DATE:  November 15, 1786 

TOWN: 

SOURCE:  The Centinel 

THE ordinance of Congress for the establishment of a mint for the United States, was this day read in the Assembly. Had this measure been adopted at an earlier day, immediately after the war, importation had so effectually drained this country of its specie, it would have been more honorable, more profitable, and more useful. However, agreeably to the old adage, it is better late than never. And so far as respects the coinage of copper, it is both salutary and indispensably necessary. The superabundance of base coppers, which are sent over here by the Birmingham and other coiners in England and Ireland, besides being a disgrace to the policy of the different states, are a real injury, as they command away the products of the country as effectually as the best Johannes, guineas, or dollars, received from Portugal, Britain or Spain.