inflexible rule of law from giving way when men's minds are
overheated in a struggle against all sorts of dangers, and so
to insure the application of the rules in many other
instances. Sad experience teaches us that in every war there
are numerous violations of law which must unavoidably remain
unpunished, but this will not cause the jurist to abandon the
authoritative principle which has been violated. Quite the
reverse. If, for instance, a flag of truce has been fired
upon, in contravention of the law of nations, the jurist will
uphold and proclaim more strongly than ever the rule that a
flag of truce is inviolable.

"I trust that your Excellency will receive indulgently this
sincere statement of my views, and will regard it as an
expression of my gratitude, as well as of my high personal
esteem and of my respectful consideration.

"Dr. BLUNTSCHLI, Privy Councillor, Professor."


THE UNITED STATES NAVAL WAR CODE.[1]

Sir,--The "Naval War Code" of the United States, upon which an
interesting article appeared in _The Times_ of Friday last, in so well
deserving of attention in this country that I may perhaps be allowed to
supplement the remarks of your Correspondent from the results of a
somewhat minute examination of the code made shortly after its
publication.

One notes, in the first place, that the Government of the United States