Year: 1877

H


Not only in this country, but elsewhere,
n practice has too often prevailed which Is
so clearly wrong that for its abandonment
no argument would seem to be necessary.
1t is the undervaluation OF packages of bonds
or currency, shipped by express, FOR the
sake OF reducing the charges for their trans
pertation. 1t seems incredible, that any
respectable banker should permit such dis
honesty, yet that its occurrence is By no
means rare is IN undeniable fact.


There are some who attempt to Justify
themselves in this by claiming the right to
assume on their own part such portion OF
the risk of loss as they may see fit; and that,
therefore, there is nothing wrong when the
value Of the contents is understated on a
package. Such reasoning is false through.
out. The express company undertakes the
labor OK transI ortation, as well as its risks.
1t is understood that the payment for such
labor is to be according to the value involved.
To misstate that 'valnc Intentionally IS
nothing less than falsehooG and fraud, and
we therefore endorse fully the comments SO
sharply made in the article below, which we
find in the Erpressman's Monthly for JAN
uary: ."- nr ;,
TO the Editors of the Erpressman's Month
ty: -.


The article in your November No. entitled
" Bankers and Express Companies " points
to an evil practice which fair dealing, COM
mon honesty, and good morals alike con-
demn as pernicious and demoralizing.
1t is known and uniformly recognized
that the rule, practice, and right OF carriers
of money is to receive compensation FOR the
service by charging for the amount carried.
The right and justice Of this rule is con-
cedcd by all. Whether the package occupy
much or little space, the charge made by the
carrier is upon the amount. NotWlthstand'
ing this fact is brought home to the knowl'
edge OF the shipper, there are those VINO
would commit fraud upon the carrier by
depriving him OF his proper revenue for tnt
service performed, and which is opposed to
fair dealing.


Common honesty would oppose this, be-
cause in the attempt or effort to obtain ser
vice without giving proper compensation
through withholding the facts regarding
the sum to be forwarded, the shipper is
committing a fraud upon the carrier, who
has provided facilities for the service, to be
paid for rs rendered and in proportion to tho
amount transmitted.


The practice is opposed to good morals
! in that it must be known to the empioye;
Of the shippers that deception is being useo
by their principals, and that the clerk
cashier, or teller is made the means for
Justification OF their books, in the proces:
OF affecting the fraud upon the carrier
thereby opening the minds OF all persons
cognizant OF the facts to the question OF
how they also may benefit themselves
through deception.


1t is opposed to true ethics OF business II
that in the hope of saving to themselves
few cents per thousand dollars those who
practice this deception are taking to them
selves most extraordinary risks, as it ]:
known that in case OF loss from any cause
the carrier is released from all responsibility
for the amount III excess OF that stated a:
being the sum delivered to him; and in the
event OF such loss, officers OF banks and Other
corporations should be held personally re
sponsblc and liable to stockholders therefor
| am gratitied, Messrs. Editors. that yot
have called attention to this important mat
ter, and hope the subject will be brought t
the attention OF all concerned, to the enc
that the evil be discontinued.