United States Mint. The next consideration of Congress, in regard to the money question, was the establishment of a mint at Philadelphia, 1790. There was a great variety of foreign coins in the States, the value of which was determined by their metal and weight. It was very troublesome to keep values correct and make proper change.

Decimal System.It was finally agreed to accept a decimal system, that is, counting by tens, and to use the dollar as the standard of value. Gold and silver were used and the ratio of

fifteen to one was accepted, as, in 1792, fifteen silver dollars would be equal to the value of one gold dollar according to the market value of metals. The designs selected for the coin were, on the face, the goddess of liberty and thirteen stars; and, on the reverse, an eagle representing freedom, holding in one claw a bundle of arrows signifying protection, and in the other an olive branch, the symbol of peace.

GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE.

In order to encourage coinage, the government agreed to coin free certain amounts of gold and silver. Prosperity seemed to attend the new government. As the taxes came in, all the interest on the debt was paid, and a part of the principal steadily reduced as the bonds were sold.

Indian Troubles. - Emigration toward the west con

tinued. Very soon the settlers built flourishing towns and opened up large farms. But there was still much danger from the Indians. Washington was obliged to send several generals with armies to assist the settlers in the defense of their homes. The most successful of these officers was General Anthony Wayne, who forced the Indians of the Northwest territory to make a permanent treaty with the Americans.

British Troops in the Northwest. Another trouble that annoyed the frontiersmen was the conflicts between the

French and Indian trappers of the Great Lakes region. Here the English government insisted upon keeping garrisons of British soldiers; and it was rumored that these encouraged the outrages committed by the Indians. It was not until Washington succeeded in getting Jay to arrange a treaty with Great Britain that these troops were removed, making the western district more secure to the settlers.

Navigation of the Mississippi. - One of the most trying situations was faced by the settlers along the Ohio and the

neighboring streams, who used the Mississippi River as a means of transporting their goods to the Gulf of Mexico, and thence by European ships to foreign ports. It was customary for these settlers to take their supplies down the stream on flatboats as far as New Orleans, and there load them on the ocean-going ships. But the collectors of customs of the Spanish government became very unreasonable in their large charges and insolent conduct, so much so, that Washington was obliged to seek redress at Madrid, the Spanish capital. Finally a treaty was signed that gave better privileges to the westerners. Then for a few years conditions were fairly satisfactory.

Problem of Neutrality. — The most trying experiences of Washington's administration were concerned with preserving a position of neutrality while all of Europe was at war. The old Bourbon Party that had signed the treaty of alliance with the Americans during the Revolution had been deposed, and a new party favoring Republican ideas had taken possession of the French government. As these leaders were the promoters of the French Revolution, for a long time France was in a state of great unrest. The new government in France was not recognized by the other European powers. Thus it was not long until the whole of Europe was threatened by a serious war.

About this time Napoleon, a capable French soldier, took charge of affairs in France, placed the entire country under military rule, and then began the fierce struggle between France and the rest of Europe.

Since the principal nations at war had interests in America, it was very difficult to keep on equal terms with each without rousing suspicions of partiality. There was a demand for American products. If these were sent either to Europe or the West Indies, there was always danger of interference with trade.

England stopped our ships to search for British sailors

that had deserted from her navy; and, whether these were found or not, many American seamen were accused of being British subjects and were impressed into English forces.

France sent an ambassador to America with the hope of securing an alliance, but the United States was not prepared to enter the war, nor was the American government in a humor to cancel the friendly relations with the rest of Europe in order to support the existing French government. Washington had a very serious time with the French minister, Genêt, who insisted upon visiting certain cities and arousing special sympathy with the French Revolution. Washington was obliged to ask France to recall Genêt. In this many Americans felt disappointed at Washington's attitude, as they were in cordial sympathy with the French movement.

England, in the meantime, grew more and more annoying to the American shipping interests. After a time Washington sent John Jay, Chief Justice, on a mission to England to adjust the strained relations.

Jay's Treaty. The English government removed the British troops from Northwest territory, as we have mentioned, but as to making amends for the insults to American seamen, they did nothing. The people of the United States were so indignant over Jay's treaty, that when Hamilton was addressing a meeting in behalf of the treaty, the crowd jeered and threw stones at him. France declared that we had favored England in the treaty, and threatened to declare war against us. It was altogether a most unfortunate situation, which caused Washington and his Cabinet no little distress.

About this time, Washington's second term of office was drawing to a close, and he declined a third nomination. In withdrawing from public life, Washington made a memorable address in which he urged the American people to continue the policy of neutrality, and warned them about

allowing their personal feelings so to dominate their better judgment as to allow party spirit to prevail and destroy the unity of the nation.

—

Washington's Last Days. In 1797 Washington retired to his old home at Mount Vernon. There, amid the quiet of his pleasant surroundings, he passed the remainder of his days. He died in 1799, deeply mourned by all the American people. France and England paid high tribute to his great military genius and to his lofty statesmanship. Election of John Adams, 1796. At the close of Washington's administration there were two political factions in existence,

which were destined to grow into two strong political parties. One was known as the Federalist Party and the other as the Anti-Federalist. The members of the first were strongly in favor of a centralized government with large and independent rights or powers, and the other favored liberal construction of the Constitution as regards the adminis

tration of govern

ment.

JOHN ADAMS.

The Federalists were represented by Hamilton and Adams. Washington was also in favor of their principles. The Anti-Federalists were led by Jefferson and Madison. This party was in favor of strict construction of the Con