13 
she will not be only, as she is now, unassailable at home—she will become an 
offensive power of whom very serious account must be taken. According' to 
circumstances she will be for her neighbours either a redoubtable foe or a precious 
ally. 
Her neighbours, they are first of all China and Russia; afterwards England, on 
account of her numerous stations in the far East; finally France, for it must not 
be forgotten that Formosa is now Japanese territory, and that Annam and Ton quin 
are but three days sail from there. 
