By means of steam one can go from California to Japan in eighteen days.

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.

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.

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

In case of war, a treaty would have to be made at the end of the war.

The President wishes the Japanese to be very prudent about the introduction of opium, and if a treaty is made, he wishes that opium may be strictly prohibited.

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