PREFACE

THE aim of the present volume is to afford in handy form a complete account of the history of the countries of the Far East, in so far as they have come into contact with Western civilisation. In carrying out this scheme, I have not deemed it necessary to dwell upon ancient history, beyond indicating the events which have served to bring the Occident and Orient together. I commence with an account of the earlier phases of Eastern Asia, sufficient to enable the reader to appreciate the conditions under which the Pacific borderland was first visited by the emissaries of Europe. From this point I have followed the story of the Far East in some detail, in the hope that the record thus presented may answer the requirements of the political student who seeks to obtain a clear understanding of the problems involved.

In the second portion of the book I have attempted an examination of the existing factors in the Far Eastern question, and endeavoured to weigh the evidence available with a view to forming an estimate of the probable future. Throughout I have sought to view my material

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impartially, and to let facts speak for themselves. The result I leave to the reader, to judge according to his predilections.

In face of the controversies which have followed the publication of my previous works, I am tempted to refer to that fruitful cause of misunderstanding, the misinterpretation of the words Russophile and Russophobe. Correctly rendered, the former implies one who favours Russia, the latter one who fears her. I submit that neither term is applicable to a writer who derives his impressions from facts, and gives reasons for his belief that Russian methods are superior to British, and that for this reason Russia is tolerably certain to triumph over Great Britain in diplomacy. A study of Asiatic policy extending over a series of years has taught me that, assuming the test of diplomacy to be its success, Russia must always triumph over Great Britain by force of her superior ability, insistence, and lack of scruple, as well as by her disregard of those principles by which the hands of our own diplomatists are tied. The more I see of Russian statesmanship, the more I am impelled to admire it as an instance of irresistible triumph of mind over mere intelligence. But while I admire her success, I refuse to be blind to its dire results on the interests of Great Britain; and the more firmly am I convinced that the writer who exposes the methods by which that success is attained, and points out the means by which it may be counteracted, is doing his duty to the country he is proud to call his own.

In a volume of the present range it is practically impossible to acknowledge every authority to whom one is under obligation. The more important of these will be found indicated as references to their works occur. I have, I believe, consulted every book on China, Japan, and Korea now obtainable.

27 CHARLOTTE STREET,

PORTLAND PLACE.

October, 1900.

ALEXIS KRAUSSE.