The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1913)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 29 Important Deal Under Way in Chicago. Marshall Field & Co. May Enter the Manufacturing as Well as the Retail Talking Machine Domain— Said to Have Secured Control of the Inventions of Forest Cheney, Whose Process of Sound Production is Along New Lines What Mr. Cheney and Mr. Howe of Marshall Field & Co. Have to Say to World Representative. (Special by wire to The Talking Machine World.) Chicago, 111., September 12. — There is a rumor current in talking machine trade circles relative to the entry of Marshall Field & Co. into the talking machine field, both retailing and manufacturing. Rumor has it that this concern intends to open a large and modern talking machine department in one of its new buildings and that it will be the last word in equipment in every way. Beyond this, and of far more general importance, is being discussed the information that Marshall Field & Co. also intend to enter into the production of talking machines. In this connection it is said that they have secured control of the inventions of Forest Cheney. The improvements upon talking machines invented by Mr. Cheney are said by those who are in touch with them to be very important and make great strides forward in the development of sound reproducing machines. It is also said that these inventions cover an entirely new process of sound production. Mr. Cheney is a violinist of national prominence and has made tone building and tone quality a special study. He has brought' his knowledge of music READY FOR FALL BUSINESS. A Picture of M. Silverstein, All Equipped for Securing Fall Orders for Victors. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Baltimore, Md., September 11. — M. Silverstein, manager of the Victor department of Cohen & Hughes, Inc., this city, is a Victor hustler, and The M. Silverstein "On the Job." World correspondent had the pleasure of snapping him the other day when ready to start out on his campaign for orders for fall. His equipment is so neat and effective that it should prove a model for others. That is why the genial countenance of M. Silverstein appears herewith. Next month the Victor Concert Bureau's advertising system for the season of 1913-14 will be sent out to Dealers in all the cities where Victor artists will be heard. and tone quality to bear upon talking machines, and for several years has devoted himself to this work. It is said by those who have heard the completed machines that the Cheney invention gives a most remarkable reproduction of both voice and instrument, showing color, warmth and tone quality. We have interviewed Mr. Cheney, and his attitude is rather noncommittal. Asked point-blank if he was negotiating with Marshall Field & Co. to back the production of his invention he replied yes and no. It is definitely known, however, that Mr. Cheney has been negotiating with Marshall Field & Co., but the'final outcome Mr. Cheney declined to state. We next visited E. L. Howe, merchandise manager of Marshall Field & Co., who, we understand, has been handling these negotiations, and asked for a confirmation of the report. Mr. Howe was also noncommittal and would make no positive statement one way or the other regarding the facts. He admitted, however, that he was posted regarding the Cheney inventions and that in his judgment the tone produced was a very great improvement over that of any other machine he had ever heard. POINTS WORTH REMEMBERING. 1. Lack of high ideal, lack of mental equipment, lack of health and lack of energy are the only hobgoblins which any person need fear. 2. The 'best part of the story of success is that part which words cannot describe. 3. And now abideth inclination, initiative and perseverance, but the greatest of these is perseverance. 4. Opportunity may rap at thy door but once. Be not slow or half hearted with thy welcome. 5. Treasure honest criticism more than merited praise. 6. We eventually attain the degree of success for which we have equipped ourselves. 7. If the student of men and books is to read for intellectual and financial profit the spectacles of self measurement must he continually adjusted. 8. The greater the number of talents given the more expert must be the investments. 9. The quality of helpful criticism is not strained; it dropeth as a gentle rain upon a willing mind. 10. The business necromancer says presto, change ! And a phantom idea becomes a cashable asset. 11. The unclaimed room is at the top of the business ladder. A wise man climbs. 12. System is the axis around which prosperity revolves. 13. The full measure of success is to succeed as men as well as to succeed in business. 14. There is never but one right course to pursue. The strong man hesitates not when he recognizes it. 15. The basis of all permanent business is mutual benefit, to producer and consumer. COLUMBIA MANAGERS IN NEW YORK. S. H. Nichols, manager of the Pittsburgh store of the Columbia Graphophone Co., and W. A. Sprague, manager of the company's Toledo store, were vistors recently at the headquarters of the company in the Woolworth Building. Both of these gentlemen stated that the prospects for the fall in their respective territories were more than encouraging, and even predicted that the coming season with Columbia products would be a record breaker. The new "Leader" and "Favorite" models are going unexpectedly strong in these territories. Philip Werlein, Victor distributor in New Orleans, has personally guaranteed $50,000 to secure an opera season for New Orleans. Pressed for a more definite statement, Mr. Howe would not deny that Marshall Field & Co. had the matter under consideration. The Talking Machine World, with certain facts to base the statement upon, feels safe in saying that some sort of arrangement has been made whereby Marshall Field & Co. have arranged with Mr. Cheney whereby a certain time has been allowed them to thoroughly look up the inventions and the legal phases of the matter, and also to consider the entire general outlook for talking machines in the future, and that Marshall Field & Co.'s attitude thus far is very favorable. Mr. Cheney was asked as to whether he was in a position to open negotiations with anybody else, and he replied in the negative, which confirms the statement made above. This great house with its immense wealth does not move rapidly in such matters, and would look at the situation from every angle before deciding what it would do. One can easily estimate the tremendous importance that Marshall Field & Co.'s entrance into the field would have upon the talking machine trade in general. SIGN NEW AGREEMENTS. Important Announcement Regarding the Number of Dealers Who Have Signed Up So Far. In this month's "Voice of the Victor" the Victor Talking Machine Co. announces that its new license agreements sent out to the trade a month since is coming in signed and executed from all parts of the country. This announcement states that within twenty-four hours after the agreement was mailed out, the signed agreements began to come in — the first day two were received, the second day twentyone, the third day 139, the fourth day 269 and on one single day 1,271 agreements duly signed and executed were delivered to the company. Every day since then has brought the agreements in by the hundreds until there is now only a very few dealers who have not signed up. Would $60.00 A Week Interest You? Would you like to earn this amount every week during the coming season? Outside work? Free to do your own bidding? Your own boss? We seek a representative in your locality. We do not wish a mere "canvasser." We seek clear-eyed men and women who are energetic and who are a credit to themselves as well as to us. As the representative of this company you are assured a business training that will broaden and develop you besides paying you handsomely. You will agree with us after you have learned of our plan. Talking machine people are especially fitted for the work. We will explain this when you assure us of your interest. It will not obligate you in any way. Address Elmon Armstrong & Company 1808 Republic Bldg. Chicago