Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-02
Souvenir Coins Under Fire
AS Result of Veto by Hoover

President Hoover's first veto, though
dealing with a relatively unimportant
matter, has served to stir I'D certain
amount of friendly debate. There is
general support for the presidential OBJ
lection to the minting of special coins
to commemorate the Gadsden Purchase,
though some feel that the sentimental
value of such souvenir would out
weigh the disadvantages which prompt
ed the veto. It is agreed that the Gads-
den Purchase of territory from Mexico
has an important place in history.
Whether or not the line should have
been drawn on this particular matter
is the chief subject of discussion.
THE Presidents veto has the ap-
proval Of those who think that the Gus
tom was not in keeping with the dignity
that should attach to the coinage of a
great nation" says the Portsmouth,
Ohio, Times, while the Richmond, Ind,
Item contends: The monetary system
of the country Is created and exists for
a well defined and essential purpose
Sound practice demands that 1t should
not be diverted to other uses, II we are
best to serve the needs of trade and
commerce, satisfy the convenience of
the people and protect the integrity of
our coins"
IF medals are desired for observances
. # this kind" according to the St. Louis
c Aobe-Democrat, they can be struck
tB private firms. Acquisition of terri
Ia ~ by purchase, even from an intimi-
dA ed enemy, Is to be encouraged over
actA uisition by arms, but if the seventy
fifth or Seventy-seventh year calls for
a CO IN. would not the one hundredth
year't all for another? Perhaps we may
lie oil tn he 1oI
on the issue of special commemorative
stamp y which has enthusiastic approval
BY Stal up collectors, as probably the is
sue of Special coins has of coin collec-
tors. B Vt the practice is being carried
too far
"The dae had to be drawn some
time" in tthe opinion of the Albany
N, Avs, land it is well that it
IS drawn ntAw. There are better ways
10 commend. Sate great events in Ameri-
IAN history" The News emphasizes the
Presidents stan 3ment that there are
low about L3 ,OO6A 900 special coins. which
have come from the mint within a
decade"
A.
Pointing oa,t thatA "Gadsden's treaty
With Mexico. which e, ave Mexico Sl0,-
100000 and the UnNAd States 1885
"
'rable event and one \wn rthy OF Slr1t-
lble onmemoration," the Detroit Free
Press nevertheless BELIEVES that neither
nor any of the many other memorable
vents in our history should, be made
IN excuse for exposing the nation al
coinage to confusion or coun ,Serfeitillg.
The first formal veto indulge,d IN Iby
Ar. Hoover is sound"
The suggestion from the Pr eside Mt
lNNE v<afi IA
hould be taken cognizance of tn youe h
he issuance of appropriate medal s" Is
uoted by the Lynchburg Advance, Viah
he comment: I'VE might suggest hat
commemorative stamps, many of VIII ch
AVE appeared in the last 80 years, be
sSued. They are not costly, and mir
ions OF citizens would be able to ac-Al
uire them, while only relatively small \
lumber would acquire the coins. And, y
eSides, the danger of counterfeiting
'ould not be present, for no counter
eiters would take the trouble to turn
at spurious stamps of the low values
'hich usually are represented by the
postal adhesives."
\ \ y y
Challenging the Presidents stand. the
iemphis Commercial Appeal states:
No doubt the reasoningkof the Presi-
ent Is sound. No doubt The coinage of ,
ne country should be uniform. The
vii OF counterfeiting must not overcome
he land. At the same time there will
g sentimental regrets In certain quar-
ers that a halt has been called to the
ractice of celebrating great events in
he national history by striking of
DIN. The history of many nations can
Re read in fairly good outline from a
tudy of the coins. The Emperor 3
augustus not only told the story of his b
lls on the imperial coins. but he also 1