Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-07-27
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE.
MINT OF THE UNITED STATES.

T From the Philadelphia Commercial Herald.
through the kindness Of the intelligent Direc.
tor of the Mint, We are enabled to lay before
our readers the following account Of the estab-
iishment, and progress Of this truly National
Institution.
On the 2lst of February, 1882. Resolution
was adopted BY Congress for establishing Mint.
No measures, however. were taken Tor carrying
this resolve into execution. On the 10th OF De-
toher, 1886. an ordinance was passed by that
BODY, but was never carried into effect In
l79s. the Mint of the United States was esta-
blshed at Philadelphia, by an act of Congress,
passed On the Cd Of April, and before the close OF
the year, few specimens OF coin, OF the denoml-
nation of half dismes, were issued. EARLY IN
1898 dwelling house, situated Oh the east side
of Seventh street. between High and Mulberry
streets, was purchased, and dwelling in ITS rear
erected, in which the operations of the establish
ment were carried on.
In this humble and uupretending manner, IN.
der the Presidency Of Washington. who aPPreci-
ated its Importance, and not unfrequently IN.
spec,ed IT. progress-ths institution commenced
its operations.
For the first few years the expenditures seemed
disproportoned to its usefulness, in consequence
Of the scarcity of the precious metals; and the
policy Of such an establishment was frequently
questioned. Public opinion, however, steadily
sustained il under the most discouraging aspects.
National in its character and objects, the Mint
is supported from the funds Of the public Trea-
sury. for the general welfare, where deposi,ors
OF gold er silver bullion receive, without expense,
an equal weight Of gold or silver coins. The
Coinage Of both these metals having invariably
been free OF charge.
From the commencement Of the, operations Of
n e 81. he
rage annual amount of coinage may be stated at
about Ss62, 900. and foe the next ten years en-
ding with 1SlOat S697,O0O From 1910 to
1920 the annual amount was 81, loo, 600, and
from that period 10 1880 il was 81, $50. GOO
The total amount coined at the Mint, from 1898
to the close of 1850, has been S37, 000.000
The increase of the supply Of bullion being
progressive, the accommodations Of the Mint
were from time 20 time enlarged, but under the
expanding operations Of the Bank Of the United
States, II became apparent they we're totally M
sufficient for the increased demand for coinage.
Tae amount Of bullion deposited By the Bank Of
he United States alone, 10 1897, exceeded the
supply received from all other sources during
any previous year. 1t was found to be indis-
peu>aby necessary to address Congress upon the
subject Of providing a more extended establish
meat; aud on the Cd Of March, 1929, resolu.
u
the erection Of suitable building for this purpose.
la accordance with ibis provision, alot was
purchased, extending from Chestnut street to
Penn Square, on the West side Of Juniper street.
containing $50 feet front on Chestnut street BY
sO4 Feet on Juniper stcet, and Oh the Fourth Of
July, l929, the corner stone OF the Mint Ut the
United States, was laid with appropriate ceremo.
MES. The building is Of White Marble. erected
from designs furnished by William Strickland.
II fronts on Chestnut street, Penn Square, and
Juniper street, aud is i25 feet front, by lS9
deep, exclusive Of two porticos each o feet,
making the Whole depth 1875 feet. Porticos are
each Go feet fruut, supported by columns, OF
the Ionic order, s feet IN diameter, Huted, and
bound at the neck of the capital With an olive
wreath. The entabla,ure Of the porticos ex-
tends entirely round the front and TANKS Of the
building, supported by An,oe at the corners, and
surmounted at the extremes of the TANKS, by four
psdiments.
The building consists of a basement, princi-
nal and attic stories. The officers rooms,
vaults, sc. are on Chestnut street, and part
of the Western flank, and are arched aud req
dered completely fire proof. The roo fis Of cop
per. In the centre of the interior, there is a
court So BY 81 feet, for the purpose Of adnrding
additional light, to the variuus apartments, and
q more ready access to each story, by means Of
piazzas.
The entrance from the South portco, is into a
circular vestibuie, communicating With the apart.
ments Of the Director and Treasurer, and by
arched passages, with those Of the Chief Conner,
Mrlter, and Re6ner, and with the rooms for re-
ceiving bullion and delivering coins These pas
sages communicate with the Attic story, by means
Of marble stair~ays, where the apartments Of the
Assayers and Engravers are situated. Rooms are
appropriated Tor the apartments Of the Chief
Gomez, Melter and Re6ner, The important ps0.
cess Of assayipg is carried on in rooms so feet by
90; those OF the Melter and Re6ner occupy
range extending 95 by s. feet. The principal
melting room IS 81 BY So feet; and the process of
Gold and Silver parting is carried on in room
SIS feet by So.
The preparatory operations Of the Chief Coin
er are carried on in two rooms SIS BY 40 feet, ope
ming to the north portico; the propellins steam
power being placed in the basement story. The
immediate operations Of coinage occupy a range
Of apartments 100 feet by SO. The principal
coming room is 81 BY SO feet, and is large enough