378 DIPLOMACY 



What, then, is necessary to establish between nations the observ- 

 ance of those principles of equity which are universally recognized in 

 civilized communities? International law possesses no guaranty 

 except the good faith of nations and of their public men, and no 

 penalty for open violation except such as the injured party may be 

 able to inflict. In the society of nations, there is neither legislature, 

 nor judiciary, nor executive. 



For this reason, one of the most important events of the nine- 

 teenth century was the establishment of a permanent international 

 tribunal at The Hague. As in the case of the Supreme Court of the 

 United States, which to-day regulates the most important contro- 

 versies of forty-five great commonwealths, its inauguration was 

 greeted with doubt and distrust; and because it has not in the few 

 years of its existence proved a preventive of wars and a touchstone 

 of universal peace and concord, it is still, perhaps, regarded in some 

 quarters as a mere chimera. 



It is true that The Hague Tribunal at present appeals to us by its 

 possibilities rather than by its actual achievements, but its mere 

 existence, composed of jurists among the most distinguished in the 

 world, is an immense gain to civilization, and cannot fail to promote 

 the pacific settlement of international disputes. It adds to the 

 dignity of this tribunal that, by the munificence of a wise, generous, 

 and cosmopolitan benefactor, a splendid palace of justice is soon to 

 be erected for its use, in a country whose thrift, integrity, and place 

 in history make it a fitting seat of international mediation. 



But the progress of this movement is not merely theoretical and 

 material. One of the founders of The Hague Court has initiated 

 parliamentary action that is spreading out into a network of treaties 

 by which questions not affecting national honor and independence 

 are, henceforth, to be referred to this tribunal. His Majesty the 

 King of England has been especially active in promoting these con- 

 ventions; and their Majesties the German Emperor, the King of 

 Italy, and the King of Spain, and his Excellency the President of 

 France, have united in concluding treaties by which these great 

 powers are setting the example to smaller states of an appeal to law 

 and justice as the normal standard of public action. 



While the age is fortunate in possessing among its rulers and public 

 men enlightened leaders who truly represent the progress of thought 

 and society, it would be visionary to expect that, hereafter, rivalry 

 or misunderstanding may not again bring into violent collision the 

 vast armaments which continue to increase rather than diminish. 

 The raison d'etat which has so often plunged nations into armed con- 

 flict still controls public policy; and although there may be a grow- 

 ing disposition to respect acquired rights, there are still abundant 

 opportunities for contention. 



