[OFFICIAL.]

PUBLISHERS' BOARD of TRADE,

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY.

25 BOND STREET, NEW YORK.

Minutes of Regular Quarterly Meeting, held February 11 and 12, 1874, at the Grand Central

Hotel.

First Session held February 11.

President, W. H. APPLETON, Esq., in the Chair.

The following houses were represented:

D. APPLETON & CO.; A. S. BARNES & CO.; BREWER & TILESTON; J. H. BUTLER & CO.; CLARK & MAYNARD; COLLINS & BRO.; COWPERTHWAIT & CO.; R. S. DAVIS & CO.; A. H. ENGLISH & CO.; GINN BROS.; HARPER & BROTHERS; HENRY HOLT & CO.; MASON, BAKER & PRATT; SCRIBNER, ARMSTRONG & CO.; SHELDON & CO.; TAINTOR BROTHERS; UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING CO.; WILSON, HINKLE & CO.

Minutes of preceding meeting approved.

The Secretary read such of the letters received in reply to his recent circular as presented any points for consideration regarding the withdrawal of agents.

The Executive Committee presented a report accompanied by two resolutions

I. Resolved, That the house of Messrs. J. P. Morton & Co. are hereby admitted to membership in the Publishers' Board of Trade, with this provision and understanding, that all and any existing contracts and obligations entered into previous to their admission by members of the Board may be kept i good faith, and that Messrs. J. P. Morton & Co. are entitled to a like privilege. Carried.

Resolved, That the Arbitration Committee take into consideration Article XXV. of the By-Laws, and report whether it has been duly observed in the recent action had in by - and whether said article requires any modification in order to assure its observance both in letter and spirit. Carried.

A report, signed by Messrs. Ivison, Cowperthwait, and Maynard, was received from the Arbitration Committee, with the explanation that three members of the Arbitration Committee were interested parties, and consequently unable to act, and that Mr. Ivison had been requested to act with the other two. Under By-Law XXI., a settlement not having been effected by the committee, the matter was brought before the Board. It was referred to a special committee, appointed by the Chair, consisting of Messrs. Wilson, Brewer, and Collins, the parties at issue severally stating that the decision of this committee would be accepted by them as final.

Mr. Curtis, from the committee appointed at the last meeting, reported as follows:

Resolved, That school books shall not be sold by any member of this Board, after first introduction, to any school, school officer, or board of education, at a discount greater than 25 per cent., except to cities and towns where bids are publicly asked for, and the boards supply the school books to the scholars. The purchaser to pay all expenses of transportation.

Mr. Holt, from the same committee, stated that he had signed the report because he believed it an improvement on the present system, but with the understanding that he should move as an amendment what he believed to be a still further improvement-the substitution, in the resolution, of twenty per cent. for twenty-five per cent.

Mr. Sheldon said that the subject would come up later in another form, and moved the tabling of the resolution. Carried.

Mr. Isaac Sheldon offered the following:

Resolved, That a Committee of (5) Five be appointed by the President to carefully consider our present by-laws and suggest any amendments or improvements which they may deem desirable with a view of reorganizing this Board for a period of (2) two years, from July next.

Resolved, That all members are invited to submit to this committee in writing any changes or additions which they may deem desirable.

Resolved, That this committee are instructed to make a preliminary report at the meeting to-morrow, and a matured report later, of such a set of by-laws as may appear to them best ready for consideration by this Board. Carried.

The Chair appointed Messrs. Wilson, A. S. Barnes, Abner Harper, Armstrong, and R. S. Davis. Permission was given for Mr. Harper to serve by proxy.

Mr. Curtis moved that the committee above-named consider the question of discounts and his committee be discharged. Carried.

Adjourned to meet February 12th, at half past one.

Second Session held February 12.

Minutes of session held February II approved.

The Committee of Five appointed at the preceding session reported as follows:

The committee appointed to suggest amendments to the by-laws, with a view of reorganizing the Board for a new period, respectfully reports:

That the subject demands more consideration than it is possible to bestow in the limited time afforded them. They accordingly request more time, and offer the following resolutions :

Resolved, I. That the Board hold a special meeting April 30th to act upon a matured report which the Committee on Reorganization will then present.

Resolved, II. That every member of the Board who cares to present suggestions for the consideration of this committee is earnestly requested to do so in writing before the first of March, addressing his communications to the Secretary of the Board.

Resolved, III. That the Chair add some representative from Philadelphia to the present committee. Carried.

Mr. Cowperthwait was added to the committee.

Mr. Sheldon moved that the Secretary be requested to address circulars to all houses in the Board, requesting their special attention to the second and third resolutions in the report given above. The Committee of Three, appointed at the preceding session, reported as follows: The committee to whom was referred the case in issue between

and

met

and listened to the written evidence submitted to them. Upon consideration of the same it was found that while the facts sworn to justify a complaint the committee do not feel warranted in deciding in so grave a matter without further evidence, and ask for power to employ a special agent, as has been done in previous cases of like importance, who shall visit - and collect such additional evidence bearing upon the points in doubt as he may be able, and to submit a final report at the next meeting of the Board.

The powers requested were granted.

Mr. Wilson read some extracts from Western newspapers which led him to offer the following resolutions :

WHEREAS, Gentlemen holding prominent and influential official positions in certain quarters publicly charge that the publishers of the country have entered into a combination, the chief object of which is to keep up the price of school books, thereby enriching themselves through unjust and extortionate charges, far above what a fair and reasonable profit justifies, and

WHEREAS, These charges are manifestly founded upon a misapprehension of facts as to the prime cost of books, and the profits they yield, and are calculated, if left uncorrected, to greatly prejudice the people at large against publishers and possibly seriously injure their business; therefore,

Resolved, That a Committee of Three be appointed to consider the nature and foundation of these charges, and to prepare and publish for general circulation by the Board and its members a fair and candid reply to the same, clearly setting forth the objects of the Board of Trade organization and the advantages rather than injury it is calculated to yield to the consumer as well as the producer of school books.

Resolved, That the Committee on Reorganization, appointed to report April 30th, consider what reduction, if any, has taken place in the cost of material and labor involved in manufacturing books since the present tariff of prices was fixed, and whether or not any reduction upon existing rates be practicable; also the wisdom and necessity of a revision and reduction of rates of discount to the trade. Mr. Taintor moved as an amendment :

Resolved, That the Committee on Reorganization, appointed to report April 30th, be requested further to consider the advisability of adopting the plan of establishing net wholesale or "dozen" prices as a basis of regulating introductory prices and jobbing discounts, instead of the present rule of fixing the retail prices, and by publishing the extreme of retail and lowest wholesale prices, misleading the public to form exaggerated ideas of the profits of the publishing business.

Resolution, as amended, carried.

Chair appointed Messrs. Wilson, Ivison, J. Abner Harper, J. A. Appleton, and J. H. Butler, Jr., as the committee.

A general expression of opinion was had from several prominent members concerning the advantages and necessities of the Board. The opinion was unanimous that the organization had made the school-book publishing business pleasanter, more profitable to publishers, and more economical to consumers, and that the Board should be reorganized with such features as experience justifies.

Adjourned until special meeting, April 30.

HENRY HOLT, Secretary.

Stationery Department.

FEBRUARY 21, 1874.

Published in the third number of each month.

Stationery and Fancy Goods.

the latter being bridal fans, ornamented with real lace. Pe:fumed woods are much used. A moderate quantity of these goods, is selling, but it is not expected that much business will be done until at least a month later.

Messrs, Cassell, Petter & Galpin, No. 596 Broadway, have now on hand a large stock of Joseph Hunt & Sons' celebrated playing cards. These cards are by far the finest upon the market, and their merits have always kept them in the first rank. New designs have recently been added, and now the sample book is well worthy of inspection. The new patterns are the work of some of the best designers of the day, and they would be difficult to improve upon. They consist of birds, flowers, shells, art subjects, portraits, and many other designs not usually employed in the decoration of cards. In their way they are novelties, and their quality and durability are fully equal to their beauty and elegance. These cards sell from ten dollars to fifteen dollars per dozen packs. The same house are the sole agents in the United States for Fourdrinier, Hunt & Co's. writing papers. These papers are of an excellent quality, and should command the attention of the trade generally. The newest styles are the "In memoriam mourning" papers and envelopes. These styles differ from other mourning papers inasmuch as instead of the ordinary heavy black band, the sheet is bordered with a black stripe which leaves a white margin on the edge. These stripes are of different patterns, broad, narrow, light, or heavy, according to taste. The envelopes match the paper, and in some instances have a small black cross upon the flap, in place of a seal or monogram.

THE months of February and March being the dullest part of the year, the dealers in stationery and fancy goods are quite content to arrange their stocks and prepare for the future without looking for immediate trade. We have been told on all sides that there is nothing doing, but it is questionable if such extremely dull times were anticipated. In fancy goods, it is true that nothing is expected this time of year, but in the line of sta tionery there should be orders from the country dealers, who are now preparing their stocks for the spring trade. Most of the wholesale houses have their travellers abroad already, which is somewhat early, and but few orders have been forwarded. It was thought that as the country dealers had allowed their stocks to run down during the past season by reason of the panic, they would be anxious to fill their shelves again earlier than usual; but this it would seem is not the case; orders are not coming as rapidly as anticipated, although there is no fear but that they will come in good time. The present uncertain condition of ourinational finances, and the present irresolute postion of Congress upon the question has a most distressing effect, as it leaves all branches of the trade in ignorance of the value either of their goods or their circulating medium. Whether the In the line of fancy goods, Messrs. Cassell, Petter result will be inflation or contraction, it should be & Galpin have an assortment of handsome chromo definitely decided; for until some decision is crosses of new and beautiful designs. These reached, trade suffers, and the bright anticipations crosses are probably the most artistic of the kind that the spring business would compensate for ever published. The same designs may be had the disasters of the fall, are likely to be disap-in outline, with directions for coloring, so that pointed. The fluctuations in the premium on gold have also a depressing effect, and until all these matters are arranged upon some solid and consistent basis, trade will scarcely become prosperous. So far no new styles of goods have been put upon the market, so that the fashions of the season cannot be even guessed at. The square, oddly-shaped note papers and long slim envelopes are yet supreme, though there is a growing fancy for legal styles. Fancy inks are still fashionable, violet being con sidered the best taste.

The trade in fancy goods is over for one season, and the next season has not yet opened. Some few sample lots of goods, however, have arrived for the summer and early fall trade, consisting mostly of fans and travellers' goods. In this line there is nothing strikingly new; the same travelling bags and sandwich boxes that prevailed many years ago are still extant, and it is doubtful if there ever will be any new styles Morocco predominates over all other materials. In fans there may be had every possible style, from the small ordinary article that is at once elegant and serviceable, to the "latest agony," which is twenty inches in length, and spreads out like the tail of a peacock. These fans are made of every possible material, and some of them are decorated with flowers and figures in a very elaborate twenty, those of from fourteen to sixteen and manner. The sizes run from eight inches to eighteen inches being the most popular. The prices are from eight dollars to thirty-five dollars,

they may be used as studies. The firm has also a full line of mathematical instruments, ranging in price from seventy-five cents to ten dollars, and color boxes from $1.25 to $10.

Willy Wallach, of No. 41 John street, shows a fine sample book of dinner cards, both for menu and plate. The designs are very elaborate, and in some instances quite novel.

Messrs. Bergan & Bainbridge, Beekman street, have just received a line of fine English papers, of different tints and sizes. This line of papers is called the "Alexandra,” and has already become very popular. The house has already disposed of large quantities, and new orders are coming in daily. The papers are put up in elegant boxes, containing assorted tints, and sell at $12 per dozen net.

SAMUEL RAYNOR & CO., New York, the large envelope manufacturers, have issued a new trade price list, which should be sent for by every sta tioner, if it were but to use it as a reference list of all the varieties in the envelope line. This list embraces very nearly one thousand different kinds, and contains a large scale table which gives an accurate idea of every size and shape manufactured.

MESSRS. NOVELLO, EWER & Co. are doing good work in endeavoring to break down the old and absurd system of pricing music at twice, thrice, and even four times its actual selling value; all the music issued by the above-named house will therefore in future be marked at the "nett rate."

STATIONERY PRICE-CURRENT.

The following List, including only the most prominent articles, will be gradually completed according to the encouragement our endeavors-to represent the Stationery and accessory trades, as well as the Booktrade-may receive from the Manufacturers, Importers, and Wholesale Dealers in these particular branches. Suggestions are solicited from the Retail trade as well as from Wholesale Dealers.

The Price-Current will, until further notice, appear monthly, in the Stationery Number of the Publishers' Weekly (the third number of each month).