February 15, 1876

New York Times publishes Albert Weber’s letter to editor: “No one, I am sure, has done more to elevate the reputation of New York pianos than myself, and my faith in the intelligence of the people has been rewarded by a patronage second to none, and a reputation which has made the Weber piano known throughout the world, and procured for it the admiration of every great artist and competent critic. I had fought my way up to the top, felt secure in my position and believed that each manufacturer would accomplish more by being untrammeled. […] a few disappointed “outs” met in a little conclave and decided to form an exclusive society, where all could be officers. If a little ring chooses to come together and form an insignificant coterie for mutual admiration, that is their business; but let them abstain from throwing mud on their own handywork simply because it had gotten too unwieldy for them to handle.”