No. 442.
Mr. Bayard
to Mr. Pendleton.
Washington, January 30, 1888.
Sir: I inclose herewith a copy of a letter to this Department from the Secretary of the Treasury,* relative to pieces of metal known as “spielmarks,” representing closely in size, color, and partly in design, several gold coins of the United States, which are imported from Germany; and also relative to imitations of coins, postage stamps, and other obligations of foreign governments and our own, likewise imported from Germany, all of which it is alleged are used for fraudulent purposes.
I will thank you to make inquiry in the proper quarter as to whether the laws of Germany prohibit the manufacture of the articles described in the Treasury Department letter, and to report the result of your inquiries to this Department.
I am, etc.,