nd declarations which modified warfare on land and sea,
and regulated it by means of certain rules which were to be observed
by all signatories. It also created a permanent court of
arbitration, consisting of eminent jurists from all the countries
represented, before which international disputes were to be brought
for pacific settlement. At the suggestion of the United States
(1904) the czar invited the countries to a second peace conference,
which met on June 15, 1907. Besides the former signatories, all the
South American States were represented. Its results were similar to
those of the first conference, and as the years passed by the
various countries concluded among each other a total of over 150
arbitration treaties.

In spite of being the center of the modern peace movement, Holland
found it necessary for its own protection to keep up with the
general increase in armament which was carried on in Europe. In 1913
the Coast Defense Bill provided for the fortification of Flushing
and for the expenditure of a comparatively large sum, and created
considerable discussion and some ill feeling, especially in England.

The Duchy of Luxemburg is ruled by the same dynasty that now occupies
the throne of Holland, the House of Orange-Nassau. Until 1866 it was a
member of the North German Federation, but in 1867 a conference of
the powers, held at London, declared it to be neutral territory, and
ordered the demolition of its fortifications. At that time the
succession in both Holland and Luxemburg descended in the direct male
line only. William III was King of Holland and Grand Duke of
Luxemburg. In 1879 the king's only brother and his oldest son, and in
1881 the king's second son died. This left that branch of the house
without male heirs. In 1879 William III had married a second time, and
had chosen Emma, Princess of Waldeck-Pyrmont, one of the smallest
German states. In 1880 a daughter, the present Queen Wilhelmina, was
born. As the king was aging rapidly and was not likely to have any
further issue, it became necessary to change the law of succession, in
order to prevent Holland's throne from coming into the hands of the
next male member of the House of Orange-Nassau, the Duke of Nassau,
who was practically a German prince, and, therefore, not acceptable to
Holland's people. In 1884 it was arranged that in case of lack of male
issue the succession in Holland should descend to direct female heirs.
When, therefore, William I