Music Trade Review
Issue: 1897 Vol. 24 N. 15 - Page 13
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
unguarded moments, and so a breach is created that
prevents further rational discussion, and a conflict
Degins. This labor senate, in which both em-
ployers and laborers are represented, would
obviate all such difficulties, because it would be
the rule of the organization that no formal demand
should be made by laborers upon their employers
until the proposition had been considered by the
joint body, and on the other hand, no important
change should be inaugurated by employers with-
out similarly submitting the matter to the same
body. In this case, if through the indiscretion of
a hot-headed walking delegate, or personal feeling
in a particular union, an unreasonable demand was
made in a particular factory or shop, it would
readily be disapproved by the Senate, because the
laborers in the other concerns represented in the
organization would have no interest in countenanc-
ing irrational, hot-headed action of the laborers in
any particular concern.
One of the difficulties with which trade unions
have to deal is the insubordination within their
ranks. In that case, if an unreasonable strike oc-
curred contrary to the decision of the Senate or
united body, they would receive neither moral or
material aid from any other organization. This of
itself would insure its defeat, and in nine cases out
of ten prevent a strike. On the other hand, if any
employer proposed unreasonable changes in wages
or other conditions, the proposition would fail to be
sustained by the Senate, because the laborers would
be present to point out its unreasonableness, and
other employers would have no interest in sustain-
ing the irrational conduct and so provoke a strike
in which the employers were obviously in the
wrong. If a single employer insisted upon his ir-
rational conduct, besides encountering the united
opposition of all the laborers, he would lose the co-
operation and moral support of the other employ-
ers, and of course have public sentiment and the
press definitely against him, which would be suffi-
cient to bring quick defeat to almost any such un-
dertaking, and in fact would probably, in more
than 90 per cent, of cases, prevent the rupture.
Another great advantage of this industrial Sen-
ate would be the better understanding between
laborers and employers. Their frequent meetings
and discussions would be a source of industrial
education for both. Employers would have an
opportunity of learning the laborer's point of view
on many questions which they do not now under-
stand, and laborers on the other hand would be-
come much better informed of the real workings
and point of view of the employers, which is now
woefully misunderstood. Moreover, laborers
would be forced to select their most intelligent
men in order that they might have their case most
creditably presented. An intelligent understand-
ing by each, of the interests and conditions of the
other, would, of itself, do much to prevent a large
number of the misunderstandings that arise. I
have just learned that this idea has already been
adopted in the brick laying trade in New York
City. The laborers' and employers' unions have a
third party in which both are represented, and all
questions of important changes about which a dis-
pute may arise, are submitted to the joint body
before any action is taken either by the employers
or employees. Since this arrangement was
adopted, there has not been a single strike in the
brick laying trade. Several instances, however,
have occurred in which a strike would have been
inevitable under other conditions. Such a method
is rational, educational and economic. It asks no
one to give up his freedom or dignity, but is an
appeal to reason, manhood and integrity for the
adjustment of all industrial differences.
If such a system can be inaugurated, I believe
the worst phase of the conflict between capital
and labor would be eliminated.
I may mention here that a National Labor In-
surance System, which guarantees the wage-earner
a competency when his economic efficiency has com e
to an end, and which would also protect his family
from want in case of his death, would also tend
largely to avoid a conflict, because it would make
those contented who, for lack of ability or other
reasons, cannot rise above the ranks of the ordi-
nary wage earner.
Experience has shown that all attempts to avoid
or adjust conflicts between capital and labor by
exercising paternalism or philanthropic schemes
have ended in failure, as they deserved.
Paternalism and philanthropy destroy manli-
ness, self-reliance, and independence, those three
sterling qualities so prominent in the American
character, instilled by the founders of our republic,
developed by our liberal laws and institutions, and
supported by the justified everlasting demand for
bettering their condition by American wage-
Staib Piano Action Co.
HAVE BUILT UP A GREAT BUSINESS
MANUFACTURING PLANT.
A FINE
The recent-day annals of the music
trade do not exhibit a better illustration of
well merited and rapid success in business
than the record and present position of the
Staib Piano Action Co. Properly-directed
skill and energy have been successfully
«3
year's business has shown a remarkable,
healthy growth of substantial custom among
the most desirable piano manufacturers.
Reasons for the excellent showing above
given are not lacking. Pride is taken in
all branches of the work. All modern
facilities are made available. Experiments
to better the stock and products are always
in progress. Even now a new upright
action nearly if not actually equivalent to
that of a grand is being developed, and will
soon be ready for inspection. Altogether
the showing of the Staib Co. is highly
creditable to themselves and the trade
alike.
VIEW OF PART OF THE STAIB WORKSHOPS.
united to secure satisfactory results. This
is all the more creditable when it is borne
in mind that competition in action-making
has always been and now is keen, capable
and of large influence.
The firm began business in 1890. To-
day the whole lower part of the large build-
ing at 134th street and Brook avenue is fully
occupied in the manufacture of their ac-
tions. There is a basement or mill floor
for moulding purposes, 100x50 feet, with
10 men constantly at work. The part of
the factory shown in the cut is known as
the machine floor, of the same length and
width, used for the boring and small saw
machines. Forty men are busily engaged
here on full time. Immediately above it is
the finishing room, where 50 men are kept
fully employed in setting up actions and
gluing. Then, outside of the building
proper, is a large dry room, with capacity
for kiln-drying 15,000 feet of lumber.
The stock of material of all kinds on
hand is sufficiently large to make and com-
plete, from a to z, at least 2,000 actions.
The average output is 600 actions per
month. The firm's customers are in every
section of the country. Each succeeding
Praise for the Weber Concert
Grand.
Quite an important event in the history
of Willimantic, Conn., was the opening on
Friday last of the new High School build-
ing with appropriate ceremonies, in the
presence of the town's most distinguished
citizens and their neighbors. The eve-
ning's speech-making, etc., was varied by
an excellent musical program. A sym-
phony quartette sang several selections.
The new Weber concert grand in the
Assembly Hall was used, by courtesy of
Mr. Wheelock, of the Weber-Wheelock
Co., who was present at the celebration.
Signor Clementino de Macchi played, in
his usually admirable style, several num-
bers which met with unusual tokens of
warm appreciation from a critical audi-
ence. It must have been gratifying to
Messrs. Wheelock and de Macchi to hear, on
all sides, after the concert, the unqualified
praise of auditors bestowed on the tone
and power of the concert grand used on
this occasion.
The recent statement of the Smith &
Nixon assignee shows receipts amounting
to $97,011.04; disbursements, $54,194.92,
balance on hand, $42,817.12.
Highest Grade Pianofortes
(WREST-PIN AND STRINGER SYSTEMS.)
LISZT, CHURCH, CHAPEL and PARLOR
ORGANS.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
unguarded moments, and so a breach is created that
prevents further rational discussion, and a conflict
Degins. This labor senate, in which both em-
ployers and laborers are represented, would
obviate all such difficulties, because it would be
the rule of the organization that no formal demand
should be made by laborers upon their employers
until the proposition had been considered by the
joint body, and on the other hand, no important
change should be inaugurated by employers with-
out similarly submitting the matter to the same
body. In this case, if through the indiscretion of
a hot-headed walking delegate, or personal feeling
in a particular union, an unreasonable demand was
made in a particular factory or shop, it would
readily be disapproved by the Senate, because the
laborers in the other concerns represented in the
organization would have no interest in countenanc-
ing irrational, hot-headed action of the laborers in
any particular concern.
One of the difficulties with which trade unions
have to deal is the insubordination within their
ranks. In that case, if an unreasonable strike oc-
curred contrary to the decision of the Senate or
united body, they would receive neither moral or
material aid from any other organization. This of
itself would insure its defeat, and in nine cases out
of ten prevent a strike. On the other hand, if any
employer proposed unreasonable changes in wages
or other conditions, the proposition would fail to be
sustained by the Senate, because the laborers would
be present to point out its unreasonableness, and
other employers would have no interest in sustain-
ing the irrational conduct and so provoke a strike
in which the employers were obviously in the
wrong. If a single employer insisted upon his ir-
rational conduct, besides encountering the united
opposition of all the laborers, he would lose the co-
operation and moral support of the other employ-
ers, and of course have public sentiment and the
press definitely against him, which would be suffi-
cient to bring quick defeat to almost any such un-
dertaking, and in fact would probably, in more
than 90 per cent, of cases, prevent the rupture.
Another great advantage of this industrial Sen-
ate would be the better understanding between
laborers and employers. Their frequent meetings
and discussions would be a source of industrial
education for both. Employers would have an
opportunity of learning the laborer's point of view
on many questions which they do not now under-
stand, and laborers on the other hand would be-
come much better informed of the real workings
and point of view of the employers, which is now
woefully misunderstood. Moreover, laborers
would be forced to select their most intelligent
men in order that they might have their case most
creditably presented. An intelligent understand-
ing by each, of the interests and conditions of the
other, would, of itself, do much to prevent a large
number of the misunderstandings that arise. I
have just learned that this idea has already been
adopted in the brick laying trade in New York
City. The laborers' and employers' unions have a
third party in which both are represented, and all
questions of important changes about which a dis-
pute may arise, are submitted to the joint body
before any action is taken either by the employers
or employees. Since this arrangement was
adopted, there has not been a single strike in the
brick laying trade. Several instances, however,
have occurred in which a strike would have been
inevitable under other conditions. Such a method
is rational, educational and economic. It asks no
one to give up his freedom or dignity, but is an
appeal to reason, manhood and integrity for the
adjustment of all industrial differences.
If such a system can be inaugurated, I believe
the worst phase of the conflict between capital
and labor would be eliminated.
I may mention here that a National Labor In-
surance System, which guarantees the wage-earner
a competency when his economic efficiency has com e
to an end, and which would also protect his family
from want in case of his death, would also tend
largely to avoid a conflict, because it would make
those contented who, for lack of ability or other
reasons, cannot rise above the ranks of the ordi-
nary wage earner.
Experience has shown that all attempts to avoid
or adjust conflicts between capital and labor by
exercising paternalism or philanthropic schemes
have ended in failure, as they deserved.
Paternalism and philanthropy destroy manli-
ness, self-reliance, and independence, those three
sterling qualities so prominent in the American
character, instilled by the founders of our republic,
developed by our liberal laws and institutions, and
supported by the justified everlasting demand for
bettering their condition by American wage-
Staib Piano Action Co.
HAVE BUILT UP A GREAT BUSINESS
MANUFACTURING PLANT.
A FINE
The recent-day annals of the music
trade do not exhibit a better illustration of
well merited and rapid success in business
than the record and present position of the
Staib Piano Action Co. Properly-directed
skill and energy have been successfully
«3
year's business has shown a remarkable,
healthy growth of substantial custom among
the most desirable piano manufacturers.
Reasons for the excellent showing above
given are not lacking. Pride is taken in
all branches of the work. All modern
facilities are made available. Experiments
to better the stock and products are always
in progress. Even now a new upright
action nearly if not actually equivalent to
that of a grand is being developed, and will
soon be ready for inspection. Altogether
the showing of the Staib Co. is highly
creditable to themselves and the trade
alike.
VIEW OF PART OF THE STAIB WORKSHOPS.
united to secure satisfactory results. This
is all the more creditable when it is borne
in mind that competition in action-making
has always been and now is keen, capable
and of large influence.
The firm began business in 1890. To-
day the whole lower part of the large build-
ing at 134th street and Brook avenue is fully
occupied in the manufacture of their ac-
tions. There is a basement or mill floor
for moulding purposes, 100x50 feet, with
10 men constantly at work. The part of
the factory shown in the cut is known as
the machine floor, of the same length and
width, used for the boring and small saw
machines. Forty men are busily engaged
here on full time. Immediately above it is
the finishing room, where 50 men are kept
fully employed in setting up actions and
gluing. Then, outside of the building
proper, is a large dry room, with capacity
for kiln-drying 15,000 feet of lumber.
The stock of material of all kinds on
hand is sufficiently large to make and com-
plete, from a to z, at least 2,000 actions.
The average output is 600 actions per
month. The firm's customers are in every
section of the country. Each succeeding
Praise for the Weber Concert
Grand.
Quite an important event in the history
of Willimantic, Conn., was the opening on
Friday last of the new High School build-
ing with appropriate ceremonies, in the
presence of the town's most distinguished
citizens and their neighbors. The eve-
ning's speech-making, etc., was varied by
an excellent musical program. A sym-
phony quartette sang several selections.
The new Weber concert grand in the
Assembly Hall was used, by courtesy of
Mr. Wheelock, of the Weber-Wheelock
Co., who was present at the celebration.
Signor Clementino de Macchi played, in
his usually admirable style, several num-
bers which met with unusual tokens of
warm appreciation from a critical audi-
ence. It must have been gratifying to
Messrs. Wheelock and de Macchi to hear, on
all sides, after the concert, the unqualified
praise of auditors bestowed on the tone
and power of the concert grand used on
this occasion.
The recent statement of the Smith &
Nixon assignee shows receipts amounting
to $97,011.04; disbursements, $54,194.92,
balance on hand, $42,817.12.
Highest Grade Pianofortes
(WREST-PIN AND STRINGER SYSTEMS.)
LISZT, CHURCH, CHAPEL and PARLOR
ORGANS.
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