Express

in the United States, a system organized for the speedy transmi ion of parcels or merchandise of any kind, and their safe delivery in good condition. It originated in_the trip _ made from Boston to New York ae"" Frederick Harnden (1813- 1845), the first “‘ expre -package carrier,” March 4, 1839. The project recommending itself to busine men, competing companies sprang up rapidly, and expre lines were established in all directions. Adams & Co.’s California expre was started in 1849; Wells, American-European Co. was created in 1855. As railways extended, the early “pony expre ” disappeared, and individual companies now have contracts with the several railway companies, their busine over these routes being held to be entitled to the protection of the courts against any efforts to dispo e them. Many of the rival companies were am a lag amated, and most of the succe ful concerns are now joint-stock institutions, the industry employing age aggregating more than $50,000,000.