APPENDIX.

SYNOPSIS OF COMMERCIAL TREATIES.

Key:

Note.—For explanation of this table, see following pages.

EXPLANATION OF PRECEDING TABLE

Whenever a sign of any kind appears in the preceding synopsis it means that there is a proviso in our treaty with that country touching more or less definitely upon the subject indicated. The sign (†) means that the subject is covered by the proviso or nearly so; a (‡) means that it is modified in some measure; a (§) means that it applies only to American citizens in the consular service, not to foreigners, and a (¶) means that the requisitions for the extradition of criminals may be made “through the superior consular officer; otherwise through the diplomatic service.” A blank space means that the point is not touched upon by any treaty now in force.

This synopsis of our commercial treaties shows at a glance their relative fullness or deficiency, and the most remarkable thing about it is their deficiency. Sometimes, it is true, by virtue of international comity, much larger discretion is exercised by consuls and diplomats than is vouchsafed by the terms of the treaty; but it is not to be inferred that this is always the case.

Treaties are sometimes intended to last forever (in perpetuo), and sometimes they are concluded for only a term of years. Political treaties, the purposes of which is usually to terminate wars, establish boundaries, award indemnities, etc., naturally belong, as a rule, to the first class, while commercial treaties usually have a time limit. This accounts for a good many of the blank spaces in the above synopsis.

It will be noticed that there are some countries in the above list which have not at present the treaty making power—such, for instance, as Egypt, the Hanseatic Republic, Prussia, Hawaii, Samoa, Madagascar, Borneo, Kongo Free State, etc. In such cases the government which assumes the sovereignty assumes the treaty obligations, or else concludes new ones.

It may be noticed, on the other hand, that there are no commercial treaties with either Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay or Chile. This does not mean that there are no political treaties with those countries, or that there never have been any commercial treaties, but merely that in some cases the latter have been allowed to lapse or have been abrogated, and no new ones have been concluded. Canada, Australia, India, and all other colonies have no sovereignty, and therefore are not states in international law. Hence they cannot appoint or receive ambassadors nor can they make treaties except through the sovereign power.

DIPLOMATIC SERVICE

The letter (n) indicates that the officer is a naturalized citizen, and the letter (b) that he is authorized to transact business.

DS1. Born of American parents temporarily residing abroad.

DS2. Accredited also to Nicaragua and Salvador.

DS3. Accredited also to Roumania and Servia.

DS4. Accredited also to Honduras.

DS5. Also Chargé d’Affaires to the Dominican Republic.

DS6. Accredited also to Guatemala.

DS7. Accredited also to Costa Rica and Salvador.

DS8. Accredited also to Uruguay.

DS9. Accredited also to Greece and Servia.

DS10. Accredited also to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

DS11. Accredited also to Greece and Roumania.

DS12. Born in the legation at Madrid when his father was Minister to Spain.

DS13. Accredited also to Paraguay.

CONSULAR SERVICE.

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