The expense of a war could be paid in time; but the expense of opium, when once the habit is formed, will only increase with time.

The President regards the Japanese as a brave people; but courage, though useful in time of war, is subordinate to knowledge of arts; hence, courage without such knowledge is not to be highly esteemed.

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

In time of war steamships and improved arms are the most important things.

If you make a treaty first with the United States and settle the matter of the opium trade, England cannot change this, though she should desire to do so.

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.

The expense of a war could be paid in time; but the expense of opium, when once the habit is formed, will only increase with time.