The Phonogram, Vol. 2:12 (1892-12)

THE PHONOGRAM. 283 its cause and ring out its praises to a wondering but doubtful public. The Phonogram saw with prophetic vision the future that loomed up before it, and at once took the stand that it should be widely and strongly recommended to the public ns worthy of patronage, from a utilitarian point of view Considered under this aspect, it met with a re- sistance almost insuperable. As fast as objections to it were raised and demolished, new accusations and aspersions were heaped upon it. Nothing daunted, The Phonogram wrote and published and scattered to the four corners of the earth all the evidences of its superiority. Comprehending quickly the value of the ma- chine, The Phonogram first pointed out to the world the necessity of enlisting the services of the typewriter, and that the latter was-the com- plement of the former ; at the same time declar- ing its confidence in the policy of making ar- rangements with typewriter manufacturers to vend the two machines together. Following the instructions of those in authority, it advocated the policy of selling the instrument without re- strictions, knowing that whatever tends to alle- viate the labor of man, no matter what barriers may be raised against it, is sure to find adoption in the end. The Phonogram also commended the policy of mapping out limits to certain agents for sales, and of urging a thorough canvass of each area, and then holding every agent strictly responsible for his course. It described and illustrated the different parts of the machine embodying all details, and regard, less of expense. This statement of facts, easily corroborated by reference to the files of the magazine, goes to demonstrate that its labors have not been un- fruitful, nor its work perfunctory ; but that it has made *' bona tide ’* endeavors to serve the cause. We have only to add at present that The Phonogram stands ready to preserve in all' possible ways the autonomy of the Phonographic Association. Essential for a Good Typewriter, Important Changes. THE UNRESTRICTED SALE OF PHONOGRAPHS. To be a good typewriter operator, one must learn the uses of all the component parts of the instrument and how to rectify any of the acci- dents that are likely to occur. jQPcrsons not residing within easy reach of an inspector must learn how to perform many duties in keeping the mechanism in proper form which it is indispensable to know how to do and espe- cially must the instrument be maintained in good and clean'condition. Although the preceding article furnishes a re- sume of the most prominent facts in the history of the phonograph and its organ. The Phono- gram. we trust our readers will patientlv follow* us while we lay before them certain accompany- ing circumstances not generally known to the public, about which those who use and those who sell this instrument should be informed. The inventor of the phonograph early fore- shadowed the wide range of its powers and the ever expanding field of its possibilities ; but many of those who exploited it satisfied them- selves with showing it in one light only—that of a reproducer of music. This quality made it attractive to a class of patrons so accessible and easy to please that it yielded ready and large profits, and it toon became widely known. But the theatre of its greater triumphs was not the concert l*all, nor the hotel corridor, nor the exhibition parlor. The phonograph was constructed to be man’s help-mate, and the rea- son of the delay that occurred in its adoption as a mechanical amanuensis was on account of the difficulty in bringing the people to learn how to uSe it. Sinrple.as it is, and easy to manipulate, they became impatient under the tiaining pro- ofs, and were.esi'ecially annoyed when warned that it must l»e handled with care. At this poinf The North American Co. clearly perceived the impediment that hindered advance, and advised ’the. sale of phonographs, stating that a rental system would retard its progress, because whatever'people own they take care of, and take pains to make ]rrofitable y all of which The Phonogram published and emphasized and circulated in all sections. By reason of this con- tinued repetition and advice, a new light began to dawn on*the minds of the people, and they reahzed that it was something more than a scien- tific toy or dispenser of amusement. After a Conference w4tli its agents t^e whole system was reorganized. The North American Co. took the business iuhand. appointed agents in Irfrgecities to sell the machine on the same line as the typewriter, and adopted the general sale system. Mr. Edison was elected president, Mr. A. O. Tate vice-president and Mr. T. R. Lombard general manager. The Phonogram meantime pursued the same course unflinchingly, and proclaimed the fact that there was no cause for a punic among stenog*