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

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.

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.

The President of the United States thinks that for the Japanese opium is more dangerous than war.

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

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

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