_law of nations_ consists of those rules by which intercourse
between nations is regulated. In its present improved state, the law of
nations has not long existed. Ancient nations were little governed by
the principles of natural justice. Little respect was paid by one nation
to the persons and property of the citizens of another. Robbery on land
and sea was not only tolerated, but esteemed honorable; and prisoners of
war were either put to death, or reduced to slavery. By this rule of
national law, commerce was destroyed, and perpetual enmity kept up
between nations.

Sec.2. Within the last three or four centuries, essential improvement in
the law of nations has been made. By the light of science and
Christianity, the rights and obligations of nations have come to be
better understood, and more generally regarded. Commerce also has done
much to improve the law, by showing that the true interests of a nation
are promoted by peace and friendly intercourse.

Sec.3. Hence we find the nations of Europe and America recognizing the same
rules of international law. And as the light and power of Christianity
shall increase, the law of nations will undergo still further
improvements. And it is to be hoped, that, as one of these improvements,
the practice of settling national disputes by war will be abolished, and
the more rational and humane course be adopted, of referring
difficulties which the parties are incapable of adjusting, to some
disinterested power for adjudication.

Sec.4. There are, in every nation or state, courts of justice to try and
punish offenders; but there is no tribunal before which one nation can
be brought to answer for the violation of the rights of another. Every
nation, however small and weak, is independent of every other.
Therefore, when injuries are committed by one upon another, the offended
party, unless it chooses quietly to endure the wrong must seek redress,
either by appealing to the sense of justice of the party offending, or
by a resort to force.

Sec.5. Every nation has a right to establish such government as it thinks
proper; and no other nation has a right to interfere with its internal
policy. To this rule, however, some writers make an exception. They hold
that the natural right of a state to provide for its own safety, gives
it the right to interfere where its security is seriously endangered by
the internal transactions of another state. But it is admitted that such
cases are so v