The weekly standard., 1870-07-06
The Branch Mint at Charlotte.

We learn that it is contemplated TO abol-
ish the present Branch Mint, at Charlotte,
NC. In order to show reasons, why this
action should not be taken on the part of
Congress, we append the following letter
from the Hon. D. M. Barringer, who is we'll
acquainted with the resources of that region,
and with the value OF the Mint to the coun-
try al. large. ~ CT-CA1F
This building is one of the few valuable
public institutions erected by the General
Government in this State. Properly con-
Quoted it will surely pay, year by year, every
dime of money that may be expended upon
it. As matter of State pride and because
of its National value, we believe that our
Representatives should exert themselves for
its retention.
Mr.. Barringer, we believe, is actuated in
this matter by the very best motives. lie is
thoroughly acquainted with the mineral re-
sources of this State. and his suggestions are
deserving of great weight and all due con-
sideration. We invite attention to his letter,
which reads as follows: ai sF9lo
edt z RALEIGH, N. c., #
June Gath, 1870, I,
Hon. CALVIN j. CowLEs, {
Dear In the casual conversation
had with you recently, regretted to hear
you express the fear that the Branch Mint
| at Charlotte, now under your care might
| possibly be abolished by Congress. iaf -
Having been familiar with its origin, his
tory and usefulness to all that region OF the
State and large part Of South Carolina,
and especially its value in stimulating and
| assisting the developement of the numerous
| gold mines of that region, / should regard
| it as public misfortune, and amost upwise
| policy to abolish it now. 1t wo1ld be i'm
| possible in a brief letter to enlarge upon its
| Importance and benefits to the people.
1 You are familiar with the policy which
! created the Branch Mint, at Charlotte, by
act of Congress, March 8rd, 1885, appropri.
ating $4,000 for that purpose. 1t went
into operation in 1S37-was destroyed by
fire in July 1874, and rebuilt in 1866, al
an expense of some $4,000.
/ was in Congress in 1S44-'5 from the
| Mecklenburg district; when an unavailina
attempt was made to abolish the Mint which
had so recently been destroyed with most o.
its machinery &c. But I succeeded in get
ting an appropriation to rebuild it, and it re
manned in successful operation till the break
ing out Of the war, with increasing patron
age, and usefulness to the public f
You will find a full report of all the pro
ceedings then had in the House of Repre-
sentatives in the Congressional Globe, page
223 4-5, Feb. 21st 1916, 2nd session, 2Stf
Congress. The debate will show you al
the reasons then urged for and against th,
appropriation and furnish you some addi
tional statistical information
| Few persons, even among us in North
Carolina, have any correct idea of the valu
and extent of our gold mines, or of the min
ing interest in general in the South. Up t,
1866 North Carolina, alone, had deposited
in the mints principal and Branch at Char
lotte) $9178827.27, and it Is estimated tina
an equal amount, without reaching tn
mints, passed into commerce, and into tn
hands of manufacturers, particularly jewel
ers, who sought to secure the washings o
the alluvial deposits of gold on account o
their greater purity and malleability s.
that North Carolina has credit for nearl
one-half of the whole gold product of til
Atlantic slope. See report of the Commis
sioner ofthe General Land Office, 1867, page
| 1928.
1t will not be in my power to write sepa
rate letters to members of Congress, but yo
are at liberty to use this, and the informa
tion it contains, with such of them as 20
may wish, and especially such of my torme
associates as may desire my opinion on tn
subject.
L 1 sincerely hope that the small appropr
alton asked for, only about 81 800, l thin
you told me, may be made to continue tn
limited operations now conducted at th
Mint and that ultimately, when we rctur
to specie circulation, it may be fully equip
ped, and, as of old, made to contribute il
share to the coinage of the country. And
believe this is the almost universal wish G
the people of our State.
i l remain very truly, yours &c,
Il D. NJ. BARRINGER.