Music Merchants

"FUN--You are going to have. . . . GOLF, Yes Sir! LUNCHEONS, EXHIBITS, PRIVATE ENTERTAINMENT--While it is not possible and would not be good form for the executive secretary to mention any of these affairs specifically, he is informed and believes 'on advice of counsel,' that he should state that there are some very remarkable dinners, breakfasts and suppers planned, not to mention other most desirable features. . . ! 'and so to bed.'"

Drawn on by this melodious invitation, a multitude of musical merchants gathered last week in Manhattan, at the comfortable Commodore. They wished to discuss business, the business of marketing musical instruments, from morning to noon and to amuse themselves throughout the rest of the day. Some of their frivolities were to be of a conventional nature. They were instructed thus--"As to entertainment, DON'T FORGET Governor Albert C. Ritchie of Maryland, in line ... for president, will be principal speaker at the annual banquet. You will have the pleasure of hearing Professor John Erskine, president of the Juilliard School of Music . . . distinguished author of The Private Life of Helen of Troy."

Both gentlemen spoke to the merchants. Said John Erskine: "Music should be taught, like history, in high schools. . . . There is great talent in the country. . . . The difficulty, however, is that the teachers are not in touch with the talent."

Said Governor Ritchie: "We should have a national conservatory, an opera sponsored by the U. S. government. . . . Music is the one international language. We have the right to expect every great national government to aid and nourish it, and every one does, save only the United States of America."