[D8849ADF], Letter from Everett Frazar to Thomas Alva Edison, December 31st, 1888

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Title

[D8849ADF], Letter from Everett Frazar to Thomas Alva Edison, December 31st, 1888

Editor's Notes

"I had a call from your Mr. Tate today and discussed fully with him the matter of introduction of your Phonograph into Japan, China, and Korea. On the 28th inst. I wrote you a letter stating that I had just received a cable from Japan reading as follows: 'Agent of American graphaphone is now here, actively canvassing Japan.' Mr. Tate agreed with me that immediate action should be taken on this by the sending of cables tonight, both to Yokohama and Shanghae, which I have done, same reading as follows: 'Advertise Edison's perfected phonograph far superior graphone. Supplied within forty days with expert.' The cost of these, which Mr. Tate said would be remitted to me here was, with address, -to Shanghae $29.95 to Yokohama 33.15=$63.00 ### By mail from Yokohama just to hand Mr. Lindsley writes me that if it is your desire that we decide at once in the matter of sending an expert to Japan with some phonographs, he recommends same, with my approval. Within the past few months I have talked with various parties who have examined and have some interest in your phonograph, and I am satisfied it will be made a great success. At Mr. Tate's invitation, I propose to visit your Laboratory and phonograph factory on Saturday afternoon next about 3:30 o'clock, when I will be able, personally, to be assured of its great value commercially. Upon such assurance I will then be willing to enter into an agreement with you, to take a young gentleman recommended by you, - an expert in the phonograph, with also certain electrical knowledge, and send him out to Japan, to China and Korea, to work in connection with my houses, having the very valuable assistance of the electrical and railway experts whom we have had in our service for the past few years. Acquaintance with the language customs of both native and foreign methods will, I am sure, be of the greatest vlaue in the quick and successful exploiting of the Edison Phonograph, as against the opposition Lippincott Graphaphone. All dealing in the matter with those countries, the filling of orders, payment for instruments, cabling &c. will go through my hands here. You will, therefore, know when and where to find me, always, and we can work in such close accord as will, I am confident, be much to your satisfaction. For the first year, where I have to undergo the expense of salary and passages to and from the East, with living expenses added, Mr. Tate says you will be willing to make quite liberal satisfactory terms. After these have been placed on a safe foundation, a continuance of our contract will be made to mutual advantage. I, therefore, ask you to let the matter remain in abeyance until I see you with Mr. Tate and Mr. Batchelor at your Laboratory Saturday afternoon next. I think you will agree with me that is very advisable that immediate action is taken on the above cables which will be circulated throughout Japan and China within one week of the graphaphone agent appearing on the spot. With the compliments of the season, ### Believe me, dear Sir," Yours very truly, Everett Frazar

Date

1888-12-31

Type

Folder/Volume ID

D8849-F

Microfilm ID

124:626

Document ID

D8849ADF

Publisher

Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University
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