The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-10-02
BIG CABARETS NOW
PAY FOR THEIR TUNES
Leading Restaurants Fall In
With Composers Views on
Copyrights.
MONTHLY FEE REQUIRED

The American Society OF Composers
Authors and Publishers which was or
ganlzed early last spring, saw the first
monetary fruits OF their labors yesterday
when the proprtetors OF Churchiirs, Rec
tors and the Hotel Claridse sent SIS each
to the society's offices. IS West Forty
hfth street, for the privilege OF PLAYING
copyrighted music in their cabarets dur.
ing this month.
Inquiries on Broadway last night dis-
closed the fact that tho proprietors OF
leading restaurants and hotels were In
sympathy with the purpose OF the society
and believed that the fee of SIS a month
was reasonable one
The society, which has George Max
well for its president. Victor Herbert.
vice-presldent, Glen Macdonough. secre-
tary. and John l.. Golden. treasurer. in
cludes In Its membership practically every
successful composer. author and publisher
In this country. II also represents tho
interests OF similar societies in Austria.
England and Italy, and expects shortly
to become identified with the French So
cety.
week ago tho society served notice
on the propretors of various public places
OF Amusement that after October I the
playing OF music which bore copyright
mark would not be permitted unless a
monthly payment was made. The fee de
lidHutu ran from slO Uorn Tor t0e
larger hotels and restaurants down to So
for the smaller places. The hotel men
did not respond to the notice and were
inclined to fight The copyright law,
however. provides not only for an injunc-
ton but also for large penalty In ad-
dition to having cause for action In a suit
20 recover royalties.
When October l came in with midnight
the various orchestras in public places
folded up their copyrighted music and re-
sorted to Home. Sweet Home" odd Folks
at Home" and popular tunes on which
the copyright had long since expired. But
not In Capt Jim Churchhilrs place. Capt.
Jim paid his SIS on September 80 and
therefore has the distinction OF being FIRST
on the society's books. A strict watch
will be kept by the society. It was said.
and violators OF the copyright law AS
IL relates 10 music will be prosecuted
The society felt that II had given all
plenty OF warning. Each hotel or cabaret
owner will be requested to furnish d
weekly report OF the music used so that
the composers may get their proper share
big hotel like the Waldorf-Astoria or tn,
Hotel Aston would be taxed $1,000 4
( year" said Mr.. Golden. We had pro
posed a highest license OF $500 a year
but the hotel and restaurant men went a
the Federation OF American Musicians and
said that II n IL didn't use its infiuenc,
to cut down the price they would b,
obliged TO discharge the musicians. Their
| we agreed to make the rates SIS. SIC
| and SO. according to the size of the place
and they agreed that our rates were no
| TOO high.
We will use the fees for the next 81,
months as a fund to fight renegade pub
/ fishers. After that the fees will be divided
one-thIrd each to the author. composer anC
! publisher
II was said yesterday that all the pub
fishers. with a few exceptions, were with
| the new society In its work They hav,
organized the Music Publishers Board o
Trade on their own account. They hav,
put the ban on actors. singers and or
chestra leaders who have been collecting
pay for putting on song to make 1t popu
lar