Music recorded in August 1904
August 1904 saw major developments in the Russo-Japanese War, both at sea and on land. The Battle of the Yellow Sea took place on August 10, and attention focused on the outcome of naval control around Port Arthur. The Battle of Liaoyang began from August 25 to September 3, marking the full-scale ground battle for key bases in Manchuria. In the same month, British-Indian forces reached Lhasa during the British Expedition to Tibet, marking the transition of military operations to peace and treaty negotiations. In the field of political thought, the International Socialist Congress (Amsterdam 1904), the sixth congress of the Second International, was held in Amsterdam from August 14 to 18, and international discussions on topics including working hours and anti-war were held. In terms of social history, Anthropology Days was held from August 12 to 13 around the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, which was linked to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and is recorded as a project reflecting racial attitudes of the time. In terms of sports, the men's marathon of the same games was held on August 30.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in August 1904
The August 1904 issue of Edison Phonograph Monthly (Vol. 2, No. 6) contains a collection of articles about the distribution of recordings and records in August 1904, including updates to sales network contracts, revamped packaging (record cartons), and expanded catalog information. The articles in this issue confirm a movement toward standardizing product distinctiveness and trade practices against the backdrop of pricing policy and increased demand.
New carton and new display method
This document introduces a new type of record carton and a new method of marking, beginning with the August 1904 record shipment. It explains specifications aimed at making it easier to identify and store records at the distribution site, such as dimensions, countersink structures on both ends for fastening, labels on the lid and sides, and numbering on a small circular label on the lid.
Adding a composer name
The same issue also outlines a policy to include composer names in the song titles of the next domestic record catalog. Composer names will be added as they become known, and missing names will be added in the future.
Facilitating retailer contract renewals and signings
The issue includes information on the distribution of the new Retail Dealers Agreement, the need to sign it promptly, and administrative procedures for handling it (such as handling new contracts and changes to terms). This is positioned as a practical update to standardize the operation of the sales network.
