Music Trade Review

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38
THE: MUSIC TRADE:
REVIEW
In tKe World of Music Publishing
PUBLISHERS ON THE WARPATH
Against Pirates—Optimistic Over Fall Trade—
The Situation Reviewed in Detail.
No one is boasting of a superabundance of busi-
ness; in fact, the past season has been disappoint-
ing from several points of consideration; but the
future still continues to be a brilliant one if the
reports from all sources may be given credence.
It is now understood why prices were so demoral-
ized, and possibly ihe publishers most largely in-
terested in maintaining a reputable business on a
paying basis will take steps to eradicate the evils
now infesting the trade. True also is the fact
that publishers who have been as far apart as
the poles on questions of vital interest to each
other's welfare are waking up to the necessities
of the hour, an awakening brought about by
threats of a common danger. Therefore, the com-
ing season may usher in reforms in the line of
popular music publishing that are bound to be
beneficial, not only to those directly responsible
for inaugurating the changes, but the legitimate,
recognized dealer as well.
Publishers devoted to the better class of music
speak enthusiastically of approaching fall trade,
and believe a greater volume of business will be
transacted than ever before. To be sure, houses
in this classification are not greatly troubled
about prices, for their figures are like the laws
of the Medes and Persians, consequently they
dwell on this factor of their merchandizing light-
ly. At the same tim<; they handle no small
quantity of the popular compositions, and the
disturbance created by cut prices also affects
them, hence they view with no little satisfaction
the new light appearing on the horizon of pub-
lishers specializing the production of popular
compositions. Not only do they applaud the ef-
forts of the latter to extricate themselves from
what is considered almost a slough of despond,
but are extending substantial aid and comfort.
Discussing conditions with The Review this
week a publisher of keen perceptions said: "You
know August is a slow month for selling, but a
busy one with the professionals who are fixing up
their repertoires and rehearsing. In this depart-
ment the publishers report unusual activity,
for the impending theatrical season promises to
be brilliant, especially in the presentation of mu-
sical comedies, light operas, and this means a
liberal supply of ballads, topical, waltz and story
songs, not to mention stirring instrumentals.
Prices also promise to be more uniform and sat-
isfactory; in short, while current business is
quiet, trade is looking good, with everything be-
fore us inviting."
MUCH INTEREST DISPLAYED.
In the Suits for Alleged Piracy Which W i l l
Come Up for Consideration in the Tombs
Police Court Next Tuesday.
The arrest of Garrett J. Couchois Tuesday week
for alleged implication in pirating copyrighted
music, created a sensation in publishing and job-
bing circles. He was apprehended in the office of
P. J. Howley, Inc., 41 West 28th street, New
York, and after spending about 24 hours in
prison, was released on bail, Mr. Howley becom-
ing his bondsman. He will have a hearing in the
Tombs Police Court on Tuesday. Louis Eggers,
proprietor of the Calumet Press, charged with
printing the pirated music, who was arrested on
the same day, will be examined at the same time.
Couchois was at one time connected with the
W. W. Kimball Co., piano manufacturers of Chi-
cago, and later was associated with Sol. Bloom,
in the same city, before coming to New York. He
is considered an accomplished musician and a
composer of no mean pretensions, and is one of
the best-known figures on the "street." For a
long time the accused has been under surveil- CONCERNING WITMARK PUBLICATIONS
lance, every step being watched and reported. His
The music programme of the Highland Hotel,
arrest was precipitated by the premature pub-
lication in a "boulevard sheet" of a few lines, in Delavan Lake, Wis., where H. C. Eierdam is or-
which this action was predicted. Those interest- chestral director, includes the following Witmark
ed were thrown into consternation by what they publications: "The Star," medley overture,
believed would serve as a warning notice, and O'Hare; "Sultan of Sulu," selection, Wathall;
when Couchois failed to appear in his accustomed "Prince of Pilsen," selection, Ludere; "When
haunts the Monday following, where officers were Johnny Comes Marching Home," selection, Ed-
waiting to :?erve their warrant, Attorney Burkan wards; "Hoity Toity," selection, Stromberg;
and his clients were in despair, thinking all their "King Dodo," selection, and "Woodland,' selec-
hard work and vigilant watching had been for tion, Luders! "Yankee Consul,' selection, Robyn;
naught. On the preceding Saturday several of "It Happened in Nordland," selection, Herbert;
their detectives, who were "shadowing" Couchois "Mouse and the Clock," Whitney; "Cecilia,"
in Rutherford, N. J., his home, were arrested by Kleim; "Little Fawn," Rosenbaum; "In a Pa-
the local police under a misapprehension. When goda." Bratton; "Luzon," Ellsworth; "Punchi-
their mission was explained they were released nello," Herbert; "Araby," Al. .Johns; "Mexican
at once; but a-Passaic (N. J.) evening paper had Beauties," Langey; "An Odd Number," Davis;
"scooped the story/' nevertheless, printing it with "Ky-isses," O'Hare; "Laces and Graces," Bratton;
a "scare" head on the front page, but before it "Windmill," Mann; "Hyacinth," Hatch, and "Cap-
had been generally circulated the entire edition tain Cupid," Bratton.
was bought up, and in time to suppress the infor-
mation effectually.
JEROME H. REMICK & CO.'S WINNERS.
Counselor Burkan, the attorney for the pub-
lishers, who will be remembered also by the
George Ovey and Louise Horner, late features
trade for his victory in securing a verdict of with "More to be Pitied Than Scorned" company,
$5,000 for libel of Victor Herbert, by the are singing with great success "Bright Eyes,
Musical Courier Co., in speaking of Couchois' Good-bye."
and Eggers' arrest, said to The Review this week:
The Nichols sisters, one of the best singing
"We have been on the track of these fellows for character acts in vaudeville, will feature "Birds
six weeks, and it has involved an enormous of a Feather Flock Together," which they speak
amount of exhausting work and the closest vigi- of as the king coon song of the continent.
lance, and when they were finally arraigned in
lla Grannon has made a terrific hit in vaude-
court we all breathed a sigh of relief, not to men- ville singing "Bright Eyes, Good-bye" and "My
tion our feelings of satisfaction.
Hindoo Man."
"The indictments are drawn under the Penal
Blanche Ring continues to feature "My Irish
Code of the State of New York, sections 304, 3G5 Molly O," the only worthy successor to "Bedelia,"
and 36G. Paragraph fi of section 364 is particu- by Jerome & Schwartz.
larly pertinent, for it says:
" 'A person who knowingly sells, offers or ex-
SELLS QUICK AND EASY
poses for sale any goods which are represented
in any manner, by word or deed, to be the manu-
facture or product of any person or firm or cor-
poration other than himself, unless such goods
are contained in the original packages and un-
Sentimental
der the labels, marks or names placed thereon
Ballad
by the manufacturer who is entitled to use such
marks, names, brands or trade-marks, is guilty
Sample Copies - Ten Cents
of a misdemeanor.
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"The punishment for a misdemeanor of this
character," continued Mr. Burkan, "is one year
THE MOORE MUSIC CO., Inc.
in the penitentiary or $500 fine, or both, within
1345 Broadway, New York City
the discretion of the Court. But our procedure
under the Penal Code does not deprive us of tho
right to sue civilly also, and this means damages
of no small amount. Special Deputy Assistant
JEROME H. REH1CK & CO.
District Attorney Gray, who has been assigned
ANNOUNCE
by District Attorney Jerome, in charge of the case
"MY IRISH MOLLY O"
for the prosecution, is aiding us to the full ex-
BY JEROHE & SCHWARTZ
tent of his power, and that is not inconsiderable,
The terrific hit in "Sergeant Brue," sung
as subsequent events will prove."
by Blanche Ring, and other big hits by Je-
STERN ACQUIRES SUTTON CATALOGUE.
rome & Schwartz.
, Joseph W. Stern & Co. have acquired the sole
JEROriE H. REHICK & CO.
selling agency for the United States and Canada
DETROIT and CHICAGO.
of the Sutton catalogue, until recently controlled
45 West 28th Street,
-
NEW YORK
by Harry O. Sutton, who is now associated with
Joseph W. Stern & Co., in their professional de-
partment. The catalogue includes several excel-
lent son^s and instrumental numbers, among
GREAT SUMMER HIT!!
which may be mentioned a charming waltz song
" M E E T ME DOWN AT LUNA, L E N A "
entitled "Rosie Magee," and a characteristic com-
Biggest Season Song on the Market ! Get it!
position entitled "Cotton Pickers' Rag." Jean
" D O DROP IN AT DEW-DROP I N N "
Lenox and Mr. Sutton have contracted to write
Charming Waltz Song! A Hit!
with the firm exclusively for a number of years.
"BUSTER BROWN"
In his latest effort, "When the Bell in the
Cartoon Song. Hit in "Buster Brown" Pro-
Lighthouse Rings," Alfred Solman has demon-
duction.
strated that he is a master in the art of writing
"AIN'T ANYBODY EVER COIN' TO B U Y "
a bass song. The new song is being featured
Latest Coon Song and a Winner!
with great success by Gus Reed, the famous bass
ADDRESS ALL ORDERS TO
singer with the Primrose Minstrels, and it gives
THEATRICAL
MUSIC SUPPLY CO.
every indication of being an immense hit. It
44 West 28th Street, New York
is published by Joseph W. Stern & Co.
SWEETHEARTS
FOREVER