The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1875-06-05
Origin Of the Adams Express.

Amongst other prominent pub
lie institutions which owe their
origin 10 the lottery, is the great
express system for carrying small
packages, now in successful oper-
alton throughout the continent.
In obedience to the general law
which seems to govern all gigantic
enterprises, it also developed from
very small and Insignificant begin
nings.
In the year 1888 lotteries were
prohibited In the State Of New
York, but for many years after
they flonrishcd extensively in the
State of Delaware, which absorb
cd the very large patronage OF the
former State. Among others, the
people of Albany were heavy pur-
chascrs. Their only means of re-
ceiving news Of the drawings was
by tho regular stage route running
between that city and New York,
and tickets were consequently sold
in Albany for day or two after
the drawings had taken place.
Mr.. Adams (thc founder OF this
express systcm) was ut that time
a stage driver on this line, and
conceived the idea Of obtaining
news in advance, thus securing
him an immense advantage by
purchasing all the tickets that had
drawn prizes still exposed for sale
ut Albany during the interval.
With this view he procured and
trained a number Of carrier pi-
gcons to bring the drawings from
Wilmington, Delaware, In advance
Of the mail, TO his Office IN New
York. From thence to Albany
he established relays Of fast hors-
cs, and over this route, after re-
cciying the official drawing, he
travelled in light spring wagon,
arrivingin Albany at least twenty
four hours IN advance Of the rcgn-
lar mail which came by stage.
This afforded both time and OPP
portunity 10 search the market
and avail himself Of the advnMta.
les thus afforded. The business
proved profitable, but the expense
Of maintaining the route was Of
course very heavy. Although his
real secret was preserved for u
long time, yet 1t was found ncccs-
sary IN order to avert suspicion,
to furnish some excuse 10 parties
living along the route In the vicin-
ity of New York. lie therefore
informed tho ovcr-curious that his
express had becn established for
the purpose Of carrying light pack.
agcs between the two cities. IT
was not long before people com.
mcnced, much to his annoyance.
ut first, availing themselves of the
advantage. Mr.. Adams was con.
sequcntly forced 10 raise the rates
Of carriage again aud again, until
at last hc discovered that his
freight list could be made to cover
his entire expenses. About this
time the secret was discovered,
and the sale Of lottery tickets was
closed IN Albany with tho time ol
tho drawing. But Mr.. Adams,
with that fertility of resource and
adaptation which invariably char.
actcrizcs the Northern American,
Immediately directed his sole at
tcntioM toward developing tho cx'
press business. low Adams
Express grew and prospcrcd un'
til It has become one Of the largest
and most extensive corporations
in tho world is too well known 4
our readers to need further cxpla
nation. We merely call attention
to the important part played b!
the lottery system in its origina
inception.
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General Drcckinridgo was on'
of three Of the most exalted FREE