I confess that there are many considerations which challenge the logic of the distinction between absolute and conditional contraband, and give it more the character of a humanitarian concession. It introduces a new bone of contention between belligerents and neutral traders, and it opens up the grave danger of concealed contraband in cargoes which are themselves innocent: the concealment of copper, for example, in bales of cotton. In view of the more rigorous rule of blockade where the distinction disappears, it seems more in the nature of a preliminary measure in the process of throttling the enemy; the first turn of the screw, and a suggestion of sterner measures which are in store. * * * * * It is important to note that the determination of what is contraband, what absolute and what conditional, is left to each belligerent. Seeing that no law is possible on the subject, that agreement has got no further than the unratified Declaration of London,[16] and that it could not be for the enemy to decide, there is no one but the belligerent left. But it rests on a better reason. Each belligerent is master of his own fray; he can direct the attack at his own discretion, and can strike his blows where he pleases; and if we bear in mind what he _could_ do, the declaration that some things shall only be contraband if they are destined for the enemy’s forces is clearly a reservation of strength rather than an expenditure of force. There is no rule which imposes half-measures on any belligerent; he may exert all his strength and destroy or seize all his enemy’s property if he is able; the principle of blockade expressly provides for it; the only thing that is required of him is that, until he proceeds to extremes, he must be careful how he interferes with neutral property. * * * * *