Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Foreign Affairs controlled by the Nation.--Under the Articles of Confederation much trouble was occasioned by states regulating their own commercial matters and in not allowing the federal government sufficient power to control all foreign affairs. This was changed by the Constitution. Only Congress can regulate commerce, and states are strictly forbidden to make treaties or alliances, or to enter into political relations with foreign nations, or to declare war. The executive department and the Senate alone have direction of the government in international affairs. Origin and Nature of International Law.--The origin of international law, in its present sense, is of comparatively recent date. Lawrence defines it " as the rules which determine the conduct of the general body of civilized states in their dealing with one another." In short, by international law is meant those principles of equity and justice decreed by the common sense of nations in their relations with one another. Some principles of international law date far back to the ancients, especially those relating to the treatment of a foe in time of war. In its modern sense, international law owes perhaps most to Hugo Grotius, a famous Dutch writer, who published a book on the subject, in 1625. which has served as the basis for many later works on the same subject. No legislative body decrees international law, no executive enforces it, nor, as yet, does any court define it. It has grown up through the traditions and customs of leading nations, and through agreements made in congresses and conferences. It is still in its infancy, but such as it is, it has done much for the peace and comity of nations. Writers on the subject do not make...
