Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-03-20
ADAMS / CO. s EXPRESS MONOPOLY

attention of the readers of the Star tn
this great and growing monopoly. To
give them an idea Of the wealth and ex-
tent Of the business done BY this opulent
company, We will quote from descrip-
ton in one of the New York papers Of
their new banking palace, recently open
ed in that city for the inspection of the
public, who are content to be their will
ing dupes, and are disposed, with open
eyes, to aid in Strengthening monopoly
already SO great as to be able to ''crush
oct" all individual enterprise that may
raise its impotent front in opposition, SO
that they may get their O'rn price for
whatever they may carry over. the roads,
which they have bought up at an enor-
nous cost. 1t nust be remembered that
the following is but descriptive of por-
ton Of the immense building just erected
by this monopoly;
This ia the new banking house, or counting
room, the entrance to which is through The
large hall on Broadway 1t IS hfty-threc feet
deep and thirty seven feet wide; tho ceiling is
sur mounted by beautiful deme forty feet in
height, and the whole apartment is lifted up
and decorated in a style Ut richness and sle-
-ancc probably uncqualled in any other bank
ing house in the world
Tho desks and counters are of solid eak,
finely carved and polished; the huge candeI-
abras are Of bronze. with cut-giass shades,
manufactured in the most costly style by Cor
nslius, of Philadelphia, tho walls are painted
III fresco, after the most admired designs, by
Molini 4 Allegri, two italian artists, whs cx-
col in this species Of work; and the floor is
composed of English mosaic, which is exceed
ingly firm and durable. The several desks are
assigned to the cashier, the assistant cashier,
the Australian clerk, the Californian clerk,
the European clerk, the Custom House clerk,
and the banking clerk, with accommodations
for their respective assistants.
''On one side stands pair of jewelled scales,
manufactured with the minutest accuracy by
Messrs. Howard Davis, Of Boston, expressly
for Adams & Co. These scales rest upon
marble slab, and are to be encased They
will be used for weighing gold. In the corner.
near the scales, is the safe in which the bull
lion, gold dust, coin, books, papers, and other
valuables Of the firm will be kept. 1t is con-
structed with thick double walls, so arranged
that in case of fire, a current of cold air may
reduce the chances of destruction. The massive
iron doors are also double, with impregnable
fastenings, and it is evident that every precau-
ton which human ingenuity could devise has
been adopted to render this safe an effectual
protection against both fire and burglars.
4" In the rear Of the counting room, is the
private Office of the firm, furnished in the most
elegant style that can be imagined The ex-
pense of fitting up these rooms is said to have
exceeded t,renty: fire thousand doffars."
On the occasion of this opening, a
splendid entertainment was given, when
sentiments were offered, and speeches
were delivered, all, as matter of course,
complimentary of the millionaires who
control the company. Among the toasts
we note the following, which was drank
with great applause:
The EMPRESS BUsINEss-The offspring of
personal enterprise, unfettered and unrestrict-
ed by royal prerogatives or privileged orders
it extends wherever there is free cOmmunica
ton, knits in intimacy towns. cities, seas and
| continents: and is the more peculiarly demo.
cratic, because, while it is alike the servant Of
ALL, it serves all ALIKE.
"Aot q ouIiCcQuC ID ttilS SSuIitutut
upon the well known history of Adams
& Co.'S Express! Its prerogatives and
privileges, in land whose free-born citi
zens scott at the royalty of Europe, are
equal to royalty itself. Its power has
become so great that personal enter.
prise" is cramped, restricted and fettered
to an extent that puts to blush the priv
leges accorded to those through whose
veins flow the gentle blood of aristocratic
lands.
We love enterprise, and rejoice at the
prosperity of industry; but must en:el
our protest against everything of mo-
nopolizing nature. having tendency tt
destroy individual enterprise and render
futile the efforts Of industry.
There is scarcely housekeepcr or bu.
Siness man in the community who is no
made to contribute to the support Of this
company and add to their enormou.
wealth, by paying their extravagan
charges for carrying. Why, then, submi
without murmur? We shall refer t.
this matter again.