66 DECLARATION OF WAR"

AND WARFARE GENERALLY.

EXPLANATORY.

THAT the scheme of arrangement followed in these pages is unassailable on the score of its strict accuracy is by no means supposed. It is, indeed, difficult to imagine any system having the same object which would not be open to such an objection. But the various rights and obligations which constitute what is called the Law of Nations seem especially to require, in order that they may be readily appreciated, careful dissection and classification. In this view a method of arrangement has been here attempted which, if not beyond the reach of criticism as to its technical accuracy, may, it is hoped, yet be found to possess the merit of simplicity. What this system is will sufficiently appear on reference to the table of contents supplied above; but seeing that a perusal of these pages will not necessarily be prefaced by such a reference, a few words of explanation at the outset may be useful to the reader.

First, then, there is submitted

I. A Retrospect showing the harsh foundation on which the Law of Nations is supported, and