y. So by Japan and Russia in
1898. This rule, convenient and reasonable as it is, is not yet a rule
of international law; as Lord Percy has had occasion to point out, in
replying to a question addressed to him in the House of Commons. The
proclamations of most of the Continental Powers do not commit their
respective Governments to any period of time, and the material clauses
of the French circular, to which most attention will be directed at the
present time, merely provide as follows:--

"(1) En aucun cas, un belligerant ne peut faire usage d'un
port Francais, ou appartenant a un Etat protege, dans un but
de guerre, &c. (2) La duree du sejour dans nos ports de
belligerants, non accompagnes d'une prise, n'a ete limitee
par aucune disposition speciale; mais pour etre autorises a y
sejourner, ils sont tenus de se conformer aux conditions
ordinaires de la neutralite, qui peuvent se resumer ainsi
qu'il suit:--(_a_) ... (_b_) Les dits navires ne peuvent, _a
l'aide de ressources puisees a terre_, augmenter leur
materiel de guerre, renforcer leurs equipages, ni faire des
enrolements volontaires, meme parmi leurs nationaux. (_c_)
Ils doivent s'abstenir de toute enquete sur les forces,
l'emplacement ou les ressources de leurs ennemis, ne pas
appareiller brusquement pour poursuivre ceux qui leur
seraient signales; en un mot, s'abstenir de faire du lieu de
leur residence la base d'une operation quelconque contre
l'ennemi. (3) Il ne peut etre fourni a un belligerant que les
vivres, denrees, et moyens de reparations necessaires a la
subsistence de son equipage ou a la securite de sa
navigation."

Under the twenty-four hours rule, the duty of the neutral Government is
clear. Under the French rules, all must evidently turn upon the wisdom
and _bonne volonte_ of the officials on the spot, and of the home
Government, so far as it is in touch with them. We have no reason to
suppose that the qualities in question will not characterise the conduct
of the French at the present moment. There can, however, be no doubt
that a better definition of the mode in which a neutral Power should
prevent abusive use of the asylum afforded by its ports and waters is
urgently required. The point is one which must prominently engage the
attention of the special conference upon the rights and duties of
neutrals, for which a wish was exp