25+ Townsend Harris Quotes On Education, Government And Constitution

Townsend Harris was an American businessman and diplomat. He was the first U.S. Consul General to Japan, serving from 1856 to 1861. He negotiated the Harris Treaty of 1858, which opened Japan to foreign trade and established diplomatic relations between the two countries. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Townsend Harris on education, government, constitution.

Top 10 Townsend Harris Quotes

1. Japan and China are isolated and without intercourse with other countries; hence the President directed me to attend to or watch the state of affairs in China also.
2. The expense of a war could be paid in time; but the expense of opium, when once the habit is formed, will only increase with time.
3. The President wishes the Japanese to be very prudent about the introduction of opium, and if a treaty is made, he wishes that opium may be strictly prohibited.
4. Two things are desired in order that intercourse may be had: First, that a minister or agent be allowed to reside at the capital. Second, that commerce between different countries be freely allowed.
5. If Japan had been near to either England or France, war would have broken out long ago.
6. The President of the United States thinks that for the Japanese opium is more dangerous than war.
7. If war should break out between England and Japan, the latter would suffer much more than the former.
8. Any nation that refuses to hold intercourse with other nations must expect to be excluded from this family.
9. It appears that the English think the Japanese... are fond of opium, and they want to bring it here also.
10. As the treaty made with the United States was the first treaty entered into by your country with other countries, therefore the President regards Japan with peculiar friendliness.

Townsend Harris Short Quotes

• We do not wish to open your ports to foreign trade all at once.
• By means of steam one can go from California to Japan in eighteen days.
• In time of war steamships and improved arms are the most important things.

Townsend Harris Quotes About Countries

When the ambassadors of other foreign countries come to Japan to make treaties, they can be told that such and such a treaty has been made with the ambassador of the United States, and they will rest satisfied with this. — Townsend Harris

If I write in my name to the agents of England and France residing in Asia and inform them that Japan is ready to make a commercial treaty with their countries, the number of steamers will be reduced from fifty to two or three. — Townsend Harris

Since the invention of steamships distant countries have become like those that are near at hand. — Townsend Harris

The United States have no possessions in the east and do not desire to have any, as other countries do. — Townsend Harris

The President is of opinion that if Japan makes a treaty with the United States, all other foreign countries will make the same kind of a treaty, and Japan will be safe thereafter. — Townsend Harris

We were sent to this country by the President, who desires to promote the welfare of Japan, and are quite different from the ambassadors of other countries. — Townsend Harris

Townsend Harris Quotes About Treaty

It will be quite satisfactory if you open them gradually, as the circumstances may require; but the President assures you that this will not be the case if you make a treaty with England first. — Townsend Harris

In case of war, a treaty would have to be made at the end of the war. — Townsend Harris

If you make a treaty first with the United States and settle the matter of the opium trade, England cannot change this, though she should desire to do so. — Townsend Harris

Townsend Harris Famous Quotes And Sayings

Open the doors to all. Let the children of the rich and the poor take their seats together and know of no distinction save that of industry, good conduct, and intellect. — Townsend Harris

The nations of the West hope that by means of steam communication all the world will become as one family. — Townsend Harris

The President regards the Japanese as a brave people; but courage, though useful in time of war, is subordinate to knowledge of arts; hence, courage without such knowledge is not to be highly esteemed. — Townsend Harris

Life Lessons by Townsend Harris

1. Townsend Harris demonstrated the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success, as he worked tirelessly to establish trade relations between the US and Japan despite numerous obstacles.
2. He also showed the value of building relationships and understanding different cultures, as he was able to develop a strong rapport with the Japanese shogun and gain his trust.
3. Finally, his story serves as an example of the power of diplomacy and negotiation, as he was able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement between the two countries.