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which all tend to induce the Committee to withdraw their recommendation that the Yen should be made legal tender here. There is at the present time in Japan some relaxation of the international sympathies which for years have been so studiously cultivated by that country, and as it must continue to be a problem how far anti-foreign feeling and policy will prevail, it would be injudicious were such an important matter as our currency made in any degree to depend upon the changing relations of parties.

Your Excellency has already been furnished unofficially with a Report of the Special Committee above referred to, and I am desired to express the Chamber's appreciation of the telegraphic recommendation thereanent which you have been good enough to make to the Secretary of State.

It is earnestly hoped that the coinage of a British Dollar which has been advocated may meet with the support of the Colonial Office, as no coin could better satisfy the requirements of the China Trade, or be more calculated to avert the recurrence of the question now under consideration. The quick, convenient, and economical coinage at the Bombay Mint are conspicuous advantages in the proposal, and as the Report of the Special Committee mentions, there is a possibility of the seignorage being even less than 1 per cent.

It will interest you to know that this Chamber has already communicated its views on the subject by wire to the London Chamber of Commerce and a reply has been received signifying approval, and stating that steps have already been taken in advocacy of a British Dollar; and it is hoped

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