The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1908)

Edison Phonograph Monthly, March, 1908 Dinner to Mr. Edison Thomas A. Edison passed his sixty-first birthday on Tuesday, February 11, and in the evening of that day he was the guest of honor at an informal dinner given in celebration of the event at the Krueger Auditorium, Newark, N. J. His hosts were various officials and department heads of the National Phonograph Co., Edison Phonograph Works, Edison Manufacturing Co., Bates Manufacturing Co., Edison Portland Cement Co., and the Edison Storage Battery Co., men whom are brought in contact with him more or less frequently in their daily tasks. They were: R. A. Bachman, W. G. Bee, F. A. Burnham, Jr., W. H. A. Cronkhite, D. A. Dodd, F. K. Dolbeer, N. C. Durand, W. E. Gilmore, J. E. Helm, A. M. Hird, A. C. Ireton, W. S. Mallory, L. C. McChesney, H. F. Miller, John V. Miller, W. H. Miller, J. H. Moran, A. T. Moore, H. I. Moyer, C. S. Osborne, Fred Ott, William Pelzer, E. H. Philips, Edward S. Porter, O. A. Rogers, Walter Stevens, A. P. Waterman, Peter Weber, Alphonse Westee, C. H. Wilson, Albert Wurth and Charles Wurth. Messrs. Weber, Moore and Durand had charge of the arrangements. The dinner was of the most informal character and the entertainment that followed was marked by the same lack of formality. A number of songs were rendered by Harry Anthony and Edward Meeker. Two of the latter's selections were parodies on "Harrigan" and "I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark,' in which Mr. Edison was made the subject of some comments that greatly amused all present because of their familiarity with them. No speeches were made. A number of late motion pictures were shown. Among them was a specially posed reproduction, in colors, of the "Old Couple" picture so familiar to the trade. The "old couple" were shown bringing in a Phonograph and setting it on a table. After a bit of by-play by the man and a display of eager expectancy by the woman, the machine was set in operation and the couple dropped into the pose shown in the regular picture. The reproduction made a great hit. The half-tone of Mr. Edison shown on the opposite page is made from one of his most recent photographs. Edison Record Talent This may be of interest to people who like to have the pictures of the Edison artists while the machine is playing. I have cut the photos out of all the Phonograms I had, and have pasted them on a board, and they are always handy to see the singers. — Adolph Blumenthal, Standisk, Mich. New Freight Rate on Horns H. T. Leeming, Traffic Manager of the National Phonograph Co., appeared before the Western Classification Committee at the Homestead Hotel, Hot Springs, Va., on January 15th in behalf of our petition for a reduction on the classification of talking machine horns. He was the only representative present interested in this proposition. Our petition was favorably acted upon, and, effective about April 1st, the following change in the classification will be made: Tin or sheet iron amplifying horns, first class nested; and one and one-half times first class, not nested. In car loads a third class rate will be charged, minimum weight of 16,000 pounds The classification on brass and nickel plated horns will remain the same as heretofore. The advantage of the above change to the trade is that Jobbers and Dealers in making shipments to Dealers or customers will have to pay one and one-half time first class rate on shipments of a single horn as against double first class heretofore; and first class on shipments of two or more nested horns as against one and one-half times first class charged formerly. It will be especially beneficial to Jobbers located west of the Mississippi River, as it will now enable them to compete favorably with Jobbers located east of the Mississippi. Australia Reduces Duty on Phonographs Australia has abolished the duty on Phonographs and Records. For several years, and until August 9, 1907, this duty was twenty per cent ad valorem. On and after that date this duty was increased to thirty-five per cent. This increase in duty brought forth a storm of protest from the users, dealers and jobbers, and also from the press, and efforts were immediately made to have the duty restored to the old rate, which resulted in a petition being presented to Parliament, praying for a reduction of the duty. The matter came up for discussion on Friday, December 6th, and on that date the duty on Phonographs and Records and accessories was entirely removed, these articles being put on the free list. This news proved very acceptable to all concrned, and, notwithstanding the fact that there was an enormous sale of Edison Phonographs in Australia, the removal of the duty (which naturally means a substantial reduction in the price of Phonographs and Records) will still further increase the sale of our goods in that territory.