Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-05
WHAT THE FATHERS EXPECTED
Intended United States to Embrace the
Continent


That the early fathers of this country ex-
| pected the United States of America to
embrace the entire North American CONT
, nent is called to mind by the fact that in
the recent placing of an order to recut the
great seal Of the United States treasury
the question arose as to the legend or
| motto 1t has always borne. and whether OF
| not 1t should be charged to what is actu-
ally the truth, or whether It should be
allowed to remain as it has always been
It will not be changed.
The legend or motto imprinted upon
United States bonds, treasury notes. etc.
reads: ''Thesaur. Amer. Septent. Sfgil.,
signifying Seal OF the Treasury OF North
America"
The query has often been asked why this
legend Is not inscribed seal OF the treas,
ury OF the United States Of America.
What Is known as the great SEAL of the
II eesury of the United States, a fac-simile
OF which appears on all the circulating
notes and other pecuniary obligations OF
the government. Is a frequent subject OF
inquiry on the part Of the people of an In
vestigating turn OF mind, the legend, which
literally is seal Of the treasury Of North
America" suggesting an especial subject
of inquiry. Why the seal should be that
pecially puzzling to almost every person
familiar with the literal significance Of the
legend.
The history Of the seal and Of it's adop-
ton Is not entirely clear. September 20.
1778 the Continental Congress resolved that
committee of three be appointed to pre-
pare seal for the treasury and the navy"
The committee chosen in pursuance Of that
resolution consisted Of Messrs. Wither-
spoon, Robert Morris and r. H. Lee. At
tnat time the treasury was under the juris-
dfctton Of the committee on finance. or
board OF the treasury. and the navy was
under the board Of admiralty. The COM
m1ttee made report on recommending a
device for the navy, but there is no record
OF report having been made for the treas
ury. A seal for the treasury, however, was
adopted, Impressions of which are found on
original papers in the files of the register
of the treasury. Some minor changes have
peen made from time to time in this seal,
put the seal now IN use is substantially the
same as that originally adopted
Inc legend on the seal Is 'Thesaur
Walton of "Thesauri Americae Septentrion-
ais Sigillum." The congress Of the con-
FEDERATION granted a charter to Robert
McIris for the Bank of North America. -
and the same authority authorized the es-
adjustment of mint of North America, -
both OF these terms most likely originating
with Robert Morris. who subsequently, was
member OF the committee to prepare a
fore highly probable that Robert Norris
furnished the legend for the seal of the
treasury, which would explain the employ
ent or the term North America" The
reason for using this term was proba bly
owing to the fact that the fathers of the
republic confidently expected that Canada
would ultimately become a part of the
sovereignty, and be included in the indie
ptrdent colonies
IN lII4 the popular legislature Of Canada
was abolished by act Of parliament, and
royal ofncers appointed to make laws for
1ne province. except laws to raise taxes.
rms gave the British government a firm
hold on Canada. Efforts were made in 1775
during the revolution to regain nossession
OF Canada, but those efforts failed.
IN lo4S Edward Stabler Of Sandy sprine.
montgomery county. Md, one of the most
famous Gle sinkers and seal engravers of
MS tiiae, was commissioned to make a
Idc-simlle or the original treasury seal.
~ncn was worn from constant use and
e FL. TO make good Impressions Mr..
Stepier suggested some minor changes in
the way Of Improvement, but was instruct
ed TO copy the design exactly as If was
asso IN accordance with law" Dilfgent
the subject "ns Id" Oh
In recruiting the seal 1t has been DETER
mlned py Secretary Shaw that as the great
seai mas always been, so shall If remain
OF course. unless Congress should diract
3lnerWlse AS one official remarked. wrha
United States may own the earth ane
or these days; then will be time enonoh ~
make the change" ueH "