I have regretfully omitted one imperial event of great importance, the formation of the Australian Commonwealth.
After all, that concerned only the British race; and in my survey of the affairs of the Empire I have treated only those which directly affected other nations as well, namely the Afghan and Egyptian questions and the Partition of Africa.

Here I have sought to show the connection with "world politics," and I trust that even specialists will find something new and suggestive in this method of treatment.
In attempting to write a history of contemporary affairs, I regard it as essential to refer to the original authority, or authorities, in the case of every important statement.

I have sought to carry out this rule (though at the cost of great additional toil) because it enables the reader to check the accuracy of the narrative and to gain hints for further reading.

To compile bibliographies, where many new books are coming out every year, is a useless task; but exact references to the sources of information never lose their value.
My thanks are due to many who have helped me in this undertaking.

Among them I may name Sir Charles Dilke, M.P., Mr.James Bryce, M.P., and Mr.
Chedo Mijatovich, who have given me valuable advice on special topics.
My obligations are also due to a subject of the Czar, who has placed his knowledge at my service, but for obvious reasons does not wish his name to be known.