The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 25 But the insurance of trade represented by advertising carries a direct profit with it. It covers not only the risk of losing trade, but also the minor risk of being compelled by competition to carry on business at a diminished profit. Thus the "insurance premiums," represented by your advertising outlay, are so systematically recouped by the current and simultaneous increase of profits that, instead of being regarded as an investment *of capital, as they ought logically to be, they are almost invariably written off, year by year, as a current expense. A considerable proportion of such "premiums" could pro'perly be treated as invested capital, since the goodwill and assured maintenance of demand is a tangible and salable asset. Think it over — you who have been accustomed to regard advertising as so much blue sky and hot air. It's a thoroughly practicable business proposition and should be considered in no other light. Keep up your advertising "premiums" and you won't have to "die to win." IMPORTANT COPYRIGHT DECISION. Supreme Court (Court of Cassation) France, Decides IVIechanical Reproduction of Copyrighted IVIusic Is no Infringement of Composer's Copyright — The Use of Copyrighted Words Is Held to Infringe — Decree of Court of Appeals Affirmed. In a decree handed down July 23, the text of which has not yet reached this country, the Supreme Court of France has finally affirmed the decision by the Court of Appeals, Paris, of Feb. 1, 1905, that under the laws of France the use of copyrighted music by mechanical musical devices is no infringement of copyright. The court holds, however, that the use of copyrighted words on records for talking machines without the permission of the copyright proprietor constitutes an infringement of the author's copyright. Perforated rolls for piano players, music box sheets and all other devices for reproducing music alone, remain free in France from the claims of the owners of musical copyrights, as they have always been heretofore. Talking machine records containing music only are in this class. A band or orchestral record fit "Soldiers' Chorus" from Faust, for example, would be held not to infringe, but the use of the words "Soldiers' Chorus" from Faust, whether spoken or sung, would constitute an infringement according to the court's decision. Up to date the Supreme Court in four countries, United States, Belgium, Austria and me ROYAL LATEST AND BEST EXPANDING ^ The only album constructed on scientific principles— adapts itself to the number of Records.— Full particulars. THE CITY MANUFACTURING CO. 56 City Road, London, England France, have decided that the use of musical compositions on mechanical devices is no infringement of musical copyright. In the United States, Belgium and Austria this covers all kinds of musical compositions, including talking machine records of words. By the decision in France, however, the use of the words without the express permission of the copyright proprietor is held to be an infringement. "India is a great mart for the talking machine. No other field in all the export world is so large or worthy closer attention." This is a "tip" worth noting by our advertisers both at home and abroad. NEWS ITEMS FROM INDIANAPOLIS. ATTRACTIVE WM. J. BRYAN WINDOW. Here is another rattling good idea for window display worthy the consideration of talking machine dealers. The thought it plainly expresses is that Bryan now speaks in everyone's home on the leading political issues of the day througli the phonograph. Simplicity is the keynote of the design. The platform is nothing but a couple of boxes with light 30 x 4% inch boards on top. Bach board is lettered on the end to correspond with a Bryan record and a plank in the Democratic platform. The sign at the back is the twocolor hanger that went out with the Bryan records. The bulletins of the latest records should also be shown, and the illustrated card on the Summer Dulness Disappearing — Dealers Hustling— Indiana Phonograph Co. and Columbia Co. Make Good Reports Anent Business Conditions. A WINDOW DISI'L.VY OF NATIONAL CO. same subject. The other two signs are homemade. After you get your boards made you can trim this window in fifteen minutes. In this connection the National Phonograph Co. say: "If it does not sell Edison phonographs and records we are mighty poor guessers." TO GET CLOSE INSPECTION OF STOCK. To get close inspection of this stock, one merchant last month flooded his town with attractive circulars folded and held by clothes pins, which were numbered consecutively. Duplicate numbers on small cards were mixed up and 40 lucky numbers were drawn by three well-known citizens. On each Saturday for four weeks ten of these numbers were attached to various articles in stock ranging in value from 25 cents to $3. Then this merchant ended the explanation of his plan on his circular by saying: "It is up to you. Look over our stock and where you find an article with a number on it corresponding with yours, the article is yours absolutely free. Isn't that fair enough to everyone?" (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Indianapolis, Ind., August 8, 1908. Indianapolis talking machine dealers are experiencing the usual dull period of the summer, but business is not discouraging at that. The talking machine men of Indianapolis are great fellows to keep on "pushing" in spite of circumstances. They advertise and send out circular letters whether business comes in or doesn't, but they usually come out all right in the long run. The Indiana Phonograph Co., on Virginia avenue, who handle Edison machines, report an encouraging business. They do not merely have favorable reports, but are getting good orders from out in the State, and that's what counts. This company, as reported last month, has been taken over by Linton (Ind.) men. Charles Craig, who was proprietor of the Indiana Phonograph Co. until recently, is taking his first vacation in years. Mr. Craig has amassed a comfortable fortune, and declares that he will work no more until he has enjoyed a good long rest. Then probably he will seek to enter some business. Most of his money is invested in Indianapolis rental property, and he finds it profitable. Thos. Devine, of the Columbia Co., is having a great run on the Columbia record known as the "Herd Girl's Dream." He cannot remember a single instance, he says, in which the record has been played for a customer and has not been sold. Mr. Devine reports the sale of several high-priced outfits. He says there is a marked tendency among the buyers to go to the best there is to be had. The Kipp-Link Co., who handle Edisons and Victors, report business quiet. Joseph Joiner, who handles Victor machines, says the talking machine business just now is outshining the piano business. S BKYAX REI-OIU>.S. IT IS NOW PHONOGRAPH AVENUE. OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA. Consul-General William H. Michael, of Calcutta, calls the attention of American manufacturers to the opportunities they are losing in India. He enumerates a number of specialtie.s which could be sold to advantage, including talking machines. The value of this market is borne out by a letter received the other day from Charles G. Bryant, an old-time subscriber of The Talking Machine World in Bombay, who says: South Sixth street at Sabetha has so many graphophones, phonographs and music boxes among its property owners that the thoroughfare has now been rechristened Phonograph avenue, says the Kansas City Journal. One of the men who does not own a talking machine declares that he gets Sousa, Bryan, Sam Small, Harris, Melba, Dockstader, Creatore, Nordica, Caruso, Williams and Walker, from Columbias to the right of him, Edisons to the left of him, and Victors in front of him, volleying and thundering, preaching, singing, appealing, quarreling and howling, until he wants to rent or sell. PHILIP NEALE, PMOIVO. EXPERT, 5 Chalk Farm Rd. LONDON, N. W. Talking Machines of every description repaired. Special terms to the trade. City address and price list on receipt of postal. No Job too Bmall — no job too large.