piano and Organ
Makers of America.
The passage of this resolution, whereby the desired
organization was brought into actual existence, was
hailed with loud cheers.
On the motion of Mr. E. L. Bill, the meeting stood
adjourned until 8 P. M. on October 3d.
The meeting then adjourned.
The Committee of twelve, appointed to formulate
plans for the perfection of the organization, will meet
at Union Square Hotel, N.Y., on Monday, the 23d inst.,
at 8 P. M.
FARRAND & YOTEY.
THEIR NEW CATALOGUE, LIKE THEIR ORGANS, IS OK THE
BEST.
the best." sav the Farrand & Votey Organ
Company, is their motto. They claim to have
the best workmen, the best machinery, and
the best materials. That this claim is not altogether
unreasonable may be inferred from certain testimonials
as to the qualities of their organs, furnished by the
most eminent authorities in America and Europe. Dr.
Howard Duffield, of Detroit, Mich., concludes an enthu-
siastic panegyric of the Farrand & Votey Cabinet Organ
with the words, " since I have been possessed of a speci-
men of the work you are turning out, I am at no loss to
account for your splendid success." The world renowned
Dr. J. Frederick Bridge, organist of Westminster Abbey,
says, " I have pleasure in expressing my great satisfac-
tion with the organs I have seen at the London ware-
house of Farrand & Votey. They appeared to me to
possess, in a marked degree, beauty of tone, and to be
in every way valuable and highly finished instruments."
Dr. Walker B. Gilbert, organist of Trinity Chapel, N. Y.
City, testifies that " in voicing, mechanical finish, and
pleasing design, the Farrand & Votey is bound to find
favor in the eyes of the discriminating lover of the
buautiful." Professor R. J. Pitcher of the Royal College
J. M. STARR & CO.
of Organists, England, says that the Farrand & Votey or-
gans are " exquisite in tone, excellent in construction and
A PRACTICAL, CONSCIENTIOUS, AND PUSHING FIRM-
are well worthy of being classed among the finest instru-
THEIR NEW ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE.
ments of the age. The disagreeable reedy tone so often
E are in receipt of the handsome and exhaustive heard in instruments of this kind is quite absent, and in
catalogue just gotten out by James M. Starr its place a pipe-like clearness is obtained. I congratu-
& Co., piano makers, Richmond, Ind. Its late you on the decided improvements your instruments
notable features are the fine engravings of styles S, T, have over others."
A, and R (cabinet grands), and electrotyped reproduc-
The catalogue of thi«= firm for 1889, just issued, is in
tions in fac-simile of a number of favorable letters every respect on a par with the instruments described
from prominent dealers and directors of musical con- and illustrated in it. It is beautifully printed on magni-
servatories in various sections of the country.
ficent paper, its descriptions are clear and concise, and
Messrs. Starr & Co. are bending their entire energies its numerous illustrations are among the finest ever
in the direction of producing a perfect upright piano at executed. From the latter can be obtained the clearest
medium cost. From our personal knowledge of this possible idea of the instruments represented. The
firm, their experience and their methods, we are dis- monogram of the company, which appears at the top of
posed to believe that a very considerable measure of each page, adds greatly to the attractiveness of the cata-
success will crown their efforts. Certainly they have logue, which will be perused with the greatest interest by
an abiding faith in themselves, and this alone presages, every dealer. . Among the organs represented are the
in their case, a prosperous future. They aim to em- Double Manual Pedal Bass Organs (two styles) fitted
brace in the construction of the "Starr" piano every with the Farrand & Votey patent blowing apparatus, to
known device and improvement of practical value, and to be run by hand, electric motor, water motor, or gas
that they do beyond doubt produce an instrument of engine ; organs built for special places, with wood work
great merit is attested by hundreds of critics and ex- to correspond with that of the rooms in which they are
pert piano men. The have spared no pains or expense placed ; and an organ with pipe top, built in a niche in
in perfecting their scales, in evolving graceful designs the Newberry Memorial Chapel. The last mentioned
for cases, and, in short, in bringing to a high point of style is strongly recommended for churches or chapels
excellence every feature of their work. All parts of the whose congregations connot afford to purchase pipe
"Starr," with the exception of the action, are made in organs.
the factory at Richmond, Ind.
The Farrand & Votey company have also added to
The qualities claimed for the Starr uprights include their business the building of pipe organs.
A comprehensive "action list" completes this most
an exquisite singing tone; a deep, round bass, free from
"harmonics or overtones;" a clear and bell-like treble; interesting volume*.
a pliant, easy, and quickly responsive touch; a system
of construction and selection of materials whereby ex-
ROTH & ENGELHARDT.
traordinary durability is assured; and a capacity of
standing in tune and up to pitch not excelled by any-
other American-made piano. Another advantage abun- THEIR NEW FACTORV AT ST. JOHNSVILLE, N. Y., INAU-
GURATED WITH FLYING COLORS.
dantly testified to by dealers is the power of these in-
struments to withsiand changes of temperature.
OTH & ENGELHARDT gave a most successful
In point of style the Starr pianos are most elegant
reception and banquet at St. Johnsville, N. Y.,
and chaste. They have tastefully hand-carved panels,
on the occasion of the opening of their new
sides, and pilasters, and are furnished with swinging piano action factory in that city on the 6th inst. Even
music desk, ivory keys, patent guard pedals, etc. The the copiojus rain was powerless to damp the enthusiasm
woods used are walnut, mahogany, rosewood, and which marked the proceedings. The American flag
ebony.
waved over the large and handsome structure, and the
But the great charms of this catalogue are its clear, spacious rooms of the second floor were the scene of
concise, honest statements, which are altogether free mirth, congratulations, and good cheer. After-dinner
from useless verbiage, and at once commend the firm speeches were made by gentlemen representing various
of J. M. Starr & Co. to the intelligent and appreciative trades and professions, among others by the clergy,
reader, and the fac-simile autograph letters, which con- editors, lawyers, physicians, and merchants of St. John-
stitute an original and effective method of advertising.
ville and the surrounding neighborhood. Cromwell's
orchestra furnished delightful music. The celebration
F. A. NORTH, who represented the Lester Piano Co., was rounded up by dancing and social enjoyment.
The new factory building is of brick, and measures
of Philadelphia, Pa., at the recent convention of Ameri-
can Organ and Piano Makers, which resulted in the two hundred feet in length. It is fully equipped with
establishment of a Protective Union of such manufac- the best machinery, the whirr and hum of which will
turers, was a notable figure in that assemblage. He is soon enliven the hitherto comparatively quiet streets
an ardent advocate both of the new movement and of of St. Johnsville. Roth & Engelhardt are already in
the piano with which his firm are identified, which in- high favor with the St. Johnsvillians, who are enthusi-
strument owes no little of its fast increasing popularity astic over the settlement among them of so plucky and
enterprising a concern.
to his honest and indefatigable efforts. :
W
R