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national prestige is greatly injured, but the ruin of the country is not unlikely.

The future of China is a question of the world, not of the Far East only. Then, the following questions may be asked: What will be the future state of affairs in China? What position will Japan hold in China in future, who has a much greater interest there than anyone on account of her being situated in such close neighbourhood? In answer, I can but say that it is at present too difficult to express any definite opinion. Since the war with Japan, China has been exposed to an increasing danger day by day, and almost all the powers of the world have had close relations with China from various causes. This state of things makes me think that it is very necessary for China to maintain her own independence at this juncture, and to take steps to place her country on a firm foundation; while, on the other hand, this line of action on the part of Japan lays her open to the thought held by some, that Japan has a great interest indirectly in the independence of China. This was the reason of my making a tour of China, and having interviews with notable Chinese statesmen, who, having the great respect and esteem of the people, are holding the administrative power of the State, and expressing to them my views on the most important subjects which ought to have their careful consideration. On my inspection of the actual condition of China, I found that, although she is now running a danger day by day which might plead for prompt action, it would be difficult to reform at once the prevailing customs and usages, as well as the present system of administration, which has been handed down from ancient times, and thereby improve the state of things in the country. It must be admitted that many favourable opportunities to carry out these reforms have already been missed. Thus, in the interviews which I often had during my stay there, with the notable Chinese statesmen, I expressed my views above referred to, and they all agreed in theory, but unanimously said that it would be very hard to carry out such reforms as I suggested.

China possesses a vast dominion of many times the total area of Japan, and her population is not less than ten times that of the latter. She is abundant in products, with facilities for inland navigation; her people are generally very diligent, and the condition of their life very low. If, therefore, the proper method of improving her commerce and industry were adopted in China, she would be able to produce abundant commodities to supply almost all the markets of the world. Unfortunately, however, she could not adopt such a wise policy in the past on account of her adherence to old usages, and even the adoption of it in the future seems doubtful,