rency from a credit to a specie basis has not received the attention which its great importance demands. It is evident now, however, that we are on the eve of a thorough discussion of the subject in all its bearings. Properly to investigate United States money, reference must be made to the laws relating to coinage, legal tender, and the money standard. No publication, that I am aware of, contains this information in brief and convenient form. To meet this requirement is the object of the work now given to the public, which, it is proper to say, has been prepared hurriedly, amidst the cares and duties of my official position. The views which it contains are my own, and for them I alone am responsible. If it shall be found useful to the public in the examination of questions so closely connected with our depressed industrial and business interests, and the future prosperity of the country, it will be a source of satisfaction to me, and more than repay the labor bestowed in its preparation. WASHINGTON, D. C., Page. CONTENTS. AUTHORITY TO COIN MONEY AND REGULATE ITS VAL- UE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Government under the Articles of Confederation, Acts changing the weight and fineness of gold coins, 27 Silver three-cent piece authorized, Copper and other minor coinage, Copper-nickel and bronze cents authorized, Two-cent bronze and five-cent and three-cent minor coins authorized, COINAGE-CHARge, SeignioraGE, GAIN FROM THE MAN- UFACTURE AND ISSUE OF MINOR COINS. Charge for coining and for making bars, - |