If war should break out between England and Japan, the latter would suffer much more than the former.

If I write in my name to the agents of England and France residing in Asia and inform them that Japan is ready to make a commercial treaty with their countries, the number of steamers will be reduced from fifty to two or three.

Japan and China are isolated and without intercourse with other countries; hence the President directed me to attend to or watch the state of affairs in China also.

Any nation that refuses to hold intercourse with other nations must expect to be excluded from this family.

Two things are desired in order that intercourse may be had: First, that a minister or agent be allowed to reside at the capital. Second, that commerce between different countries be freely allowed.

It appears that the English think the Japanese... are fond of opium, and they want to bring it here also.

If war should break out between England and Japan, the latter would suffer much more than the former.