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ALTHOUGH there is a vast amount of literature on Asiatic subjects, there exists a recognized need of a work covering the topics embraced in the present volume. The great development of the industrial resources of the country, the necessity of larger markets in Asia, and the recently acquired territorial possessions in the Pacific Ocean, have given new interest and importance to the international relations of the United States with the Far East. Under these conditions, it seemed desir- able to have in consecutive order a brief history of the diplomatic intercourse of this government with the Orient, in order to form a correct estimate of the policy which has controlled the American people in their con- tact with the countries in that quarter of the globe.

The author has the more cheerfully undertaken the task from a conviction that a narrative of that inter- course would reflect great credit upon his country, and in the hope that it might stimulate the patriotism of its citizens, and lead them to a more ready support of their government in the discharge of its difficult and enlarged responsibilities.

The treatment in a single volume of a subject, embracing several countries and covering more than a century, has required brevity in statement and the omission of many interesting facts. The author has sought partially to remedy these defects by a liberal citation of authorities, which will enable the reader readily to continue his investigation.

The Turkish Empire has not been included in the narrative, for the reason that its capital is situated in Europe, and its relations are controlled in great mea- sure by the European concert of powers. Persia has likewise been omitted for the latter reason, and because of the slight diplomatic and commercial intercourse of the United States with that country.

WASHINGTON, January, 1903.