[D8959ACO], Letter from Alfred Ord Tate to Samuel Insull, July 20th, 1889
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Title
[D8959ACO], Letter from Alfred Ord Tate to Samuel Insull, July 20th, 1889
Editor's Notes
[19 small handwritten pages from London, the following is notes and quotes -- needs to be transcribed] Appointments made by Verity prevented me getting a second letter to you. Updates: Seligman negotiations--- Found upon reaching London that Seligmann was negotiating with Gouraud; wanted to inform you so you could instruct me how to tip the scales of the negotiations. Summarizes cables & letters to/from Insull. Refers to "Seligman's (Moriartys) representation of his side." Think Seligman/Moriarty misrepresented to Gouraud your discussions with Moriarty about TAE's interest in contract with Gouraud. "Gouraud's Position." Gouraud hasn't pursued formation of company;important commercial element" 2) Graphophone patents predate those of phonograph. Will be very difficulty to float company for phonograph alone. Could quash Graphophone claims in court but not win favor of public opinion. Gouraud seems to have no friends; "if he had any kind of an efficient connection he would not be obliged to consider pupular support as such an important element…" Gouraud proposed scheme for sale of foreign phono rights and the Phonograph Works. He wants to set up biz for sale or lease of phonos in order to have something more tangible than patents to put on market. Have talked with John Pender, Spencer Balfour, James Anderson, all say Gouraud has no following and would fail in floating a company even if he faced no graphophone opposition. If Seligmans buy us out or combine, we could float a company with their financial support. "Unless we combine we should make Gouraud do a legitimate business and wait until the phonograph itself has acquired that popular support which Gouraud cannot command now before attempting to capitlize the business." London financiers believe Gouraud represents himself, not TAE. "The people want Edison but they refuse to swallow Gouraud with him."
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1889-07-20
Type
Subject
Folder/Volume ID
D8959-F
Microfilm ID
127:777
Document ID
D8959ACO
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University