Music Trade Review

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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
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ubstantial way, and electricity will be the
power used in lighting and also operating
the machinery therein. The work through-
out is of the most substantial and enduring
character, and is of sufficient space to
enable the manufacture of sixty pianos a
week;
In the manufacture of the Huntington
piano every possible detail has been sub-
jected to the most careful scrutiny, and
every point has been studied in order to
produce a commercial piano which should
be the leader in its class.
It seems from the number of Huntington
pianos manufactured last year, and the
preparations which are now being made
for the enlargement of the business, that
dealers have been pleased with them.
* *
Retail trade in New Haven has held up
fairly well. The trade conditions have not
been so depressed there as in other locali-
ties in which I have visited recently. The
Hotel Garde, through, the mediumship of
Mr. A. J. Brooks, is fast becoming a popular
hostelr)' for the music trade visiting New
Haven. Mr. Brooks makes it his head-
quarters, and as he has a large circle of
acquaintances, it is needless to say that
where "Brooksie" goes they go also. Last
Tuesday I met while there, Mr. Anderson,
traveler for Jacob Bros.; Mr. Brownell,
traveler for the Autoharp; Mr. Clinton, a
New Haven dealer; another music trade
man, and A. J. Brooks, who, by the way,
was just about leaving for an extended
Western trip.
* *
*
Down at the Shoninger factory they are
not prone to give exaggerated statements
of the business conditions with them.
One thing is certain,that with the Shoninger
system of selling, their New York and
Chicago branches are getting a generous
percentage of what trade there is going,
even if the}' are not proclaiming it in
trumpet tones from the housetops.
* *
*
I had predicted something over a month
ago, that the first week in February would
be a trying week; that if we passed through
that without any serious disaster, the path
would then be comparatively smooth. But
it seems as if, like the ill-fated steamer St.
Paul, we have struck on a sand bar and
will require some little tugging to float
into deeper water.
Steam is low too, mighty low in some
places.
May Remove to Fort Dodge.
HE Iowa Piano Co., of DesMoines, la.,
is figuring on removing its plant from
that city to Fort Dodge. The company
makes the Beigiebing-Buttell piano. Hugo
Beigiebing, who is at the head of the com-
pany, has been in Fort Dodge recently look-
ing over the field and figuring with the
Business Men's Association of that city
relative to the removal of the factor)'. No
agreement for the removal of the factory
has yet been agreed upon.
T
The Conn Reunion.
OVER
),OOO DISTRIBUTED AMONG
147
EM-
PLOYEES.
T
EIE annual reunion of the employees of
C. G. Conn, band instrument manu-
facturer, held at Elkhart, Ind., on the
evening of January 29th, was, as usual, a
memorable one. Aside from the grand
entertainment that was presented, it was
the occasion of the fifth annual distribution
of the profits of the factory which had
accrued during the past year. It was also
the event of Mr. Conn's 52d birthday, and
the anniversary of the destruction of the
factory by fire and its immediate recon-
struction.
It is a well-known fact that the band in-
strument factory is conducted upon the
broad principles of co-operation. Every
employee in the factory is interested in the
general results to an extent proportionate
to the years he has been employed, and the
faithfulness of his individual efforts to
advance the general welfare of the institu-
tion. Mr. Conn has always been very
liberal to the laboring man, and each year
he seems to broaden more and more his
views upon the labor problem.
A FORTUNE GIVEN AWAY.
During the five years which the profit-
sharing scheme has been in operation, Mr.
Conn has given to his employees, in addi-
tion to their regular wages, the enormous
sum of $59,115.20. These figures go to
show that a fortune has been divided
among the fortunate employees of his
factory. The first year in which the piofit-
sharing system was inaugurated, 1892, the
sum of $8,860 was given away. In 1893
the amount was $14,830; in 1894, $12,533.-
20; 1895, $13,500, and this )'ear the sum of
$9,392 was distributed among 147 em-
ployees.
Although the dividend this year did not
figure up as high as in former years, still
the amount was a snug sum. The reason
given for the profits not being so large this
year as in former years, is attributed
greatly to the stringent financial market.
This year, however, is looked forward to
with greater results. All doubts have
been set at rest as regards the feasibility
of the profit-sharing system. The first
was tried as an experiment, but proved so
satisfactory to all concerned, that it will
always be maintained by Mr. Conn in his
factory. It is a happy solution to the
vexing question between capital and labor.
There is probably no institution in this
country to-da)' that enjoys a greater confi-
dence and good will between employer and
employee as the Conn band instrument
factory, as a direct result of the profit-
sharing system introduced by Mr. Conn.
All employees are equal partners in this
mammoth concern. Their interests are
his interests.
Mr. Conn has done much for the welfare
of the laboring man, and he is deservedly
popular with the masses.
The only mar to the evening's enjoy-
ment was Mr. Conn's absence. His pres-
ence would have done much to enliven the
occasion, and great disappointment was
expressed because he was detained at
Washington.
During the course of the evening's event,
Mr. Conn was presented by the employees
as a token of their esteem and friendship,
with a handsome porcelain Jardiniere,
elegantly decorated in gold. The gift was
indeed beautiful.
After an unusually fine musical program
had been enjoyed, W. J. Gronert, the able
lieutenant of Mr. Conn, made a short but
happily-worded address, in which he gave
in detail the success of the factory during
the past year, and the amount of the profits
to be distributed. He also read the follow-
ing letter from Mr. Conn, which was
enthusiastically applauded:
WASHINGTON, D. C , Jan. 28, '96.
Mv DKAR FRIENDS:
I am greatly disappointed that business affairs
here will not permit my being with you this evening
also that the hard times have diminished the
profits of the factory and lessened your dividends.
The first disappointment is of minor importance,
however, when considered in comparison with the
one that relates to the latter. Heretofore I have
endeavored to take a hopeful view of the future and
to look forward to brighter prospects. But this
year I can only advise economy in expenditures
and to ask that you unite in decreasing the cost of
manufacturing as much as possible. We have a
campaign year before us which will increase the
demand for instruments, but unless there is a
change in the financial policy of the government
we cannot hope for our old time prosperity. I ex-
pect to establish a sales depot in New York some
time in the near future, also to arrange for opening
a conservatory of music in Elkhart, both of which
will increase our sales, but the demand for instru-
ments will not be so great as in years past until there
is more money in circulation. Within a short time
I hope to be released from the duties that now de-
mand such close application to work here. I shall
then devote my entire attention to affairs of the
factory and be able to renew the associations which
have been so pleasant and which have endeared us
to each other. It seems a long time since I have
taken an active part in factory work but it is a pleas-
ure to know that the business has not suffered in my
absence. Both Mrs. Conn and myself once again
express our regrets at not being able to be present
at the anniversary this evening, but through Mr.
Gronert we send assurances of our best wishes for
your welfare and our most sincere appreciation of
the friendship you have always manifested. Un-
less something unforeseen occurs I shall have the
pleasure of seeing you within a very short time.
With kindest regards for yourself and families,
I am, truly yours,
C. G. CONN.
A number of telegrams and letters con-
taining expressions of regret and good
will were received during the evening.
Behning Piano Co.
EHNING PIANO CO. are now occupy
ing the recent addition to their factory
and they are in every respect equipped to
handle the increasing business which has
been coming their way for some time.
The Behning boys are hard workers; they
are making a good instrument, and they
are receiving the loyal support of old-time
admirers of the Behning house. It is
always satisfactory to note their progress,
which is certain to be accentuated materi-
ally during the spring and fall trade.
B