to give, by means of the physiological laws of the human mind, a scientific explanation of the manifestations of the Moral Law of Nature.

The propositions brought forward for this purpose, being based on the primary consideration that the successive stages in the evolution of International Law are but so many natural phenomena, can easily be tested by modern natural science, and will therefore readily recommend themselves to all minds endowed with genuine common sense. The exposition here given of the natural laws which guided this evolution of International Law might have been elaborated far more exhaustively, and would have gained thereby in clearness, especially as regards details, but the scope of this Manual did not admit of more detailed treatment. Besides, scientific truth does not suffer by an author's individual short-comings as regards clearness of diction and exposition. Simple suggestions, thrown out to indicate the Law of Nature underlying any particular phenomenon, may often further our apprehension of the truth, though the words employed be ever so incommensurate in lucidity compared with the vividness and distinctness of our own convictions on the subject. Thus this unpretending sketch of the Moral Law of Nature will fulfil the author's purpose if it but pave the way for some better gifted mind, to give a more lucid scientific solution of the problems presented by phenomena the causes of which appear to be as yet far beyond the horizon of our present conceptions while, in fact, they might perhaps be readily explained by human Intellect combined with Feeling, when the Moral Mental Organism has been allotted its proper place in the physiology of the human Mind. All serviceable scientific hypotheses, though differing in

modes of verification, have, as stated on page 7, this crite rion in common that they must be based on the assumption of a factor competent to produce all the phenomena of the respective Laws of Nature, in other words, they must be consistent with physical facts. The hypothesis with regard to the combination of Conscience and Sympathy, which two factors form the Moral Sense described under the name of Feeling on page 14, will be found, by careful and unbiassed investigation, to be consistent with physical facts and those actual relations from which all human rights and obligations susceptible of enforcement, called Law (Jus, Droit, Recht), must and do proceed.

This work is divided into six parts which are grouped in two volumes, following the usual distinction made between the subjects of law and their legal relations. Every legal relation (Rechtsverhältniss), says Savigni, consists of two elements, the matter or substance and the legal determination or regulation of this matter.* Hence the first three Parts, constituting the first volume, treat, besides general principles, the nature, rights and attributes of States and their institutions with regard to individual status and responsibility. The first volume, therefore, may be regarded as an exposition of the material element, that is to say, of the simple facts of international legal relations, while the second volume, in the remaining three parts of the book, discusses the mutual relations and reciprocal responsibilities of States, in peace and war, representing thus the formal element, that is to say, that by which the facts are endowed with legal significance.

Thus the first volume contains the general principles bearing on the origin of Law and expounds the manner in

* Von Savigni. System, $52.-William Guthrie's translation of Volume VIII. (1869). Introduction,

which those principles developed through the Moral Law of Nature, into International Law. The first volume contains further a description of the Individual Rights of States and of the modifications which these rights undergo, in their practical contact with identical rights of other States. In this volume there are also included those special rules of international intercourse, known under the general appellation of Maritime International Law,

The second volume contains an exposition of the Mutual Rights and Responsibilities of States in their general normal intercourse and also the special rules and usages which devolve from that abnormal state of international intercourse called war. At the same time are treated the different conditions which exist between belligerent parties and the relations existing between these parties and those who do not take any active part in the conflict, called neutrals. Lastly those proceedings are explained through which the re-establishment of peace is brought about, by means of preliminary negotiations and treaties of peace, with or without interference of neutrals.

But in compiling the present work the author had above all to comply with the main requisite of a Manual, viz.. that the arrangement of the subject matter be so methodical as to facilitate practical reference and that the treatment be so concise as to impress itself readily upon the memory of the reader. Consequently a Manual has to be written with as much brevity as clearness will allow, and with as much succinctness as the breadth of the subject permits. For these reasons the author was limited in his plan with regard to the division of the subject matter as well as with regard to the execution, and ventures to mention this as a plea for the indulgence of his readers.

The Manual of International Law. which is hereby offered for the use of Naries, Colonies, and Consulates. is a compilation of notes, gathered in the intervals of business, and of occasional observations and impressions which accumulated during an active participation, successively, in the duties of these several branches of the public service. and which are now brought together into a popular form.

The object aimed at was not a profound or scientific treatment of International Law, which has formed already the task of far better and competent writers of text-books, but to furnish a Manual for practical use and ready reference in the hands of those who have no occasion or time to consult elaborate text-books, while their particular situation, far away from the respective centres of legal consultations, instructions or guidance, renders the pressure of business or professional exigencies the more felt, as prompt action, in some decided direction, is often of great consequence. To this end a compendium of the practical rules of International Law and Jurisdiction is surely a desideratum. In how far we have succeeded to supply such a want, we must leave others to judge, as no one can better find out the merits or faults of a work like this than those who put it to the test of practical use. The author's sole aim in publishing the present work being to render some service to those whose profession brings them often face to face with the practical requirements of International Rules and Usages, the author would feel amply recompensed for his labour, if this book should produce no other result than that of merely inducing some abler writer to produce a far superior work of practical utility.

Peking, August, 1883.

J. H. F.