d peace secured, by _treaties of
peace_. The manner of making treaties has been described. (Chap. XL,
Sec.5.) A treaty of peace puts an end to the war, and leaves the
contracting parties no right to take up arms for the same cause.

Sec.14. The parties to a treaty of peace are bound by it from the time of
its conclusion, which is the day on which it is signed; but, as in the
case of a truce, persons are not held responsible for any hostile acts
committed before the treaty was known; and their government is bound to
order and enforce the restitution of property captured subsequently to
the conclusion of the treaty.

Sec.15. War is sometimes terminated by _mediation_. A friend to both
parties, desirous of stopping the destruction of human life, kindly
endeavors to reconcile the parties. The friendly sovereign who thus
interposes, is called _mediator_. Many desolating wars might have been
early arrested in this way, or wholly prevented, had there always been
among friendly powers a disposition to reconcile contending nations.

Synopsis of the State Constitutions.

Maine.

The District of Maine, formerly belonging to the state of Massachusetts,
adopted in convention, October 29, 1819, the present constitution, and
was admitted into the Union as a state, March 15, 1820. The constitution
has received several alterations.

_Electors._ All male citizens, having had a residence in the state three
months, except paupers, persons under guardianship, and Indians not
taxed.

_Legislature._ The house of representatives consists of one hundred and
fifty-one members, apportioned among the counties according to
population; and the number apportioned to each county are apportioned
among the towns according to the population. A representative must have
been a citizen of the United States five years, resided in the state one
year, and in the town or district he is chosen to represent, three
months. Senate, not less than twenty, nor more than thirty-one members,
elected in districts by majority. If a senator is not elected by the
electors, the house and the senators elected choose one from the two
candidates having the highest numbers of votes. Age, twenty-five years,
otherwise qualified as representatives.

A majority constitutes a _quorum_. Bills vetoed by the governor become
laws when re-passed by two-thirds majorities. Also bills become laws if
not returned by the governor within five days, unless their return is
p