criticism did not the intercalation of such words as 'if
circumstances permit,' 'if possible,' 'if it can be done,' 'if
necessary,' give them an elasticity but for which the bonds
they impose must be broken by inexorable reality.

"I am of opinion that in war, where everything must be
individual, the only articles which will prove efficacious are
those which are addressed specifically to commanders. Such are
the rules of the manual relating to the wounded, the sick, the
surgeons, and medical appliances. The general recognition of
these principles, and of those also which relate to prisoners,
would mark a distinct step of progress towards the goal
pursued with so honourable a persistency by the Institut de
Droit International.

"COUNT VON MOLTKE, Field-Marshal-General."


PROFESSOR BLUNTSCHLI'S REPLY TO COUNT VON MOLTKE

Sir,--In accordance with a wish expressed in several quarters, I send
you, on the chance of your being able to make room for it, a translation
of Professor Bluntschli's reply to the letter from Count von Moltke
which appeared in _The Times_ of the 1st inst.

Your obedient servant,
T. E. HOLLAND.
Oxford, February (1881).

"Christmas, 1880.