_Post hoc_ is not _propter hoc_. Although it delighted me to hear that the Tsar had read my book shortly before the appearance of the manifesto, yet I was firmly convinced that a long chain of many influences, among which that of reading a novel could have been of only small effect, must have preceded such an action. Later I learned that Bloch’s book had made a deep impression on the Tsar; at that time I suspected that Professor Martens had helped inspire the document and wrote him to that effect. His answer follows: Villa Waldeuse near Wolmar Livonia, September 9, 1898 My dear Madam: I make haste to present my sincerest thanks for the friendly letter of the 4th inst. with which you honored me. I do not know to what degree my teaching could have influenced his Majesty the Emperor or his councilors in the noble task which they have imposed on the governments and nations of the civilized world. I had no direct part in the celebrated rescript of August 12 (24), having been for some time in residence on my estate in Livonia, far from the capital. But I have applauded with the keenest sympathy and the sincerest admiration the generous action taken by my august master for the well-being and happiness of all civilized nations. As to the bibliographical notes, I shall make it my duty to communicate them to you after the meeting of the _conférence de la paix_. At this moment I am too busy with my official duties. Reiterating my very respectful thanks, I beg you, Madam, to accept the assurance of my high consideration. Martens. Footnote 26: A treaty without any limitations. (Observation of 1908.—B. S.) Footnote 27: It is a fact that a few days later the question at issue was submitted to the arbitration of the Queen of England. Later the two republics concluded a standing agreement to bring every future controversy before the Hague Tribunal, and as a result reduced their armaments and sold their war ships. As a memorial to this agreement a gigantic statue of the Christ has been erected on a peak of the mountain boundary, the Andes. (Observation of 1908.—B. S.) Footnote 28: It was not his first letter to me. A few months before, young Egidy surprised and delighted me with the following communication from a distant part of the world: On his Majesty’s ship _Seeadler_ Tullear, Madagascar, April 20, 1898 My dear Baroness: As the first German naval officer who, since the war of 1870, has left a war ship to step on soil now French, I am taking the liberty of sending you this respectful greeting.