New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-07-26

PUBLISHERS JOIN HANDS.
A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORMED AND
CERTAIN ABUSES CONSIDERED.

CEhIAIN ABUSES EONSIDERED.
Every large publishing house OF Importance in
the United States was represented al a meeting
held yesterday afternoon in the rooms Of the
Aldine Association. at No. III Fifth-ave The
American Publishers Association was formed,
and plan for correcting certain abuses con-
nected with the sale Of books was considered
The call for the meeting was issued on July ..
In the name Of the following firms: D. Appleton
d Co.. The Century Company, Dodd Mead &
Co, Harper & Bros. Houshton Mifiin & Co.
the Macmillan Company, G. P. Putnam's Sons
and Charles Scribner's Sons
report had been telegraphed from the West
that the meeting had been called to form a trust
which, among other economies contemplated
would reduce the royalties paid 70 popular au-
thors. This, however. is emphaticaIly denied
The real object OF the meeting was TO compare
notes and TO see whether something could not
be done 10 prevent the cutting Of the prices Of
books by booksellers. The publishers felt that
they needed to be protected against the book
sellers, and they also felt that some plan ought
10 be adopted by which underseIIing booksellers
could be protected against one another. It was
reported that the publishers We're going TO make
an attempt TO discriminate against the depart
THnt stores, but this also was denied.
4he meeting was called TO order by Frank "
Scott. Of The Century Company and Charles
Scribner was made chairman. with Frank H
Dodd secretary.
COLONEL HARVEY READS REPORTS
Colonel G. b NJ. Harvey then read a report
prepared by committee that had been appoint
ed by the promoters Of the association Besides
/ Colonel Harvey, this committee included Charles
scribner and George P. Brett The report out
lines the purposes and organization Of the asso-
citation 1t was unanimously adopted The re-
| port states:
H4yng been requested TO act as temporary com
tending 10 the formation OF an association Of pub
ton properiy orgsnfzeS an co17I,,1a5 o,75
render a distinct Service not merely 10 Ourselves
as publishers. but % AUTHORS. booksellers. book
brought into contact. directly or indirectly, with
/ We regard our interests as Identical with those
q authors. book manufacturers booksellers and
Tor mutual advantage can be made far more effect
I've tnan Individual effort 70 meet such changes in
ton and dissemination OF good literature Lack of
abuses which. although perhaps minor in inapor-
taPce have nevertheless reached point Of distinct
/ The exact method by which these vel known
ded has no2 S vet G rs &c sucent cosson
. 10 warrant distinct recommendation, but We see
reason doubt that such a solution can be
reached # all concerned unite upon broad lines and
+ with open minds in an sndeavor 10 work out the
We nevertheless. recognize the fact that in at
ing many diverse interests II IS essential make
naSLe Slowly EOr me reason tlaL Whatever IS done
I must be necessarily OF an experimental nature
. Primarily and a fundamental BASIS Of success
/ Of all branches OF the business the rights OF all
I but especially OF book writers and book buy
ers have adequate and satisfactory protection
Moreover. publisher should. in our judgment De
expected requested Join experimental asSO-
citation without retaining full right Of Withdrawing
( from any arrangement proposed without prejudice
will, after having given suitable notice, until
the beuedCeut results Of such association shall have
/ become reasonably manifest
THE COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS.
Colonel Harvey then outlined method Of
procedure which provided for the appointment
. OF a committee OF three to draft articles OF as
ISOLATION. Colonel Harvey. Mr.. Dodd and Mr.
Brett were appointed 10 this committee The
following Nomination Committee was appointed;
Colonel D 4. Appleton, Frank H Scott and
Frederick A Stokes. The following Board Of
George Mif1in George P. Brett. Colonel c. B.
/ NJ Harvey, General A c. mcclure Craig Lip
. ptncott. ". v. Appleton and Frank II. Scott
officers to serve one year were elected as roI-
. lows. President, Charles SCribneri vIce-prest-
dents General A c. McClurg and George Mifhtni
secretary. George P Brett; treasurer, g. B. NJ.
Harvey.
D. Appleton & Co. Bowen-Merrtn COMPANY, OF
Indianapolis: Century Company, Henry T Coates
& Co. Of Philadelphia, Thomas 7. CrOweN & Co,
/ Dodd Mead & Co. Doubleday Page & Co. Funk
+ Co John Lane. Lee & Shepard, Boston The J. D.
I.t0DincOtt Company. OF Philadelphia. Little,
Brown & Co. o. Boston; Lougmans, Green & Co.
I McCIure-Phtlqs Company The Macmillan Com
pany, Thomas Nelson Sons 9 P Futnarn's Sons,
James Pott & Co, Fleming H. F2eves Company. r
n Russell Charles Scribuer's Sons Silver. Burdett
+ z Co, Small Maynard & Co, and Frederick A
Stokes Company.