“We friends of peace do not recognize this contradiction,” replied my husband; “what one must regret as a man, one cannot be glad of as a patriot. And indeed it is a mistake to believe that what will not benefit mankind will be useful to one’s own country. In any case, the interest of humanity, absolute right, always stands higher than the special advantages of any one country.” “Splendid!” cried Noury Bey in amazement, but not without irony. “People with such views ought to be appointed judges in the coming international tribunal.” July 4. To-day, in connection with the American holiday, an excursion to Delft in commemoration of Grotius. In the early morning a severe storm is raging and rain is beating on the window panes. We countermand our order for a carriage and stay at home. It is a melancholy, gloomy day. The windows rattle and tremble; an ice-cold wind forces itself in. Gray are the rolling clouds and the foaming angry sea. Lamentation, brawling, and menace commingle in the roar of wind and waves. The beach is deserted. As far as the eye can see there is not a living creature. The bath houses and covered chairs and booths are all moved off—or have the billows carried them away? The high, foam-capped breakers tumble over one another and come nearer and nearer, and are already dashing over the terrace wall. Perhaps the whole terrace may be destroyed, as it was a few years ago. And all the time this tumultuous lamentation! How can one feel cheerful? Truly, there is reason enough for melancholy. This Conference, which should show sorrow-laden, danger-threatened mankind a way to get finally rid of the sorrow and the dangers which arise not from the elements but from their own selves,—how its work has met with misunderstanding and resistance both in the world outside and in its own midst! Nowhere enthusiastic aid—nay, not even eager curiosity, and not once a warm word from those who hold the power in their hands. Cold, cold are all the hearts—cold as the draft that penetrates through the rattling windows. I am chilled to the bone! In the evening a festival in the concert room in honor of the American delegates. The decorations are star-spangled banners; there is a rendering of American songs. Dr. Holls tells me that the Grotius festival was a brilliant success, and useful words were spoken, especially by Ambassador White. He also informs me that the permanent Court of Arbitration is accepted. Only the paragraph about obligatory cases is omitted. July 5. In reply to my note of regret, addressed to Andrew D. White, and explaining that our absence from the festival was caused by the weather, I receive the following reply: House in the Wood, July 5, 1899 Dear Baroness von Suttner: