PREFACE. THE present critical state of China, and the attitude of European Powers, compel me to issue at once this popular form of a work meant to be of more pretentious proportions, for which the materials were i a large measure prepared. If rapidity of production has, as I fear, left signs of haste in composition, I trust that, in the circumstances, good intentions will be an excuse for imperfect performance. No statement of-fact has been made without good -authority, nor opinion expressed without careful thought. There are some subjects on which there are repetitions in statement of facts or expressions - of opinion, which are a fault in composition, but which I trust will be pardoned, if not approved of, on account of their importance in their bearing on the object of the work, I do not rest my claim to be heard, regarding - either the past or future of China, on a brief residence of a few years in that country-only long enough to impress a thoughtful student with the difficulties...