Chapter VIII grand consummation and an auspicious beginning. It is not too much to hope that this spirit foreshadowed the ultimate judgment of history. Conclusion. No one can be more conscious of the incompleteness and imperfections of the work of the Peace Conference than the members of that body, who can at least claim that they have labored faithfully to approach a high ideal. No temporary disappointment, misunderstanding, or discouragement can obscure the fundamental truth which the Peace Conference and its results, as indeed all human history, tends to illustrate, a truth upon which all human institutions and endeavors and the nations themselves must forever rest: JUSTITIA ELEVAT GENTEM. Chapter VIII even in those Continental countries where dense ignorance, insipid wit, and the silliest sarcasm seemed to The Governments in advance of public opinion. The Institute of Interna take the place of intelligent and decent discussion of the Conference and its work, there are signs of dawn and enlightenment. It is most encouraging and of the highest importance that upon the whole Continent the Governments are apparently in advance of public opinion upon the entire subject of the Peace Conference. The reason is not far to seek. No man who is fit for the position can to-day hold a place involving the direction of his country's international policy, without feeling an almost intolerable pressure of responsibility. To him every remote chance of a lightening of his burden comes as a promise of blessed relief. It is an historical fact, that none of the obstacles to success which the Peace Conference had to overcome, originated in the mind of any sovereign or high minister of state. In every case they were raised by underlings without responsibility, and anxious to show superior wisdom. by finding fault. So long as this favorable governmental attitude continues there is every reason for encouragement. Continental public opinion, especially in questions of foreign policy, certainly seems more pliable than ever before, and is as clay in the hands of a potter, so far as alliances and sympathies are concerned, when following a popular monarch or foreign minister. The Institute of International Law and similar tional Law. organizations may be of great service in popularizing the subject, and in perfecting the details of practice before the International Court. Much will, moreover, Chapter VIII depend upon the attitude of the professors of International Law at the various universities. The coöperation of some of the highest academical authorities upon the subject at The Hague, may tend to save the entire work from attacks or indifference based upon personal prejudices or professional jealousies, which might have arisen if the treaty had been elaborated only by diplomats. encourage In conclusion the author can only remind those Reasons for whose pessimism is proof against all the signs of ment. promise contained in the story told in this volume, of the best and most reasonable ground for encouragement as to the future, namely: the record of what has even now been accomplished. Any one who would have predicted, even as late as July, 1898, that a Conference would meet and accomplish even a fraction of the results attained at The Hague, that the subject of a federation of the civilized world for justice would even be discussed, not by enthusiasts and private individuals, but by leading diplomats of all civilized nations, called together for that purpose by the most powerful autocrat in the world, would have been regarded as a dreamer, if not as demented. At the beginning of the Conference the members themselves were affected by the prevalent scepticism, suspicion, and discouragement. It was, however, most interesting to observe how, from week to week, and almost from day to day, this feeling gave way to a spirit of hope, of mutual confidence, and of pride at participating in what was at once a Chapter VIII grand consummation and an auspicious beginning. It is not too much to hope that this spirit foreshadowed the ultimate judgment of history. Conclusion. No one can be more conscious of the incompleteness and imperfections of the work of the Peace Conference than the members of that body, who can at least claim that they have labored faithfully to approach a high ideal. No temporary disappointment, misunderstanding, or discouragement can obscure the fundamental truth which the Peace Conference and its results, as indeed all human history, tends to illustrate, a truth upon which all human institutions and endeavors and the nations themselves must forever rest: JUSTITIA ELEVAT GENTEM. |