The 1-cent piece is from an alloy consisting of one-fourth nickel and three-fourths copper, so that the nickel is erroneously called if the predominance of that metal in the coin gives the name it usually goes by. One pound of nickel, costing 4½ cents a pound at present prices, and three pounds of copper, costing 5 cents at the rate of cents a pound, will make 3½ cents of the metal in all this money actually costs the government. Added to this must be added to the cost of mintage and transportation, which is not large.

One pound of mixed metal, costing four ounces of nickel and twelve ounces of copper, makes nine-one-twent pieces.

The profit of Uncle Sam on the output of these pieces has decreased in recent years, owing to the advance in copper and nickel, as has the cost of copper, but Uncle Sam is no hog, and will not cut down the amount of metal in his coins because he is having to pay more for the stuff he uses. It is simply a case of the high cost of living with him. It is with other plain citizens.

BRITISH STEAMER FINED FOR CONFISCATED CARGO

Manila Customs Collector Imposes $10,000 Peso for Chinese

Prisoners. 