be designated bargains, and some
of the details of commercial treaties in Calvo's enumeration enter
directly into the functions of government; moreover, countries cannot
remain isolated. If two countries agree by simultaneous action to adopt
fixed rates of duty, this agreement is favourable to commerce, and it is
not apparent how it is contrary, even to free trade principles.
Moreover, security in business transactions, a very important
consideration, is provided.

Our conclusions are--

(1) that under the varying jurisprudence of nations commercial treaties
are adopted by common consent;

(2) that their provisions depend upon the general and fiscal policy of
each state;

(3) that tariff arrangements, if judiciously settled, benefit trade;

(4) that commercial treaties are now entered into by all states; and
that they are necessary under present conditions of commercial
intercourse between nations. (C. M. K.*)

See the British parliamentary _Return_ (Cd. 4080) of all commercial
treaties between various countries in force on Jan. 1, 1908.

COMMERCY, a town of north-eastern France, capital of an arrondissement
in the department of Meuse, on the left bank of the Meuse, 26 m. E. of
Bar-le-Duc by rail. Pop. (1906) 5622. Commercy possesses a chateau of
the 17th century, now used as cavalry barracks, a Benedictine convent
occupied by a training-college for primary teachers, and a communal
college for boys. A statue of Dom Calmet, the historian, born in the
vicinity, stands in one of the squares. The industries include
iron-working and the manufacture of nails, boots and shoes, embroidery
and hosiery. The town has trade in cattle, grain and wood, and is well
known for its cakes (_madeleines_). Commercy dates back to the 9th
century, and at that time its lords were dependent on the bishop of
Metz. In 1544 it was besieged by Charles V. in person. For some time the
lordship was in the hands of Francois Paul de Gondi, cardinal de Retz,
who lived in the town for a number of years, and there composed his
memoirs. From him it was purchased by Charles IV., duke of Lorraine. In
1744 it became the residence of Stanislas, king of Poland, who spent a
great deal of care on the embellishment of the town, castle and
neighbourhood.

COMMERS (from Lat. _commercium_), the German term for the German
students' social gatherings held annually on occasions such as the
breaking-up of term and the anniversary of the univ