The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

38 THE TALKIISG MACHINE WORLD. TIMELY TALKS ON TIMELY TOPICS. yConlinued from page 35.) It is very gratifying to know that the daily newspapers throughout the country are becoming sensible that to ridicule and belittle the talking machine as a source of entertainment and pleasure is neither fair nor just. An editorial in a recent issue of The World on this subject has been copied by a large number of the leading papers, which have added further comment, indorsing and heartily approving the views therein expressed. The following • from the Buffalo (N. Y.) News reflects the corrected attitude of the journals that have seen a "new light," their opinions being in the same vein: "The wonderful popularity of the phonograph and the extent to which it is aiding the introduction of good music into American homes is shown by the record of sales for 1908. More than half a million machines were sold during the year. In addition to this the sale of records totaled 40,000,000. Thoughtless writers and artists "of various newspapers have used the phonograph as sort of a stock subject for cheap ridicule, but its popularity is the talking machine's best defense." BUSINESS SHOW CLOSES At the Coliseum, Chicago — Exhibitors Very Well Satisfied With Results — Edison Business Phonograph Co. and Columbia Phonograph Co. Represented — The Former an Outgrowth of the National Phonograph Co. (Special to The Talking Macliine World ) Chicago, 111., Feb. 8, 1908. The Business Show, which comes to an end at the Coliseum to-night, is not quite as big an affair in point of number of exhibits or in attendance as the previous shows, but it has been an eminently successful one from the viewpoint of the exhibitors. There has been a more strict regulation of attendance — fewer children and mere rubberneckers. The two exhibits of commercial talking machines have fared very nicely indeed and those in charge of them speak of many active prospects and a number of actual installations during the week as a result of their displays. The Edison Business Phonograph had a fine representation as usual, but it was made under the name of the Edison Business Phonograph Co., instead of the National Phonograph Company, and thereby hangs a tale which can best perhaps be told in the language of an official statement as follows: "We are now ready to make the selling of Edison Business Phonographs a dealer's proposition. For three years we have' been selling these machines direct, through our own branches. We did this that we might personally supervise their use in business houses, learn of any shortcomings in the system and correct them. In short, for three years we have been experimenting with the result that we are now ready to offer the business world a "voice writing" system that is perfect. To take up the distribution of these machines in a national way we have organized the Edison Business Phonograph Co.. have discontinued the branches of the parent company (the National Phonograph Co.) and will appoint dealers in each locality to sell the machines. We will maintain three distributing points. New York, Chicago and Atlanta, for the prompt shipment of goods and will have a corps of traveling salesmen for securing agents and giving them every assistance in their work. The thousands of Business Phonographs now in use and making good is but an opening wedge to sales that will equal the typewriter business of the country." The exhibit was in charge of Edwin C. Barnes, western manager, assisted by J. D. Pahlman and C. A. Bergston. It showed the new eight-minute Edison business phonograph, and the spi ing motor which runs thirty minutes and rings a bell when almost run down. Special stress was laid on the new alternating-current motor which does not vibrate, does not get hot and consequently does not burn out. Frequent demonstrations wore made for the benefit of Interested visitors and they were many. Handsome souvenirs in the shape of beautiful reproductions of the very latest photograph of Mr. Edison were distributed. The Columbia Phonograph Co. had, as usual, a notable display in the north end of the hall, devoted to the Columbia Commercial Graphophone, in charge of W. W. Parsons, manager of the Common Pleas court last week by Henry E. Cleveland, a stockholder. The company was organized for the purpose of manufacturing phonograph records, but never got past the preliminary stages. The plaintiff alleges that the company is not carrying on the business for which it was organized, that It is being mis J.l'l^i.i-X l;ui..TH AT BtSIXESS SHOW. Commercial Graphophone branch, and E. A. Parsons and Miss Mclntyre expert demonstrator. The full line was shown to good advantage. A shaving machine was in evidence in a prominent location near the aisle and E. A. Parsons is authority for the statement that a country barber managed, and is daily incurring expenses without any business from which it will receive an income, and that it is unable to pay its obligations. The tangible assets are valuable only in conjunction with its intangible rights, the plaintiff LUMBIA PHONOGRAPH CO. ;v COI.lMltl.V P.OOTI1 .VI ItrSI.NE.SS .SHOW. viewed it with bulging eyes, remarked that he never knew "gosh darn it. that they had got so far as to shave people by machinery," and w'anted to get prices and terms instanter. A sign well displayed invited anyone to come in, dictate a graphophone and let us transcribe it to show you. Many took admntage of the offer and in this manner sent a letter with a minimum of effort on their part to the dear ones at home, telling them all about the show and their experiences thereat. The Parsons were well pleased with the results of the exhibit in a business wav. alleges, and he says that unless a receiver is appointed to sell the property and divide the proceeds among the stockholders, creditors will levy on the assets and dispose of them at a loss. WANT RECEIVER FOR TACOMA MFG. CO. I S|ii>iiiil 1(1 'I'lic 'I'lilldiif; Mncliliu Woilil.) Toledo. O.. Feb. .5. 1908. Application for the appointment of a receiver for the Tacoma Manufacturing Co. was made to The name "Edisonia." as applied to talking machine concerns or moving picture places, cannot be used without the consent of Thomas A. Edison. This is the decision of the United ^ates Circuit Court, Philadelphia, Pa., in a suit brought by Mr. Edison against James McCusker, proluietor cf an amusement parlor in tiat city. The ptM-nianent writ of injunction and the decree wore issued .Tan. 7. The Talking Machine Co.. of Chicago, were not affected by the fire which occurred in their building on Fel). imh.