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

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

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.

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

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

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.

The United States have no possessions in the east and do not desire to have any, as other countries do.