GG TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



settled on a firm basis, and Mirabeau's words, " Le droit est le sou- 

 verain du monde," would become a fact. The substitution of arbi- 

 tration for war would advance the reign of right, relieve the bur- 

 dens of taxation, make commerce free, and establish a brotherhood 

 of nations. 



DISCUSSION. 



Major Powell referred to the origin of the term '^jiis gentiufn,'' 

 and pointed out the fact that it meant the law found among all 

 nations, rather then international law. While law and rights are 

 nearly synonymous, the history of law developes the difficulty 

 attending the determination of what is right. When that is so found 

 by the majority it then finds expression in law. As the people in a 

 nation find it difficult to ascertain what is justice, so the same 

 obstacle is met in determining international rights. Referring to 

 certain publicists who sought to control the disposition of property 

 pending wars, he said that it was apparent that mankind was 

 becoming more belligerent, and that wars were more destructive of 

 life and property than formerly, 



The result, however, of all this was to lessen the number of 

 nations, and with fewer nations, organization with a view to per- 

 manent peace became more probable. 



Mr. Otis Bigelow called attention to an extract taken from 

 " Heber's Travels in India," (vol. 2, p. 28,) as follows: 



" The Braijarrees, or carriers of grain, a singular wandering race 

 who pass their whole time in transporting grain from one part of 

 India to the other — seldom on their own account but as agents for 

 more wealthy dealers. They move about in large bodies with their 

 wives and children, dogs and loaded bullocks. The men are all 

 armed as a protection against petty thieves. From the sovereign 

 and armies of Hindustan they have no apprehensions. Even con- 

 tending armies allow them to pass and repass safely, never taking 

 their goods without purchase or even preventing them if they choose 

 from victualling their enemy's camp. Both sides wisely agree to 

 respect and encourage a branch of industry, the interruption of 

 which might be attended with fatal consequence to either." 



