The nations of the West hope that by means of steam communication all the world will become as one family.

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.

If Japan had been near to either England or France, war would have broken out long ago.

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

Open the doors to all. Let the children of the rich and the poor take their seats together and know of no distinction save that of industry, good conduct, and intellect.

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

We were sent to this country by the President, who desires to promote the welfare of Japan, and are quite different from the ambassadors of other countries.