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

Since the invention of steamships distant countries have become like those that are near at hand.

When the ambassadors of other foreign countries come to Japan to make treaties, they can be told that such and such a treaty has been made with the ambassador of the United States, and they will rest satisfied with this.

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

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.

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.

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.