The conception of permanent neutrality is entirely contrary to the essential nature of the State, which can only attain its highest moral aims in competition with other States.

Its complete development presupposes such competition.
[Footnote E: The Congo State was proclaimed neutral, but without guarantees, by Acts of February 26, 1885.] Again, the principle that no State can ever interfere in the internal affairs of another State is repugnant to the highest rights of the State.

This principle is, of course, very variously interpreted, and powerful States have never refrained from a higher-handed interference in the internal affairs of smaller ones.

We daily witness instances of such conduct.

Indeed, England quite lately attempted to interfere in the private affairs of Germany, not formally or by diplomatic methods, but none the less in point of fact, on the subject of our naval preparations.