Music Trade Review
Issue: 1912 Vol. 54 N. 24 - Page 42
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
42
THE
WILL NOT ATTEND CONVENTION.
Officers of Edison Co. Give Reasons for This
Action in Communication to Secretary Roush
Charging That His Activity for Proxies Is
Inconsistent with Association Usefulness—
Mr. Roush Says Act Was a Personal One.
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW6
effort whatever to influence the nomination or election of
any person to any office in the association.
Our letter to Mr. Roush states our convictions in the
matter, and it is probahly not necessary to make any addi-
tional comment.
Our attitude towards the jobbing trade and its individual
members will, of course, remain unaffected by the position
we have felt it necessary to take in regard to Mr. Roush's
methods of conducting the affairs of the association.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) C. H. WILSON, General Manager.
This week talking machine jobbers throughout
The letter written by Mr. Roush and referred to
the country received a communication from C. H.
Wilson, general manager of Thos. A. Edison, Inc., by Mr. Wilson in the foregoing communication to
to the effect that he, as well as Mr. Edison, Mr. jobbers is as follows:
May- 24, 1912.
Dyer and the other officials of the corporation had
Dear Sir—For just about three minutes I want your un-
officially declined the invitations to attend the an- divided attention about a ma'.ter that is vitally personal to
nual convention of the National Association of
both you and me.
On mighty good authority I understand that the Edison
Talking Machine Jobbers at Atlantic City on July
1 and 2. The reasons leading up to this decision Company propose using every effort to elect an entire
Edison ticket at our coming convention—a ticket that
are to be found in the following letter addressed would be wholly prejudiced in favcr of the Edison line.
to J. C. Roush, under date of June 4:
You will recall that for the last two or more years we
ORANGE, N. J., June 4, 1912.
Mr. J. C. Roush, Secretary National Association of Talking
Machine Jobbers, Pittsburgh, Pa.:
Dear Sir—With reference to the invitations extended to
Messrs. Edison and Dyer and other officials of this com-
pany to attend the annual convention of Talking Machine
Jobbers, at Atlantic City, on July 1 a i d 2. let us say that
we cannot consistently accept such invitations and they
are therefore declined.
It has come to our knowledge that you have been con-
ducting a campaign for proxies and that you have invoked
support for the alleged reason that this company, to quote
your language, "purposes using every effort to elect an
entire Edison ticket * * * a ticket that would be
wholly prejudiced in favor of the Edison line."
You state in your letter to jobbers on this subject that
you understand this "on mighty good authority." We
challenge you to cite that authority.
We also challenge
you to name the source and character of any information
you may have which tends to support your statement con-
cerning the attitude of this company in .this matter.
It is untrue that we have used or proposed to use, or
ever had any intention of using any effort whatever to.
influence the nomination or election of any candidate for
any office within the gift of the association.
Your aforesaid letter also contains the following state-
ment :
"As our interest (meaning the interest of yourself and
those to whom your letter was addressed) are 95 per cent.
Victor, it would be—to say the least—very foolish for us
to allow the Edison faction to secure control of the asso-
ciation, etc."
Are we to understand that your conception of the Na-
tional Talking Machine Jobbers' Association is that it
must be the tool of one of the talking machine manufac-
turers, and that your duty as secretary is to make the
association the tool of the manufacturer, with whom, as
you say 95 per cent, of your interests lie? If such is your
conception of your duty, and if such ideas are shared by
a majority of the association members, we feel that the
usefulness of the association to its members is at an end.
We hope that the National Association of Talking Ma-
chine Jobbers will not become subservient to any manu-
facturer, and that it will continue to serve and promote
the interests of its members in an impartial and intelli-
gent manner.
However, if your methods are to be en-
dorsed by the association, we do not feel that any good
purpose would be served by the continuance of past rela-
tions between that association and this company.
We understand that the ticket for which you have been
seeking proxies was announced by you as having been
selected by the Executive Committee of the association.
We have seen a letter from a prominent member of the
Executive Committee in which he states that the com-
mittee has not to his knowledge suggested the names of
any candidates to be elected at the annual convention.
We trust that the foregoing letter makes our position
plain and with that belief are sending a copy of it to each
member of the association. Very truly yours,
(Signed) C. H. WILSON. General Manager.
In addition to the foregoing Mr. Wilson sent the
following letter to the entire jobbing trade, so that
they may more fully understand the position of
his company.
June 4, 1912.
Gentlemen—You may perhaps be interested to learn that
we have decided not to attend the annual convention of the
National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers at At-
lantic City next month.
Our reasons for this decision are set forth in our letter
of to-day to Mr. J. C. Roush, secretary of such association.
A copy of that letter is enclosed herewith. We also enclose
copy of a letter sent out by Mr. Roush to various jobbers
seeking their proxies in behalf of a ticket purporting to
have been selected by the Executive Committee.
In support of this ticket Mr. Roush asserts that this
company will seek the election of what he calls an "Edison
ticket." We have never had any intention of making any
mentioned ticket had and has the approval of the majority
of the present Executive Committee.
Yours very truly,
J. C. ROUSH,
Secretary.
ANNUAL BLACKMAN OUTING.
Employes of the Blackman Talking Machine
Co. Taken to Coney Island and Entertained
as the Guests of the Company—Annual
Distribution of Bonuses Under the Profit
Sharing Plan.
The annual outing which the Blackman Talking
Machine Co. gives to its employes was held last
Saturday afternoon, Coney Island being chosen as
the place where the proper amount of real pleas-
ure was to be found. In addition to J. Newcomb
Blackman, president of the company, -and R. G.
Caldwell, vice-president, both with their families,
there were twenty-seven of the employes includ-
ing the wives of several of the men, and the
have had absolutely NO Edison concessions granted our
party
had the appearance of a large and happy
association, every concession in all that time coming from
family group rather than that of the members
the Victor Company.
As our interests are 95 per cent. Victor, it would be—to
of a business organization on an outing.
say the least—very foolish for us to allow the Edison fac-
Upon landing at Coney Island, Luna Park was
tion to secure control of the association and the movement
first
visited and after several hours spent pleasant-
should be nipped in the bud!
Therefore, even though you intend being at the con- ly in that resort the party adjourned to Steeple-
vention I want you to sign and send to me at once the
chase Park to indulge in the variety of slides ana
ENCLOSED PROXY FOR THE ELECTION OF OFFI-
other amusement devices offered there.
CERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE only.
The annual dinner, rather an elaborate affair,
r "ave the rest to me.
was held at the Jefferson, one of the most popu-
This is of the utmost importance.
lar restaurants on the Island and after the menu
Don't lav this down and forget it.
Sign it NOW and drop it in the mail NOWI
had been discussed Mr. Blackman addressed the
With thanks and warmest regards, your sincere,
employes in a personal and pleasing vein and of-
(Signed) J. C. ROUSH, of Pittsburgh.
fered some excellent business philosophy for their
consideration. At the close of his remarks Mr.
MR. ROUSH'S REPLY.
Blackman distributed the bonuses to those en-
titled to share in the profits of the company
J. C. Roush, secretary of the National Associa- • for the past year, which included all those who
tion of Talking Machine Jobbers, explains his atti-
had remained in the employ of the company for
tude in the following communication sent to Carl
a year. There were twelve there to receive the
H. Wilson, general manager, of Thos. A. Edison,
well filled envelopes. Following the dinner and
Inc.:
the division of the profits, the party attended an
Pittsburgh, Pa.. Tune 11, 1912.
excellent vaudeville show at the New Brighton
Mr. CARL H. WILSON, General Manager Thos. A. Edison,
Theater, which provided a fitting close for a most
Inc., Orance, N. J.
Dear Sir:—The writer regrets that his personal political
enjoyable afternoon.
activity has prompted you and your associates to decline the
invitation of the National Association of Talking Machine
Jobbers to attend their sixth annual convention.
The letter which you refer to as having suggested the
necessity of taking this step, you will, I believe, upon fur-
ther consideration, grant was a personal act. and not an
official one, clearly indicated by the fact that same was
transmitted on my own personal stationery, unattended by
any official signature, and was addressed only to cash dis-
tributers whose interests as stated, were 95 per cent. Vic-
tor, or close to same.
The writer, in accepting the office of secretary of the
National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers, had no
intention of relinquishing his rights as an individual, nor
sacrifice those interests with which his past, and what he
believes his future success lies.
Even had I, as secretary of this organisation, endeavored
to secure representation favorable to the company with
whose interests my own interests and those of the maioritv
of the members of the association are allied, I believe I
should not have committed an indiscretion by such an act,
as the company who has, in most instances, acted favor-
ably upon the suggestions of the association and who are
at the present time m.iinly supporting the industry, are cer-
tainly entitled to our greatest consideration.
Regarding the interest evinced bv the members of your
company and your challenge that I present proofs to sub-
stantiate mv statement. I rrust, with the fame grace that
you have declined the invitation of the National Association,
refuse to betray the confidence of those from whom this in-
formation was secured.
I can only repeat that this in-
formation was received from what I believe was an au-
thentic source; and acting upon this belief, I believe it will
be granted by'you, my right to assist in the election of
such offecers in whose fairness and integrity I feel the
greatest confidence, and whom I believe will maintain
friendly relations with the manufacturer to whose support
I must look for my business success.
Thp- entire association has been maintained, a s far as my
knowledge of its workings arp concerned, to the benefit of
all its members.
While seeking, diplomatically such con-
cessions as we believe for the best interests of the industry
it has never become subservient to the manufacturers nor
does n intend doing so.
'
The writer as an individual shall not attempt to force
upon you an individual which is apparently undesirable but
as the secretarv of the association, I can assure you and
the members of your company a most cordial reception at
our convention.
The paragraph pertaining to the act of the Executive
Committee in suggesting a ticket for nomination at the
next election has no bearinsr on the matter under discussion
but tor your information, I beg to advise you that the above
CONVENIENT COLUMBIA CATALOG.
The Columbia Phonograph Co., General, New
York, has mailed to the trade a copy of its latest
issue of the numerical catalog of double and sin-
gle disc records. It is convenient for the deal-
ers, as it serves as a means of ready referencs
for the use of salesmen and in ordering stock. It
includes all Columbia disc records listed up to
and including the June, 1912, supplement. The
records in this catalog are indexed by series, be-
ginning with A, being arranged in consecutive
numerical order. In the center of the book are
several blank pages left for the purpose of pasting
in lists, numerically arranged, covering monthly
additions to the catalog, which will be issued quar-
terly.
THE TALKING
MACHINE WORLD
Containsallthe news of the
talking
machine
trade
throughout the w o r l d —
the doings of manufactur-
ers, Jobbers and dealers.
A Business Essential
$1.00 the Year
Published monthly by
EDWARD LYMAN BILL
1 Madlssn Avanu*
NEW YORK
42
THE
WILL NOT ATTEND CONVENTION.
Officers of Edison Co. Give Reasons for This
Action in Communication to Secretary Roush
Charging That His Activity for Proxies Is
Inconsistent with Association Usefulness—
Mr. Roush Says Act Was a Personal One.
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW6
effort whatever to influence the nomination or election of
any person to any office in the association.
Our letter to Mr. Roush states our convictions in the
matter, and it is probahly not necessary to make any addi-
tional comment.
Our attitude towards the jobbing trade and its individual
members will, of course, remain unaffected by the position
we have felt it necessary to take in regard to Mr. Roush's
methods of conducting the affairs of the association.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) C. H. WILSON, General Manager.
This week talking machine jobbers throughout
The letter written by Mr. Roush and referred to
the country received a communication from C. H.
Wilson, general manager of Thos. A. Edison, Inc., by Mr. Wilson in the foregoing communication to
to the effect that he, as well as Mr. Edison, Mr. jobbers is as follows:
May- 24, 1912.
Dyer and the other officials of the corporation had
Dear Sir—For just about three minutes I want your un-
officially declined the invitations to attend the an- divided attention about a ma'.ter that is vitally personal to
nual convention of the National Association of
both you and me.
On mighty good authority I understand that the Edison
Talking Machine Jobbers at Atlantic City on July
1 and 2. The reasons leading up to this decision Company propose using every effort to elect an entire
Edison ticket at our coming convention—a ticket that
are to be found in the following letter addressed would be wholly prejudiced in favcr of the Edison line.
to J. C. Roush, under date of June 4:
You will recall that for the last two or more years we
ORANGE, N. J., June 4, 1912.
Mr. J. C. Roush, Secretary National Association of Talking
Machine Jobbers, Pittsburgh, Pa.:
Dear Sir—With reference to the invitations extended to
Messrs. Edison and Dyer and other officials of this com-
pany to attend the annual convention of Talking Machine
Jobbers, at Atlantic City, on July 1 a i d 2. let us say that
we cannot consistently accept such invitations and they
are therefore declined.
It has come to our knowledge that you have been con-
ducting a campaign for proxies and that you have invoked
support for the alleged reason that this company, to quote
your language, "purposes using every effort to elect an
entire Edison ticket * * * a ticket that would be
wholly prejudiced in favor of the Edison line."
You state in your letter to jobbers on this subject that
you understand this "on mighty good authority." We
challenge you to cite that authority.
We also challenge
you to name the source and character of any information
you may have which tends to support your statement con-
cerning the attitude of this company in .this matter.
It is untrue that we have used or proposed to use, or
ever had any intention of using any effort whatever to.
influence the nomination or election of any candidate for
any office within the gift of the association.
Your aforesaid letter also contains the following state-
ment :
"As our interest (meaning the interest of yourself and
those to whom your letter was addressed) are 95 per cent.
Victor, it would be—to say the least—very foolish for us
to allow the Edison faction to secure control of the asso-
ciation, etc."
Are we to understand that your conception of the Na-
tional Talking Machine Jobbers' Association is that it
must be the tool of one of the talking machine manufac-
turers, and that your duty as secretary is to make the
association the tool of the manufacturer, with whom, as
you say 95 per cent, of your interests lie? If such is your
conception of your duty, and if such ideas are shared by
a majority of the association members, we feel that the
usefulness of the association to its members is at an end.
We hope that the National Association of Talking Ma-
chine Jobbers will not become subservient to any manu-
facturer, and that it will continue to serve and promote
the interests of its members in an impartial and intelli-
gent manner.
However, if your methods are to be en-
dorsed by the association, we do not feel that any good
purpose would be served by the continuance of past rela-
tions between that association and this company.
We understand that the ticket for which you have been
seeking proxies was announced by you as having been
selected by the Executive Committee of the association.
We have seen a letter from a prominent member of the
Executive Committee in which he states that the com-
mittee has not to his knowledge suggested the names of
any candidates to be elected at the annual convention.
We trust that the foregoing letter makes our position
plain and with that belief are sending a copy of it to each
member of the association. Very truly yours,
(Signed) C. H. WILSON. General Manager.
In addition to the foregoing Mr. Wilson sent the
following letter to the entire jobbing trade, so that
they may more fully understand the position of
his company.
June 4, 1912.
Gentlemen—You may perhaps be interested to learn that
we have decided not to attend the annual convention of the
National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers at At-
lantic City next month.
Our reasons for this decision are set forth in our letter
of to-day to Mr. J. C. Roush, secretary of such association.
A copy of that letter is enclosed herewith. We also enclose
copy of a letter sent out by Mr. Roush to various jobbers
seeking their proxies in behalf of a ticket purporting to
have been selected by the Executive Committee.
In support of this ticket Mr. Roush asserts that this
company will seek the election of what he calls an "Edison
ticket." We have never had any intention of making any
mentioned ticket had and has the approval of the majority
of the present Executive Committee.
Yours very truly,
J. C. ROUSH,
Secretary.
ANNUAL BLACKMAN OUTING.
Employes of the Blackman Talking Machine
Co. Taken to Coney Island and Entertained
as the Guests of the Company—Annual
Distribution of Bonuses Under the Profit
Sharing Plan.
The annual outing which the Blackman Talking
Machine Co. gives to its employes was held last
Saturday afternoon, Coney Island being chosen as
the place where the proper amount of real pleas-
ure was to be found. In addition to J. Newcomb
Blackman, president of the company, -and R. G.
Caldwell, vice-president, both with their families,
there were twenty-seven of the employes includ-
ing the wives of several of the men, and the
have had absolutely NO Edison concessions granted our
party
had the appearance of a large and happy
association, every concession in all that time coming from
family group rather than that of the members
the Victor Company.
As our interests are 95 per cent. Victor, it would be—to
of a business organization on an outing.
say the least—very foolish for us to allow the Edison fac-
Upon landing at Coney Island, Luna Park was
tion to secure control of the association and the movement
first
visited and after several hours spent pleasant-
should be nipped in the bud!
Therefore, even though you intend being at the con- ly in that resort the party adjourned to Steeple-
vention I want you to sign and send to me at once the
chase Park to indulge in the variety of slides ana
ENCLOSED PROXY FOR THE ELECTION OF OFFI-
other amusement devices offered there.
CERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE only.
The annual dinner, rather an elaborate affair,
r "ave the rest to me.
was held at the Jefferson, one of the most popu-
This is of the utmost importance.
lar restaurants on the Island and after the menu
Don't lav this down and forget it.
Sign it NOW and drop it in the mail NOWI
had been discussed Mr. Blackman addressed the
With thanks and warmest regards, your sincere,
employes in a personal and pleasing vein and of-
(Signed) J. C. ROUSH, of Pittsburgh.
fered some excellent business philosophy for their
consideration. At the close of his remarks Mr.
MR. ROUSH'S REPLY.
Blackman distributed the bonuses to those en-
titled to share in the profits of the company
J. C. Roush, secretary of the National Associa- • for the past year, which included all those who
tion of Talking Machine Jobbers, explains his atti-
had remained in the employ of the company for
tude in the following communication sent to Carl
a year. There were twelve there to receive the
H. Wilson, general manager, of Thos. A. Edison,
well filled envelopes. Following the dinner and
Inc.:
the division of the profits, the party attended an
Pittsburgh, Pa.. Tune 11, 1912.
excellent vaudeville show at the New Brighton
Mr. CARL H. WILSON, General Manager Thos. A. Edison,
Theater, which provided a fitting close for a most
Inc., Orance, N. J.
Dear Sir:—The writer regrets that his personal political
enjoyable afternoon.
activity has prompted you and your associates to decline the
invitation of the National Association of Talking Machine
Jobbers to attend their sixth annual convention.
The letter which you refer to as having suggested the
necessity of taking this step, you will, I believe, upon fur-
ther consideration, grant was a personal act. and not an
official one, clearly indicated by the fact that same was
transmitted on my own personal stationery, unattended by
any official signature, and was addressed only to cash dis-
tributers whose interests as stated, were 95 per cent. Vic-
tor, or close to same.
The writer, in accepting the office of secretary of the
National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers, had no
intention of relinquishing his rights as an individual, nor
sacrifice those interests with which his past, and what he
believes his future success lies.
Even had I, as secretary of this organisation, endeavored
to secure representation favorable to the company with
whose interests my own interests and those of the maioritv
of the members of the association are allied, I believe I
should not have committed an indiscretion by such an act,
as the company who has, in most instances, acted favor-
ably upon the suggestions of the association and who are
at the present time m.iinly supporting the industry, are cer-
tainly entitled to our greatest consideration.
Regarding the interest evinced bv the members of your
company and your challenge that I present proofs to sub-
stantiate mv statement. I rrust, with the fame grace that
you have declined the invitation of the National Association,
refuse to betray the confidence of those from whom this in-
formation was secured.
I can only repeat that this in-
formation was received from what I believe was an au-
thentic source; and acting upon this belief, I believe it will
be granted by'you, my right to assist in the election of
such offecers in whose fairness and integrity I feel the
greatest confidence, and whom I believe will maintain
friendly relations with the manufacturer to whose support
I must look for my business success.
Thp- entire association has been maintained, a s far as my
knowledge of its workings arp concerned, to the benefit of
all its members.
While seeking, diplomatically such con-
cessions as we believe for the best interests of the industry
it has never become subservient to the manufacturers nor
does n intend doing so.
'
The writer as an individual shall not attempt to force
upon you an individual which is apparently undesirable but
as the secretarv of the association, I can assure you and
the members of your company a most cordial reception at
our convention.
The paragraph pertaining to the act of the Executive
Committee in suggesting a ticket for nomination at the
next election has no bearinsr on the matter under discussion
but tor your information, I beg to advise you that the above
CONVENIENT COLUMBIA CATALOG.
The Columbia Phonograph Co., General, New
York, has mailed to the trade a copy of its latest
issue of the numerical catalog of double and sin-
gle disc records. It is convenient for the deal-
ers, as it serves as a means of ready referencs
for the use of salesmen and in ordering stock. It
includes all Columbia disc records listed up to
and including the June, 1912, supplement. The
records in this catalog are indexed by series, be-
ginning with A, being arranged in consecutive
numerical order. In the center of the book are
several blank pages left for the purpose of pasting
in lists, numerically arranged, covering monthly
additions to the catalog, which will be issued quar-
terly.
THE TALKING
MACHINE WORLD
Containsallthe news of the
talking
machine
trade
throughout the w o r l d —
the doings of manufactur-
ers, Jobbers and dealers.
A Business Essential
$1.00 the Year
Published monthly by
EDWARD LYMAN BILL
1 Madlssn Avanu*
NEW YORK
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).