[LB062137], Letter from Thomas Alva Edison to Edison United Phonograph Co, George N Morison, November 29th, 1895
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/LB062137
Transcription
Nov. 29th, 1895. Edison United Phonograph Co., G. N. Morison, Esq., Sec’y., Mills Building, Broad st., New York. Dear sir:- I am in receipt of your letter of the 25th, enclosing letter from London, addressed to Mr. S. F. Moriarty, by Mr. Wm. Alexander Smith, of the Edison-Bell Phonograph Corporation Limited. I immediately communicated with the Works, with the view to ascertaining whether we have filled any orders for the Chicago Talking Machine Co., received through the Receiver of the North American Phonograph Company. They advise me that they have only shipped to this concern one lot of material since the appointment of the Receiver, in August, 1894, the particular material shipped to them, consisting of 5 shaving machine bodies and other small material, which went forward by express on July 26th, 1895. We have shipped them no bodies, however. In connection with this matter, I desire to advise you that the Chicago Talking Machine Company is nothing more or less than the Western branch of the Graphophone Company. They have been advertising Phonographs, Graphophones and supplies therefore throughout this country, and I presume that they are also doing the same in Europe, judging from this letter from Mr. Smith. Although I have no absolute knowledge, personally, I have been informed that the Chicago Talking Machine Co. have been making, or having made, in the west, Phonographs, which they are offering at very low prices. These machines are not made by the Works, nor have the Works any knowledge of the manufacturers, although as soon as we can obtain any definite information on the subject, it is proposed to bring the same to the attention of the Receiver of the North American Phonograph Company, so that he can at once arrange to protect the rights. In conclusion, I desire to say that the statement made in the first paragraph of Mr. Smith’s letter, as to my authorizing either the Chicago Talking Machine Co., or, “other American Institutions”, to exploit my Phonograph abroad, is not true, and the insinuation is entirely uncalled for, and entirely absolutely not in accordance with the facts. I wish that you would see that Mr. Smith is fully informed of my position in this matter, and assure him that the circularizing, selling and exploitation of Phonographs in his territory, if it is being done, is being done without any knowledge on my part. Yours very truly, Thos A Edison