140
both been retained in the service of the Mint,
and their presence is a
guarantee
that the
operations of the coinage will be faithfully conducted
the weight and fineness of the pieces.
20 far concerned.
are
I learn too
from
the Report of
the
Commissioner
of the
the Mint, for the
year
ended the
31st March 1886, that the amounts of English
and United States silver bars sent in to the
Mint for coinage, both by the Japanese Government
and by private persons, during that year and the preceding financial year,
have been
very large, which shows that a considerable bona fide coinage
has been carried on. Unofficial information also
enables
me
to state that in W. Gowland's opinion
the Mint may
condition, and
be considered to be in a sound
unlikely
to be entrusted, at least
for