§ Mr. RAFFANasked the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the statement in the Press that on or about the 18th instant the price of bar silver had risen to 70d. per ounce; what is the highest price per ounce at which the Mint authorities have purchased it during the present month; if the ounce is the troy ounce of silver, 37–40ths fine, or what other weight and fineness; and whether the price was for payment in actual gold coin or in instruments of credit, such as notes, cheques, and bills?
§ Mr. BALDWINI am aware that the London price of silver on the date mentioned was 70d. an ounce. The price is the sterling price for a troy ounce of standard silver, 37–40ths fine. The Mint has purchased no silver during the present month, as it has sufficient stocks of bullion for present purposes.