CHAPTER XXIII

THE EXPRESS SERVICE AND THE RAILROAD MAIL 369

Development of express business--Railroad conductors the first mail and express messengers--William F. Harnden's express service--Postage rates--Establishment and organization of great express companies--Collection and distribution of express matter--Relation between express companies and railroads-- Beginnings of post-office department--Statistics--Railroad mail service--Newspaper delivery--Handling of mail matter--Growth of the service.