I can only say that such a view of the future is not in accordance with the teachings of the past.

The body of accepted usage, supplemented by special conventions, which is known as international law, has, as a matter of fact, exercised, even in time of war, a re staining influence on national conduct.

This assertion might be illustrated from the discussions which have arisen during recent wars with reference to the Geneva Conventions to the treatment of the wounded and the St.Petersburg declaration against the use of explosive bullets.
The binding obligation of these instruments, which would doubtless be classed by your correspondent with the fleet among "old-fashioned treaties, protocols, and other diplomatic documents," has never been doubted, while each party has eagerly endeavoured to disprove alleged infractions of them.
The naval manoeuvres have doubtless taught many lessons of practical seamanship.

They will have done good service of another sort if they have brought to the attention of responsible statesmen such questions as those with which I have attempted to deal.

It is essential that the country should know the precise extent of the risks to which our seaboard towns will be exposed in time of war, and it is desirable that our naval forces should be warned against any course of action, in their conduct of mimic warfare, which could be cited against us, in case we should ever have to complain of similar action on the part of a real enemy.
Your obedient servant, T.E.HOLLAND.
Oxford, August 18 (1888).
THE NAVAL MANOEUVRES Sir,--In my first letter I called attention to certain operations of the _Spider_ and her consorts which seemed to be inspired by no principle beyond that of doing unlimited mischief to the enemy's seaboard.