r^SUmI 373 



extent of coast line, until at any rate one or more good 

 and open harbours form part of her territory. It is 

 simply a necessity which follows the acquisition of 

 territory, and would stand good with any nation as well 

 as grasping Eussia. She has long had her eye on 

 Hakodadi in Yesso, indeed on Yesso entirely, and is 

 now only separated from that island by the narrow 

 straits of La Perouse ; but for the present further en- 

 croachment in that direction — in other words, against 

 Japan — is postponed. 



Tsu-sima would be an excellent position for Eussia 

 to acquire, possessing a magnificent bay or sound, 

 with splendid harbours running off it. It is midway 

 between Japan and Korea, and in the fair way from 

 the south to their own territories in the north ; com- 

 mands the south entrance to the Sea of Japan, and 

 is capable of being made perfectly impregnable ; points 

 which, I have no doubt, are well known to Eussia. On 

 one occasion, when Japan was as yet young in Western 

 ideas, Eussia actually placed her foot on the island ; 

 and if it had not been for the prompt measures taken 

 by the English Admiral at the time, she in all pro- 

 bability would be there now. Korea appears to me 

 her most legitimate locality to break ground, or in the' 

 way of encroachment; indeed, I can see no reason 



