The Portland daily press., 1885-04-13

Whnf Princes Express Company Says
Ab0Mt III,

A reporter for the PRESS called Saturday, on
Col. w. 81. Greene, of Princes Express Com
pany to see il he had anything to say to the
statements made by Mr.. De Witt in reference
to the annoyance complained of by business
men.
COL Greene said he was surprised TO see the
statements made in the PRESS in regard to the
express business. The Colonel said further: /
didn't know there was any dissatisfaction
among the business men about the express ar
rangements. All the express companies have
systematic methods of doing business. 1t is
not conducted hap-hazard. When Mr.. De
Witt thinks there is ample season from the
time their matter arrives in Boston in the
morning for the express companies to transfer
1t to the a. M. train for Portland he is mis-.
taken, for there is not time to do the business
properly A few packages might be transfer
ed il the companies were specially requested,
but not the business as whole, for it would
be impracticable to transfer that to any train
earlier than the noon train out of Boston which
arrives in Portland at 8 p. M, or by the p m.
arriving at p. M, too late for delivery in the
city before the close of the days business.
Since the Adams company has transferred
their business to our (Prince's) company we
have not had single complaint in regard to
our freight 1t is true that the matter does
not reach here until the following morning,
but merchants say it arrives in ample time for
all business purposes. Although we are a
steamboat express, and known as such. we al
ways forward our freight by rail when there is
any appearance of storm coming. In fact
so particular have we been that for quite
number of years we have been caught only
once, and that was Friday, April Sd, when
there was no indication of storm when the
boat left Boston, the day preceding having
been warm and clear with southwest wind
prevailing. Had there been the least doubt in
the mind of the agent as ito the weather on
that occasion the express matter would have
been forw aided by rail as it was the night fol-
lowing.
AS far as the danger of loss to the banks or
brokers, is concerned they do not, and never
have, sent their money by steamboat expresses
Money and bonds, since the difficulties be-
tween the Adams and American companies
began, have invariably come by rail, and
whenever this company has any large amounts
Va AioHoy AoA dAJDOuy iuttubL6u 10 IL the
money is sent by rail by special messenger.
The merchants of Portland are we'll satisfied
to have their matter sent by Adams Express
Go. to Boston, and there transferred to our
company for Portland, for the reason that oar
rates are 80 per cent lower. A package sent by
Princes Express costs % cents, and by the
American So cents. Our rates are IS cents per
100 pounds, and theirs so cents Over 200
Portland merchants have given the following
peremptory order to have all their goods for
warded by our company.
d. Lowering, Jr., Adams Express Co.
Dear Sir Please for ward all goods received
over your lines. consigned to us, per Princes
Express from Boston. Yours Respectfully.
Portland, -, 1885.
In conclusion would say that as long as the
quarrel between the two companies continues
the public will be the parties benefited in
rates, for when the quarrel is patched up then
the screws will be put on again.