The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-11-15

| The SOUTHERN EXPRESS CoMpANY.-Tbere is no
branch of business in this country more extensive
and important than the express service; yet. while
agriculture, art and trade are world-old, the ex-
press is comparatively only thing of to-day.
England had no part in creating it; Europe has
done nothing to establish it; and twenty years ago
1t was not dreamed of in America, where it is now
so indispensable. Peculiarly American in its orr
gin and characteristics, it has become thorough
ly interviewer with the daily business OF the coun-
try that it seems to constitute an nseparabe por-
ton OF It's muscle and sinew. The express service
properly so called, does not date back beyond the
origin of American railroads. With the innovation
of railways the stage drivers and wagoners found,
| like Othe1o, s'their occupation gone" The
loss of their services inoonvenienced the public,
but the railroads offered n remedy. After some
years had passed-trade and inter-communicatio
between town and country suffering meanwhile
William F. Harnden, conductor on the Boston
and Worcester Railroad, started the express busi-
ness in the Spring OF 1882 At rst he was his own
messenger, carrying his entire express in an or
binary valise, but the advantages OF the new en-
terprise were apparent, and he soon entered nls
sphere of usefulness. The first opposition express
was run on the 4th Of May, 1910, by Alvin Adams
and in the Spring of 1s41 the only express routes
in the world were those Of Adams and Harnden
Co.. between New York aid Boston. Since that
time the Express business has taken rapid strides
forward new companies have been formed, new
routes opened, and each day extends their sphe Q
of usefulness. In 1855, the entire number OF miles
of express routes in America was estimated at
25 Oo0 but as their facilities increased these routes
we're extended, and lines now stretch in every
direction, crossing each other like the threads OF
the spiders web.
The Southern Express Company is but IN or
shoot from the parent stem, and only took It's
present narue when separated during thu war.
There is no better evidence Of the prosperity OF the
agency in this city than may be found In review OF
its history for the past few years. Tue office on the
North side Of Brood street soon became too con-
fined for use, and the Company moved into the
lower story of the Werner Building, at the corner
of Meeting and Cumberland streets, which was
occupied until trey were burnt out by the great.
fire OF 1861. They subsequently moved into the
basement of the Orphan House, and after the
close of the war secured their present large and
commodious Office in Meeting street, opposite the
Charleston Hotel. This Express Company is
Identified with the interests Of the city, and since
it's establishment its career has been one Of
uninterrupted success.
Mr.. T.. D. Gillespie, the present able and efi-
cent manager, assumed control at critical
period in the history Of the Company. With the;
characteristic energy OF thorough express man,
he soon overcame all difficulties, and restored the
Company to its ante-belum basis.
The railroads were observed closely, and 2s they
extended their facilities for communication the
Express Company kept steadfastly by their side.
Messengers were placed on the night trains, and
freights or moneys forwarded with dispatch
These changes have been gradual, and were made
solely for the public convenience, and with total
disregard to the expense that might be entailed
uoon the Company. The train and the messenger
are inseparable, and even if no freight should be
offered the trip is still made. The Express Com
pany may be said to exercise controlling infu-
ence over the whole country, and to influence the
domestic exchanges to a considerable extent, as
they transport nearly all Of the specie, bullion,
bills, bonds and other securities between one city
and another. They are the embodiment OF all that
public carriers should be; and this generation Will
pass away before the inventive genius OF man
discovers or originates any enterprise that will su-
percede them.
The Charleston agency is under the immediate
control of Mr. 7. D. Gillespie, who has complete
and thorough knowledge Of the different details OF
the Express business and who has brought this
Charleston branch to high state Of perfection.
R. B. Bullock is the Superintendent Of the Eastern
Division, j. G. Courtenay Superintendent for
South Carolina, and b. P. Adams Route Agent.
Tn sse gentlemen are all old exports, and, under
their management, the Company can fut prosper.