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PREFACE
bracing several countries and covering more than a century, has required brevity in statement and the omission of many interesting facts. The author has sought partially to remedy these defects by a liberal citation of authorities, which will enable the reader readily to continue his investigation.
The Turkish Empire has not been included in the narrative, for the reason that its capital is situated in Europe, and its relations are controlled in great measure by the European concert of powers. Persia has likewise been omitted for the latter reason, and because of the slight diplomatic and commercial intercourse of the United States with that country.
Washington, January, 1903.
