Music Trade Review
Issue: 1907 Vol. 44 N. 6 - Page 4
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
THE
MIMIC TRADE
EDWRAD LYMAN BILL, - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorlal Staff:
Quo. B. KILLXR.
W. N. TTLEH.
F. H. THOMPSON.
BMILIB FBANCXB BAUD*.
L. B. BOWERS. B. BBITTAIN WILSON, W B . B. WHITB. L. J. CHAMBBRLIN. A. J. N I C I L I N .
BOSTON OFFICE:
CHICAGO OFFICE:
B. P. TAN HARLINQBN, 195-197 Wabasb Ate.
TEUCFHONES : Central 414 ; Automatic 8643
MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL :
ST. LOUIS :
L. WAITT, 278A Tremont St.
PHILADELPHIA :
R. W. KAUITMAN.
A. W. SHAW.
CHAS. N. VAN BURSN.
SAN FRANCISCO: S. II. GRAY, 2407 Sacramento St.
CINCINNATI. O.: NINA PUCIH-SMITH.
BALTIMORE, MD.: PAUL T. LOCKWOOD.
LONDON, ENGLAND:
69 Basinghall St., E. C.
W. Lionel Sturdy, Manager.
Published Every Saturday at 1 Madison Avenue, New York.
Entered at the New York Post Office ms Second Class Matter.
SUBSCRIPTION,(Including postage), United States, Mexico, and Canada, $2.00 per
year; all other countries, $4.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $ 2.00 per Inch, single column, per Insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount Is allowed. Advertising Pages, $60.00; opposite
reading matter, $76.00.
REMITTANCES, In other than currency form, should be made payable to Bdward
Lyman BID.
Directory ol PIsmo The directory of piano manufacturing firms and corporation*
"
~ ~
found on another page will be of great value, as a reference
MsBntactnrers
f o r Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Wand Prict
Paris Exposition, 1900
Silver MedoI.CharleBton Exposition, 1902
.Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal..St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Afedal.Lewls-Clark Exposition, 1905
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE—NUMBER 174S GRAMERCY
Cable a d d r e s s : "Elblll New York."
NEW
YORK, FEBRUARY 9, 1907
EDITORIAL
S
OME surprise has been manifested at the number of pianos
which have been sold in agricultural communities during the
past twelve months. When we analyze the tremendous receipts
from farm lands we do not wonder at the purchasing power of the
farmers. They are enabled to adopt a mode of living which was
impossible from the meager profits of the farms of years ago.
The farmer should not demur at paying a few dollars more for
pianos when we consider how his lands have increased in value dur-
ing the past few years. Piano dealers who are asking more for
their pianos can find some good arguments to use from the follow-
ing facts which are the result of an inquiry conducted by George K.
Holmes, the expert statistician of the Division of Foreign Markets
in the Agricultural Department, on the subject of local conditions
affecting farm values throughout the United States, and which con-
tain some interesting points concerning the increase in value of
farm lands in this country during the past few years.
This inquiry was conducted by Mr. Holmes through corre-
spondence with 45,000 State, county and township crop correspon-
dents in the autumn of 1906, and the material collected is therefore
not only quite fresh, but it brings out expressions from persons who
are in position to know what the tendency of farm prices is in their
immediate locality. Comparison is made in this inquiry with the
reported farm values according to the census of 1900, and the general
results-brought out show that the value of farms, medium in quality,
with equipment and buildings, has increased about 33 per cent.
Mr. Holmes' inquiry discusses in detail the changes in farm
values, whether such changes are produced by improvements upon
or exterior to the farm. Consideration is also given to the changed
conditions of farm values in the Eastern States as the result of the
absorption of what are called "abandoned farms" by wealthy persons
acquiring such properties for summer residences. Consideration is
also given to the effect upon farm values by changes in methods of
agriculture, as well as in the nature of the operations on the farms.
T
HIS inquiry by Mr. Holmes' experts shows that the rates of in-
crease in farm values have been higher in the South and West
during the five-year period than in any other sections. This high
percentage is represented to be a 40 per cent, increase in farm
values in the South Central group of States, extending from Ken-
tucky and Tennessee through Oklahoma and Texas. The Western
group of States shows almost'the same increase, only a fraction of
1 per cent, lower, this group being all of the so-called Western
States. The third in the order of increased valuation is shown to be
the South Atlantic States from Delaware to Florida, in which group
a 36 per cent, increase in values is shown. The North Central
States showed an increase of 35 per cent., and in this list is incor-
porated all the North Atlantic and Middle States. It appears that
the cotton farms of the South show the highest rate of increase, 48
per cent., and the next in order come the hay and grain farms, with
an increase of 35 per cent., the livestock farms increasing 34 per
cent., farms devoted principally to sugar increasing 33 per cent., and
the tobacco farms increasing 32 per cent.
In discussing the aggregate increases in dollars and cents of
ten classes of farms, this inquiry shows that the grand aggregate of
increase of all classes of farms is more than $6,000,000,000, of which
more than two-thirds is contributed by the increased values of hay
and grain farms and those devoted to livestock. The tobacco farms
increased $57,000,000; fruit farms, $94,000,000; vegetable farms,
$113,000,000; dairy farms, $369,000,000 and the cotton farms, $46,-
000,000. The farms devoted to general purposes, including a small
number of minor specialties, show an increase of $768,000,000.
When we consider this amazing total and what it means to the
individual farmer, surely he cannot object to paying more for
musical instruments when his own values have advanced at such a
surprising pace.
R
ECENT articles which have appeared in The Review relative
to the possibilities of a growing trade with Japan in the
musical line have awakened considerable interest.
Our correspondent in Japan, who has made a careful study of
the situation, does not view the Japanese in a favorable light, and
he figures that if America continues to permit the Japanese coolies
to come to this country, while excluding the Chinese coolies, we will
have a problem on our hands that will be difficult to solve peacefully
in years to come.
He states that the Japanese are quick to catch everything as
soon as it is out from the American Patent Office and immediately
get a patent for it in Japan.
N
AMES and trade marks which are valuable assets in this coun-
try have been copyrighted in Japan, so that when the rightful
owners attempt to carry on business there they find that their names
and trade marks have been appropriated by others, and that they
really have no protection under the Government.
You don't have to go as far as Japan, either, to find a like con-
dition of affairs existing regarding the use of trade marks, because
down in the alleged Republic of Cuba the rightful owner of a trade
mark is afforded no protection under Cuban laws. The names which
constitute a splendid asset are copyrighted by some local merchant,
and to his amazement the manufacturer finds that a spurious article
has been put out under the guise of his name which means so much
in America.
All of- these matters are of growing importance, as the trade
of the world is being brought into closer relationship all the time.
G
ENERAL business is improving, and piano men all along the
line are expressing satisfaction. A noticeable increase in the
volume of business since the first of the month is generally reported.
Such comparisons as can readily be made would go to show that
trade is rather better than at this time last year. Manufacturers are
receiving new orders of considerable importance. This is taken as
an encouraging sign, in view of the heavy buying which was done
throughout the fall, and would tend to support the view that dealers
at least have not over-bought. Further support for this opinion is
found in the continued shortage of stock in some localities, with
resulting difficulty in securing needed deliveries. Careful inquiry
fails to develop evidence that stocks of retail merchants are much
above the normal, although they have undoubtedly been led to pur-
chase freely, both by difficulty recently experienced in getting goods
on short notice and by the promise of an exceptional spring trade.
In the iron and steel trade prices on all finished products are dis-
tinctly firm at the level to which they have attained, and the advances
are still announced from time to time in different quarters of the
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
THE
MIMIC TRADE
EDWRAD LYMAN BILL, - Editor and Proprietor
J. B. SPILLANE, Managing Editor
Executive and Reportorlal Staff:
Quo. B. KILLXR.
W. N. TTLEH.
F. H. THOMPSON.
BMILIB FBANCXB BAUD*.
L. B. BOWERS. B. BBITTAIN WILSON, W B . B. WHITB. L. J. CHAMBBRLIN. A. J. N I C I L I N .
BOSTON OFFICE:
CHICAGO OFFICE:
B. P. TAN HARLINQBN, 195-197 Wabasb Ate.
TEUCFHONES : Central 414 ; Automatic 8643
MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL :
ST. LOUIS :
L. WAITT, 278A Tremont St.
PHILADELPHIA :
R. W. KAUITMAN.
A. W. SHAW.
CHAS. N. VAN BURSN.
SAN FRANCISCO: S. II. GRAY, 2407 Sacramento St.
CINCINNATI. O.: NINA PUCIH-SMITH.
BALTIMORE, MD.: PAUL T. LOCKWOOD.
LONDON, ENGLAND:
69 Basinghall St., E. C.
W. Lionel Sturdy, Manager.
Published Every Saturday at 1 Madison Avenue, New York.
Entered at the New York Post Office ms Second Class Matter.
SUBSCRIPTION,(Including postage), United States, Mexico, and Canada, $2.00 per
year; all other countries, $4.00.
ADVERTISEMENTS, $ 2.00 per Inch, single column, per Insertion. On quarterly or
yearly contracts a special discount Is allowed. Advertising Pages, $60.00; opposite
reading matter, $76.00.
REMITTANCES, In other than currency form, should be made payable to Bdward
Lyman BID.
Directory ol PIsmo The directory of piano manufacturing firms and corporation*
"
~ ~
found on another page will be of great value, as a reference
MsBntactnrers
f o r Exposition Honors Won by The Review
Wand Prict
Paris Exposition, 1900
Silver MedoI.CharleBton Exposition, 1902
.Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Gold Medal..St. Louis Exposition, 1904
Gold Afedal.Lewls-Clark Exposition, 1905
LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE—NUMBER 174S GRAMERCY
Cable a d d r e s s : "Elblll New York."
NEW
YORK, FEBRUARY 9, 1907
EDITORIAL
S
OME surprise has been manifested at the number of pianos
which have been sold in agricultural communities during the
past twelve months. When we analyze the tremendous receipts
from farm lands we do not wonder at the purchasing power of the
farmers. They are enabled to adopt a mode of living which was
impossible from the meager profits of the farms of years ago.
The farmer should not demur at paying a few dollars more for
pianos when we consider how his lands have increased in value dur-
ing the past few years. Piano dealers who are asking more for
their pianos can find some good arguments to use from the follow-
ing facts which are the result of an inquiry conducted by George K.
Holmes, the expert statistician of the Division of Foreign Markets
in the Agricultural Department, on the subject of local conditions
affecting farm values throughout the United States, and which con-
tain some interesting points concerning the increase in value of
farm lands in this country during the past few years.
This inquiry was conducted by Mr. Holmes through corre-
spondence with 45,000 State, county and township crop correspon-
dents in the autumn of 1906, and the material collected is therefore
not only quite fresh, but it brings out expressions from persons who
are in position to know what the tendency of farm prices is in their
immediate locality. Comparison is made in this inquiry with the
reported farm values according to the census of 1900, and the general
results-brought out show that the value of farms, medium in quality,
with equipment and buildings, has increased about 33 per cent.
Mr. Holmes' inquiry discusses in detail the changes in farm
values, whether such changes are produced by improvements upon
or exterior to the farm. Consideration is also given to the changed
conditions of farm values in the Eastern States as the result of the
absorption of what are called "abandoned farms" by wealthy persons
acquiring such properties for summer residences. Consideration is
also given to the effect upon farm values by changes in methods of
agriculture, as well as in the nature of the operations on the farms.
T
HIS inquiry by Mr. Holmes' experts shows that the rates of in-
crease in farm values have been higher in the South and West
during the five-year period than in any other sections. This high
percentage is represented to be a 40 per cent, increase in farm
values in the South Central group of States, extending from Ken-
tucky and Tennessee through Oklahoma and Texas. The Western
group of States shows almost'the same increase, only a fraction of
1 per cent, lower, this group being all of the so-called Western
States. The third in the order of increased valuation is shown to be
the South Atlantic States from Delaware to Florida, in which group
a 36 per cent, increase in values is shown. The North Central
States showed an increase of 35 per cent., and in this list is incor-
porated all the North Atlantic and Middle States. It appears that
the cotton farms of the South show the highest rate of increase, 48
per cent., and the next in order come the hay and grain farms, with
an increase of 35 per cent., the livestock farms increasing 34 per
cent., farms devoted principally to sugar increasing 33 per cent., and
the tobacco farms increasing 32 per cent.
In discussing the aggregate increases in dollars and cents of
ten classes of farms, this inquiry shows that the grand aggregate of
increase of all classes of farms is more than $6,000,000,000, of which
more than two-thirds is contributed by the increased values of hay
and grain farms and those devoted to livestock. The tobacco farms
increased $57,000,000; fruit farms, $94,000,000; vegetable farms,
$113,000,000; dairy farms, $369,000,000 and the cotton farms, $46,-
000,000. The farms devoted to general purposes, including a small
number of minor specialties, show an increase of $768,000,000.
When we consider this amazing total and what it means to the
individual farmer, surely he cannot object to paying more for
musical instruments when his own values have advanced at such a
surprising pace.
R
ECENT articles which have appeared in The Review relative
to the possibilities of a growing trade with Japan in the
musical line have awakened considerable interest.
Our correspondent in Japan, who has made a careful study of
the situation, does not view the Japanese in a favorable light, and
he figures that if America continues to permit the Japanese coolies
to come to this country, while excluding the Chinese coolies, we will
have a problem on our hands that will be difficult to solve peacefully
in years to come.
He states that the Japanese are quick to catch everything as
soon as it is out from the American Patent Office and immediately
get a patent for it in Japan.
N
AMES and trade marks which are valuable assets in this coun-
try have been copyrighted in Japan, so that when the rightful
owners attempt to carry on business there they find that their names
and trade marks have been appropriated by others, and that they
really have no protection under the Government.
You don't have to go as far as Japan, either, to find a like con-
dition of affairs existing regarding the use of trade marks, because
down in the alleged Republic of Cuba the rightful owner of a trade
mark is afforded no protection under Cuban laws. The names which
constitute a splendid asset are copyrighted by some local merchant,
and to his amazement the manufacturer finds that a spurious article
has been put out under the guise of his name which means so much
in America.
All of- these matters are of growing importance, as the trade
of the world is being brought into closer relationship all the time.
G
ENERAL business is improving, and piano men all along the
line are expressing satisfaction. A noticeable increase in the
volume of business since the first of the month is generally reported.
Such comparisons as can readily be made would go to show that
trade is rather better than at this time last year. Manufacturers are
receiving new orders of considerable importance. This is taken as
an encouraging sign, in view of the heavy buying which was done
throughout the fall, and would tend to support the view that dealers
at least have not over-bought. Further support for this opinion is
found in the continued shortage of stock in some localities, with
resulting difficulty in securing needed deliveries. Careful inquiry
fails to develop evidence that stocks of retail merchants are much
above the normal, although they have undoubtedly been led to pur-
chase freely, both by difficulty recently experienced in getting goods
on short notice and by the promise of an exceptional spring trade.
In the iron and steel trade prices on all finished products are dis-
tinctly firm at the level to which they have attained, and the advances
are still announced from time to time in different quarters of the
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).