Even at that reduced rate, and it is
100
7.
It is quite time that I should consider it my duty to suppose that if the Public could profitably use the Mint, they would not refrain from doing so. If the Mint offered to coin for nothing, one would send silver there at present, and instead of a kindness, Your Lordship would be inflicting a serious pecuniary loss on the Colony by insisting, even if it were possible, which is not, on this Government at present undertaking coinage, except on the condition of receiving the Silver required, and being reimbursed by receipt of the ordinary remelting and Seignorage charges.
I am very anxious to obtain a bargain order from the Chinese Government for coinage of dollars, on the understanding that the Mint was to be supplied with the necessary amount of bullion, and receive the usual fees.
8.
It is quite intelligible that the Chinese might profitably use the Mint for that purpose on those conditions even now, because they themselves are in the habit of melting down foreign coins into the cumbrous forms of shoes and bars, whilst they conduct this operation...