The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1898-09-03
neutrality-suspicious.
HOW NOTES ARE TURNED o,,r
FOR UNCLE SAM.
rba Bond. and ss.mp.-p.,., ~.
n the Issue Is Manufactured uador
Government Supervision and o.r.,u,,
"atohed-Ths Process. :,

government Supervision and Cor.,.,,-
"atohed-Ths Process. !,
me ine making of the artistic green and
DiacK notes, so much more common IN
tne northern than in the southern nort
oL our country, is more comnlicatod
tnan might be imagined from a casual
glance at their gracefully lined surface
inc lengthy process is most uni0na ana
interesting, and visit to the bureau Of
engraving and printing in WASHINGTON
where 1t may be seen. is a very on+or
tanning one. The large red brick build-
ing is situated on an eminence between
the green lawns at the base of the tall
cnaste shaft of the Washington monn-
inent and the fragrant gardens that
surround the agricultural department
Inc first floor, besides the offices If
the superintendent, ETC., is devoted 10
the department of engraving. the Sec
ond 10 that of examining and the third
70 the preparing and printing. Thu
Is a great deal of work ACCOMPLISHED
here' as this bureau issues the govern
ment bonds, legal tenders, silver GER
tlncates, bank notes, and internal rev.
enue and postage stamps. All the
work that can be accomplished So is
zone by manual labor, thus giving en-
ployment to several hundred people,
The largest face value of any issue is
registered bond of $500 and the
smallest a one-cent stamp. All of the
engravers are specialists in their mar
tlcular department, and the delicate
ngures and intricate designs of their
work are often marvels of artistic skill.
Portraits of living persons are never
put on the notes, and all figures. vign-
cites, borders, ETC., are engraved SEN
arately before they are put on the
plates. The engravers sit, each one be.
low window, with a screen of ground
glass around them, and another of
white linen above their heads. Their
work is so fine and delicate that the
greatest precision and care is required,
and the room in which they work is
not open to visitors First the en-
graVer works out his design of face, or
figure, and after transferring it by hand
to plate of soft steel the plate is
hardened and a soft steel roller takes
the impression from it. After this roll
rs chilled another impression is taken
upon another steel plate, and after this
latter has been hardened it is ready
for use. The geometric lathe which
makes the border is so complete and
wonderful piece of mechanism as TO
seem almost alive. The graceful lines
for the borders, backs and other con-
Ventional designs seen on the notes
are made by this machine, if, indeed.
it may be called one. After a calcu-
lation the machinery is set in motion
by steam power and steel points begin
their work, and the result of this math-
ematical calculation shows on the small
section of steel an intricate border or
the undulating, circular lines, with
their strange effect of light and shade
This lathe work is one of the surest
guards against counterfeiting. for each
bit of work represents an obtuse prob
lem. In the engraving room are two
large vaults, in which are kept all the
plates, rolls and other implements. the
position of head of the department be-
ing a very important and trustworthy
one, as it is one of the few offices
where great confidence is placed in the
honesty of one man. The paper for all
h. 80 70 ~, -, 10
Mass, under the supervision of govern
ment officials, and that used for the
bank notes, silver certificates, etc., is
sent out in sheets large enough to con-
tain four notes. In appearance it is
like any other very heavy linen paper,
except that it has two perpendicular
lines of short, uneven silk threads run
ming through it. On being received it
is taken with the blue and white pa
pers for the internal revenue and post
age stamps (both water marked) to the
"wetting department" as it is called,
where it is counted and recounted, and
a receipt given for it. Then it is put
between wet cloths and pressed, being
shifted about every six hours, to insure
each sheet a gradual amount of mois-
ture. This process lasts about three
days, then, after another counting, it
is delivered to the printer, who must
give a receipt for the sheets given him.
At the end of the day he returns an
other check, stating the quantity re-
the number of notes he has
printed and the blank or spoiled sheets
to be returned The printing room is
scene of great activity, with its many
presses and workers. Here the paper
Is again moistened by applying it to
wet board, then 1t is laid on steel
plate that has been carefully prepared
.4l ;rIv 1ybioL cleo 10 mada IN the