d with the
progressive views of New England politics, which they maintained
throughout their business career. At an early day a system of
persecution was opened upon them by a portion of the New York press on
the score of their anti-slavery sentiments, to which they replied by
announcing that 'they had goods for sale, not opinions.' This bold
expression became quite popular in its day, and did much to extend the
business of the high-toned concern which proclaimed it, so that what was
lost by prejudice was more than gained from legions of new friends,
until, for a time, they reaped a golden harvest from a trade which
ramified to all parts of the North, East, and West.

Another famous concern which sustained a position diametrically
opposite to the one we have just mentioned, was that of Henrys, Smith &
Townsend. This house was for more than a quarter of a century
distinguished in the dry goods line, but held a Southern trade, and its
members were men of corresponding proclivities. Commencing in Hanover
square, the firm had followed the drift of trade into Broadway, and had
become immensely rich. Like Bowen & McNamee (or Bowen, Holmes & Co.,
their later firm), they led in political, as well as in mercantile
enterprise, and these two houses, like Calpe and Abyla, were for years
set over against each other as the trade representatives of the Northern
and Southern sentiment.

Yet, whatever may have been their difference of opinion, we are well
persuaded of the fact that both houses were composed of patriotic and
high-minded men, who differed simply because their views were of an
extreme character. We might record other distinguished firms, which like
these arose to greatness from humble beginnings, and at last fell like
them beneath the revulsion which preceded the present civil war; but
these will serve as general illustrations.

With this revulsion the glory of the great houses has passed away. The
marble palaces which formerly rented for $20,000 to $50,000, either
stand empty or are tenanted at a nominal rate; and the enormous traffic
of millions annually, has sunk down to the proportions of primitive
times. Those grand Broadway stores must hereafter be divided, for no one
concern can fill them, and the dreams of merchant and of builder are
alike exploded. The dry goods trade in New York is now under a process
of change, and as the dispensation of high rents and broad floors, long
credits and enormous sales, seems to b