Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1882-08-18
now THE EMPRESS BUSINEss
STIRTED.

NhAfAhEDs
have lust found an old letter, adj
dressed b. me ON the 9th of October,
1888, which led 30 results quito over
powering in their magnitude. The
writer is William i. Harndcn. Ho tells
me that he has applied for post Of con-
ductor upon the Western railroad, and
solicits my influence, as Treasurer Of
the road, "should you think mo worthy
of the Office" IIarnden had been sell
ing tickets ut the Worcester railroad
depot, but found this occupation much
too scdontary for his active nature. He
was man who wished 10 be moving.
For some reason, which do not recall,
Harnden did not get the conductorship;
hut his application brought me in con-
tact with this 1.-the. intelligent young
fellow, who wished TO be on the go, and
] suggested to him new sort Of bust
ness which, in the hands Of bright
man, / thought might be pushed 10 sue
cess. Az Director and President Of the
Providence railroad. | was compelled TO
make weekly journeys 10 New York,
where the bulk Of our stock was held.
Tho days Of my departure were we'll
known, and / was always met at the do
pot 10y bevy of merchants clerks, who
wished TO intrust packages of business
papers, samples Of goods and other light
matters 30 my care The mail establish
ment was at that time utterly INSULT
Client to meet the wants of tho public.
The postage was II cents upon every
separate bit Of paper. and this
was a burdcnsome tax upon the
daily checks, drafts and receipts
incident b. mercantile transactions.
/ was ready 10 be of service to
my friends. though some Of them
thought my good nature was imposed
upon when they found that | was
obliged 10 carry large trayeling-bag 10
receive their contributions. kept this
bag constantly in sight ON my journey,
and, upon arriving IN New York, deliv-
cred il 10 man whom the merchants
employed 10 meet me and distribute its
contents. Now, il occurred 10 me that
there was an opportunity for somebody
10 do, for an adequate compensation,
just what / was doing for nothing. /
pointed ont 10 Mr.. Harnden that the
collection and delivery of parcels, a.
well as other transportation, might be
undertaken by one responsible person,
for whose service the merchants would
be glad 10 pay. The suggestion fell
upon fruitful soil. Harnden asked me
for special facilities upon the Boston
and Providence road, which / gladly
gave him, and, with the opening of the
year, he commenced regular trips (twice
a week, | think he made them), bearing
in his hand a small valise, and that
valise contained in germ the immense
express business-contained il as the
acorn contains the forest oaks that may
come from it; but many generations
are required TO see the magniiicence Of
the forests, while the growths of human
enterprise extend 10 their wonderful ma
turity in one short life. Harnden's fate
was that too common with pioneers and
inventors He built opt great business
by steady industry, saw all its splendid
possibilities, tried 10 realize them be.
fore the time was ripe, and died n poor
man at the age of 80. In attempting TO
extend the express business To Europe
he assumed risks that we're ruinous, and
the stalwart Vermonter, Alvin Adams.
took his place as chief in the great in-
dustIy which had arisen under his hands.
Josiah Quincy, ia the Independent