arpers felt through the rivalry of the
_Ledger_. This sort of enterprise cost, but it convinced people that
respectable journals advertised as did the _Ledger_. People said it was
'cheap, trashy literature, etc.'

Mr. Bonner at once hunted up Edward Everett who was recognized as the
representative of New England refinement. This was a most opportune time
for Mr. Bonner, as Mr. Everett was trying to raise a large sum with
which to aid in beautifying the home and tomb of Washington. Mr. Bonner
engaged Mr. Everett to write a series of articles on Mount Vernon,
giving in return his check for $10,000 to be applied toward the Everett
Fund for the aid of the Association. Probably Mr. Everett would have
refused to write at any other time, but Bonner took advantage of
circumstances--ALWAYS.

He next secured George Bancroft, the eminent historian. Then followed
Horace Greely, James Gordon Bennett, and Henry J. Raymond. When such
lights of journalism would write for the _Ledger_, what could lesser
country editors say? Next came a story by Henry Ward Beecher, who was
followed by Dr. John Hall the great Presbyterian Divine, Bishop Clark,
Dr. English, Longfellow, Tennyson, and others, including a series of
articles from the presidents of the leading colleges throughout the
country.

Mr. Bonner is a Presbyterian, being a member of the church presided over
by Dr. John Hall, on Fifth Avenue. He has given many thousands of
dollars to various institutions and charities. He owns the finest stable
of horses in the Union, among which are such as Maud S.--his first great
trotter was Dexter. He never allows one of his horses to trot for money.

Mr. Bonner is getting along in years but still attends to business. His
paper has at times attained a circulation of 400,000 copies, each
issue.

WILLIAM G. FARGO.

Who, indeed, has not heard of the American Express Company? Yet, how few
there are who know to whom we are indebted for its existence.

William G. Fargo was born May 20, 1818, at Pompey, New York, and at the
age of twelve he was mail-carrier over a route that covered forty miles.
The inference must be at once formed that William G. Fargo was no
ordinary child. He must have been industrious and trustworthy, for the
mail must be delivered on time. No holiday could be observed, nor could
any circus be allowed to come between him and his work. Seeking a more
remunerative calling he went to Waterville, where he clerked in a small