The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-03-19
UNCLE sAM's FIRST PROPERrY.
1t Was the Old Philadelphia Mint
That Was Nearly Destroyed by

was NchFlE DeSNFOXeu DN
Fire.
Philadelphia, March 17.-The first piece
of property owned by Uncle Sam. and the
first United States mint was nearly de-
stroyed the other day by a fierce fire,
which broke out in the basement of this
interesting and historic old building, which
is situated at Mo- 81 and SO North Sew
enth street, Philadelphia.
Fortunately, the firemen were near at
hand, and by their prompt response to
the alarm, and untiring efforts the old
historic building was saved from com
plete destruction, and might be vet re-
stored and placed in such a condition that
il would be a splendid object lesson not
only to the present but also TO the com
ing, generation, Illustrating the wonder
ful growth Of the wealth of the republic
from a very small and modest beginning.
1t seems incredible that almost within
the recollection of living men, this plain
old structure represented the entire per-
sonal holdings and real estate security of
our national government.
The history of the first mint of tbe Unit
ed States began with the passage by Con-
gress OF an act looking 10 the formation
of such necessary institution The mi
tial step, TO put this act in operation was
naturally the appointment of the officers
of the institution, who should have CHARGE
of the establishment For the director of
the mint, Washington selected David Fit-
tenhouse, the astronomer, who received
his appointment and accepted the nosihion
of the LIST of July, 1892.
Henry Volght, Matchmaker. was an
pointed chief coiner, and Tristram Dalton
was made treasurer. In the succeeding
year ALBION Cox was appointed chief as
sayer, and Robert Scott engraver tn
officers having been selected, the next inn
Dortant matter was to obtain a proner
building for the accommodation of The
machinery of the mint and the officers
With this object in view, a lot on the cost
side Of Seventh street, north of Farmers
alley, now Filbert street, was purchased
There was an old still house and otbe,.
buildings upon the property. These struc-
lures we're quickly removed and on The
.3lst day of July, 1892, the conversions was
laid by Washington, distinguished gath
ering of the leading men of the day being
present.
The foundation stone IN place. work was
commenced on the building at once. So
rapidly for that period was the work push
ed that the foundation was ready for the
super-structure on the 18th of August The
framework was raised on the afternoon of
that day.
few days later, on the 10th of Septeno-
Der, six pounds of old copper were bought
for the mint by Ritenhouse, at the rate
of one shilling three pence per pound, this
metal being the first ever purchased for
the coinage of the United States. Three
coinage presses, imported from England
arrived on the 25th Of September, and were
put in operation about The LIST OF October.
In his message TO Congress, Nov 6. 1892.
President Washington made the crafty
ing statement that small coinage of half
dimes had been completed, the want of
small coins In circulation calling the first
attention TO them" Before the end of the
first year, after the opening of the mint,
not only half dlmess but also dimes and
coppers in a sufficient quantity 70 meet
the pressing needs Of the country had
been coined.
In 1874, the first silver dollars and half
dollars were coined, and IN the next year
the first gold eagles and half eagles were
produced. Up to the year 1916 the work
Of coming at the mint was done by hand
or horse power, but In the latter year the
steam was introduced for operating the
presses.
During the dreadful yellow fever that
devastated Philadelphia In 1797-99 and
again IN 1923. the work Of the mint was
suspended. David Rluenhause the first
director was generally liked and respected
And although the establishment under
his care was Of a most primitive nature.
1t was conducted with great care and tu-
dicious management. For forty years the
old building on Seventh street was used
for the purpose Of the mint. II was only