CHAPTER VI.

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.

Inconsistencies of an able commentator,

Inaptitude of assumed parallel case,

Dangerous assumption as to evidence,

Doubtful measures of redress,

Difficulty of detection, .

Evasion the result of prohibitory laws,

Inexpediency of timid counsels,

Opinions of the Press,

Vexata quæstio,

Probability insufficient,

Inference that two lawful transactions may constitute an unlawful act,

Nationalization of ships,

Imputation of shipbuilders questioned,

Danger of interference on suspicion,

Reasons for timidity of shipbuilder,

Effects of candour,

Dilemma arising from uncertainty of law and its administration,

Inquisitorial proceedings un-English,

Effect of war on neutral commerce,

Manufacture of arms, ships, &c., important trades of England,

Time of war England's opportunity for commerce in implements of war,

Effects of restraint,

Dread of war chimerical,

If America bent on war, illegal concessions will not avert it,

Resumé of what neutral shipbuilders may and may not do,

Question where building ceases and equipping begins,

Builder may do all short of arming,

He may complete structure, but not supply munitions of war or crew,

If he may sell armed ships, question simplified,

Preceding propositions abide coming argument,

Conclusions according to existing decisions,
Neutral may build ships of war,

Not equip or arm,

Neutral may sell ships to belligerents and deliver, subject to risk of capture,
Cannot man ship with fighting crew,

Neutral may make, sell, and export arms to belligerents,
Supply must be a fair mercantile transaction,

Neutral may repair foreign ships, but not augment force,

APPENDIX.

Copy Royal Proclamation,

Letter of "Historicus" on the violations of our neutrality,
"Phocion" on the duties of a neutral state,

66

Comments of "The Times" on the same subject, and note,
Letter of "Phocion" on Whitworth guns and steam rams,
Money article of "The Times" on the same subject, and the true principles of

neutrality,

Extracts from "The Ocean, the River, and the Shore,"

98

101

. 107

. 110

WORKS AND AUTHORS REFERRED TO.

Bynkershoek,

Declaration of England and Holland against Spain, 1625,

Wheaton's, J., Reports,

24