74 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



protect its territory against possible foreign aggression. Some — so- 

 called " Militarists " — would advocate a huge standing army ; others, 

 actuated by motives of Christian principle, find in complete disarma- 

 ment, the surest defense. As to our duty — having due regard to both 

 practicality and spirituality — perhaps a few homely illustrations may 

 not be out of place. 



Imagine a devoted missionary left alone in a land peopled by 

 cannibal savages. Doubtless Christ-like peaceableness, gentleness, and 

 good will, together with self-possession, and perhaps a trifle of this 

 world's craft and subtlety, might avert assault, and secure a hearing for 

 sound doctrine. And yet (as even the most amiable " peace-at-any- 

 price" person will admit) immunity would depend largely upon other 

 factors, say, the degree of hunger of the cannibals and the edibleness 

 of the missionary. 



The situation is not dissimilar when an ordinary citizen finds him- 

 self in the midst of a gang of toughs in a " boom town " or in a slum 

 of a city. Good intentions alone can hardly be reckoned upon for 

 protection. Let such a man beware that his dress does not violate local 

 conventions; let him beware of any " swagger," or a hint of superiority. 

 If he has no real errand or " call " to that neighborhood, he had better 

 simulate one, for there is nothing a barbarian so resents as unwaxranted 

 curiosity and intrusion. 



As to armament, it may be admitted that often (under circum- 

 stances above instanced) defenselessness might be the best defense; 

 even the barbarian possesses an intuitive chivalry. Certainly the display 

 of a weapon would irritate, as much, but no more, than a truculent 

 manner. But it must be remembered that there is a kind of arma- 

 ment that no one thinks of resenting, the natural kind, undoubted fine 

 muscular development, a carriage of body and glance of eye, denoting 

 neither timidity nor a challenge. If in addition the citizen can call 

 to his aid a reputation for force and courage, if he is known as 

 " bruiser," he may be said to be invincible. 



As with the individual, so is it with the nation. We talk glibly of 

 " International Law," as if such a thing existed. There is a body of 

 precepts, practises, and precedents, which have won a general toleration 

 and partial acceptance, but this is custom, not legality. Law (to be 

 worth anything) is a rule of action with a penalty for violation — a 

 penalty enforceable. In establishing the Hague tribunal an attempt 

 was made to legalize the peaceful consensus of opinion of civilization. 

 In Germany's violation of Belgium's neutrality, the total failure of 

 pacific contracts is found and the futility of a covenant not backed by 

 overwhelming force. That Germany asserts a vital necessity serves only 

 to emphasize the truth that " necessity knows no law." 



It is for our military men, for the peace-lovers, legislators, and all 



