Such disasters now threaten the Japanese Empire. A mere mischance might precipitate a conflict. The thought that such quarrels may end in war fills us with solicitude. The wisdom that characterizes Your Majesty's Government will, we hope, know how to avert these dangers. Only such vessels are mentioned, as are driven on to the Japanese coast by hurricane or lack of provisions.
Quarrels lead to war, and war leads to destruction.
Those are the disasters which we wish to avert from Japan. It is our desire as a token of gratefulness for the hospitality enjoyed by our subjects for more than two hundred years. We have watched the course of events with serious attention. The intercourse between the different nations of the earth is increasing with great rapidity. An irresistible power is drawing them together.