The same act defines the relative proportion of pure silver and alloy in the tradedollar. and that the devices and legends used shall be the same as on other coins of the United States. Relying on these pledges of the Government. it became a current coin at home as well as abroad. and debts to the amount of millions were paid by it. Admitting. as asserted. that they were coined for the purpose of promoting trade with China and other Asiatic countries. it was not intended that that should prohibit their circulation at home. The Mint report of 1873 says: Having been made a legal tender in limited amounts. it may eventually. if the price of silver relative to gold falls sufficiently. to some extent enter into home circulation. Indeed. the Government provided for their circulation when it declared them a legal tender. and it was such a recognition as to lead everybody to suppose that this great Government of the United States would not repudiate a currency which it compelled the people to take in the payment of debts.