On the record
A reform of maritime law to which the United States are not a party is of little worth.
Said by
Thomas Erskine Holland
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Holland argues that maritime law reforms lacking U.S. participation hold little value, highlighting the importance of universal agreement.
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I am of opinion that in war, where everything must be individual, the only articles which will prove efficacious are those which are addressed specifically to commanders.
To localise hostile pressure as far as possible, and to give to it such a character as shall restrict its incidence to the peccant State, is surely in the interest of the general good.
But I go further, and think the softening of manners can alone bring about this result, which cannot be attained by a codification of the law of war.
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.
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