The Edison phonograph monthly (Mar 1903-Feb 1904)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY. 13 voices, there is little bass in the tones, while all manner of shrill notes abound. The music started off with a crash of dinner gongs that seemed to be the end of the selection in the beginning by announcing dinner was already prepared. Following that the music was something tremendous ; something fearful. Whole handfuls of high Cs and E flats were torn out by the roots and scattered broadcast through the Phonograph horn into the room. Crashes like falling of brass kettles, snorts like an automobile on a strike, sonorous sounds like an exhausted locomotive, blowing of horns, squaling of pigs, roaring of lions, and many, sounds that were invented by Confucius 500 years B. C. were assembled in that selection. No Salvation army band could have stood a minute in open air competition with that aggregation of Chinese musicians who made the Record in San Francisco. That part of the music was terrible, and only the choicest adjectives from pink laundry checks could adequately describe it. Quite remarkable, however, was the high, thin, sweet single note of pure melody that ran through the entire selection like a silver thread through sackcloth. There was one selection, song and orchestra, that was good music, accurate time and sweet melody from beginning to end. It was called "A Widow's Lament," and seemed lively enough to have been called a rejoicing instead. A wonderful song entitled "To Destroy the Four Gates" needed twelve Records to complete. A sample of one Record was sufficient for the Telegram reporter, who was satisfied that at least five gates had already been destroyed. Some of the titles of these selections were "Assembly on a Sand Bank," which was full of grit; "The Nest in a Shoe'," with orchestra accompaniment to boot; "To Visit a Friend," who would probably instantly cease to be a friend after that ; "A Wise Man in the Snow," who probably figured on beating the new ice trust in Worcester and "To Persuade a King," which only aces could beat. Mr. Wilson said the first three of these Records came several days ago and Charles Goey heard them. He had ordered a few to see if they were really good Chinese selections adulterated -with other languages at the factory. Solemnly Charlie sat down before the big brass horn and listened. Mr. Wilson tried him with the comic recitation, "Sher Doy Wong." Sher Doy must have been' a funny boy as he spouted a whole bunch of Chinee through that brass horn that made Charlie's mouth widen from ear to ear in a grin of pure delight. When the band Record was tried the terrible music settled it and Charlie instantly ordered a couple dozen Records and a Phonograph, which arrived yesterday and from now on he will entertain Worcester Chinamen with Phonograph selections from the first Chinese Records ever introduced in Worcester. A PHONOGRAPH INCIDENT IN THE PHILIPPINES. The following, addressed to Mr. Edison, was received on May 26, too late for the June issue of the Edison Phonograph Monthly : Legaspi, Province Albay, P. I., April 11, 1903. Thomas A. Edison, New York, N. Y. — Most Esteemed Sir: Craving indulgence for occupying your valuable time, I wish to relate an amusing incident which occurred in this far-away country apropos of the Phonograph. The story compares favorably with the yarn on the countryman in the States, which has been so widely advertised. While giving an advertising exhibition in an interior town, an old native walked up to the horn and gazed steadily into it for a long time ; then veered around and examined the box; then looked intently at the operator, at the ceiling, on the floor, returned to the horn, took out a kerchief, mopped his brow, went outside, brought in an old woman, went through the same antics as before and exclaimed to his companion: "Mother of God, we hear the voice of the devil, but he is invisible." At that moment the operator put on a stirring band selection, and when it became exhausted the old man caught the woman by the arm and dragged her to the door, murmuring as he went: "Holy Saint Mary, the devil has visited heaven, and is serenading God." I have been selling Edison Phonographs for one year on these islands in the interests of the American Book and News Co., and have had some very interesting experiences. Yours to command, Lew Davis. KEEPS PHONOGRAPH PEOPLE BUSY. When a musical comedy is rated a success, its song "hits" are not only in demand through its publishers, but the manufacturers of Phonograph Records are called upon almost as quickly to furnish a supply. — Music Trade Review. A DEALER'S COMMENDATION. Bloomington, III., June 25, 1903. Having read the new contract and conditions, and having signed it with pleasure, I wish to compliment you on its completeness and the comprehensive way in which you have treated its several provisions. It has no loopholes, no double meaning; every signer must know just exactly what he has to do. There is no way for him to plead, "I didn't understand its provisions." In looking at the contract from a business point of view, it must be of great value to the National Phonograph Company, for the prices being fixed and maintained gives to the Edison Phonographs and Records a standing and value. To the Dealer it gives an assurance that his goods are worth to-morrow what they are worth to-day, and warrants him in carrying a full and complete line of Edison Machines and Records in stock. To the purchaser it gives the satisfaction of knowing that he has bought his Edison Machine and Records at the lowest standard price. The contract being printed in a neat and attractive form can be easily framed and hung in a conspicuous place and it will often help the Dealer in handling some close-fisted buyer. I believe it would be a good suggestion to have Dealers frame their contracts and place them where they can be plainly seen. I am, yours, C. H. Freeman. [In connection with the latter suggestion we world say that we are now getting out a copy