If in our own day a law recognised by the civilised world forbids, in a general way, the soldier to make booty in warfare on land, we have here a great advance in civilisation, and the jurists have had their share in bringing it about.
Holland highlights the significant advancement in civilization represented by laws forbidding soldiers from taking booty in warfare.
Share
More from Thomas Erskine Holland
It is impossible for the soldier who endures sufferings, hardships, fatigues, who meets danger, to take only 'in proportion to the resources of the country.' He must take whatever is needful for his existence.
The only legitimate object which States should set before themselves during war is to weaken the military forces of the enemy.
This being so, it is necessary to recognise also that increased humanity in the mode of making war has in reality followed upon the gradual softening of manners.
We see a general legal persuasion ever in process of more and more distinct formation uniting all civilised peoples.
Other voices in this conversation
