elongated its title to "the style" of "The American Merchants' Union Express Company," and retained it (with no profit except to printers) until, in January, 1873, J. C. Fargo issued a circular to "agents and messengers," in which, to their entire satisfaction, occurred the following good news:

"On the first day of February next, the name of this company will be changed to

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY,

and, from and after that date, you will use it in the transaction of our business."

And that was the last of the "Merchants' Union."

The venerable Henry Wells had become quite enfeebled in health at the close of the year 1868, and was but too happy to resign the presidency to Wm. G. Fargo (who was still in the prime of life), that he himself might find, in a sea voyage and foreign travel, a salutary relief from care, and, happily, a thorough renovation; and to this quest he devoted the closing decade of his long and intensely active career.

In assuming the chiefship of this great company, the new president brought into full aud efficient use his thirty-five years of Express experience and well-tried capacity for large financial transactions; qualifications vitally requisite at all times in the controlling head of such a corporation, but never more so than at that period.

Fortunately, also, he had, in his executive committee and treasurer, and in the general superintendent, and the superintendents of divisions, persons of the most approved capacity, fitness, fidelity and zeal; and applying himself resolutely to his Herculean labor, his indomitable will overcame every hindrance to the company's progress to prosperity. And why was his task so difficult?

The "Merchants' Union" had been conducted with the most unconscionable and profuse disbursement of the money of its unfortunate stockholders; and this example at headquarters had produced its legitimate fruit—a habit of superfluous expenditure in numerous offices throughout the country; and Wm. G. Fargo, and the board, found it necessary to initiate, immediately after the consolidation, a system of retrenchment

over all their lines. It was no easy matter. On the contrary, it necessitated much labor for both the general superintendent and his assistants, and was certain to produce dissatisfaction in those offices most affected by the reform. Many agencies were abolished; two in the same town being superfluous. Hundreds of iron safes, a great many horses and wagons, and a vast deal of office furniture, harness, &c., late the property of the defunct company, had to be sold, and at a great sacrifice. The ruin of a corporation, and the consequent loss of employment by thousands of persons, was made the more striking by these minor losses in so many localities.

The New York division remains under the supervision of M. B. White, who is an assistant general superintendent, with headquarters at Albany. He is a man of great nervous energy, and prompt decision in any emergency; rapid in his movements, indefatigable in his arduous labors, and much more genial than is usual with men working so incessantly.

He has, in his territory on the lines of the Hudson River Railroad and New York Central, several of the largest and most prosperous interior cities which the State can boast of, and if he could be induced to write it out, it would be interesting to read his testimony to their growth since he assumed the control of the company's business in that section.

E. H. Ely, who has assisted him, both as a route agent and in a higher capacity, on the line between Albany and New York, has his office in the great metropolis, where he is city superintendent also.

The New York down-town offices of the company were at 62 and 64 Broadway and 61 Hudson street for several years. It retained its fine building on Hudson street to the close of 1879, but its clerical force (for awhile at 111 Broadway) is now divided mainly between its admirably appointed office at 65 Broadway, and its depot contiguous to the 48th street depot of the Hudson River Railroad.

At " 65" it has a large basement freight-room, and on the first floor a money parcel and small package receipting and delivery department, both under the supervision of R. A. McKinney, the city agent, whose unblemished record is of many years' standing. McKinney, a mere boy when he began

with the company, is now in the prime of life. He is assisted at the various desks by some sterling men, whose pleasant faces have been familiar to the customers of the company for many years among them Geo. E. Carpenter, R. B. Clark, Wray, Hewitt, Knapp, and his own brother, J. S. McKinney.

The rooms of the president, W. G. Fargo; the treasurer, Alex. Holland; Jas. C. Fargo, general superintendent; Chas. G. White, his aid; the cashier, his assistant, and several other valuable aids; superintendent Ely; Chas. E. Hoyt, correspondent; M. T. Berry, traffic manager, and the local stationery department, are on the same floor, front.

The Express depot at corner 48th street and 4th avenue, under the efficient care of J. D. Hadley, is "an institution" in itself. Two floors of a nice, snug building, facing the avenue, are occupied by Mr. Hadley's clerical force, who push their pens with all the vim of first-class machinery. In the large covered freight yard, or court, beyond the clerical building, are many other employees; scrip-clerks, drivers, porters, etc. And a bustling scene it is, too.

Immense quantities of freight (and multitudinous paper packages, as well) come in and go out at this depot, for the Hudson River Railroad is the American's right bower, and connecting as it does with the mighty New York Central and its tributaries, the two counter streams of Express matter, constantly passing each other over two of the Hudson's four parallel tracks of steel rails, might well be compared to great rivers, not of water, but of merchandise. The American is of incalculable service to trade and travelers on those grand thoroughfares.