International law; Natural law; War (International law)
His "_De Jure Belli ac Pacis_" had already become a classic even before
the author's death, and special professorships were soon founded in
the universities to expound its principles. It would be tedious to
name the numerous editions, translations, and commentaries which have
given it an exceptional place in the literature of Europe. This task
has been in part performed, however, by Dr. Rogge in his "_Bibliotheca
Grotiana_," published at The Hague in 1883, and intended to be a full
bibliography of Grotius's works. The whole number of titles included
is 462, but they do not comprise the writings of the generations of
jurists who have been inspired by the great master or of the critics
and biographers who have discussed his life and work.
Tardily, but with full contrition for the bitter wrong done to one of
her greatest and noblest sons, the memory of Grotius has received from
his native land abundant recognition and commemoration. The appropriate
tomb that marks his resting place in the Nieuwe Kerk at Delft,
symbolical of his learning, genius, and renown, was erected in 1781.
On the 17th of September, 1886, a noble statue of the great jurist was
unveiled in the public square of his native town in front of the church
which contains his tomb. Thus, more than a century after his death,
and again still another century later, Holland has paid her tribute of
respect to her illustrious citizen.
The later years have also brought new honors to Grotius's feet. At
the recent Peace Conference at The Hague was completed the great
structure of international comity whose corner stone was laid by him
in 1625. It was most fitting that an international congress called in
the interest of peace should blend with the negotiation of conventions
for the pacific settlement of disputes between nations by a permanent
tribunal, and for the amelioration of the laws of war, a celebration
of the distinguished writer whose great thought had at last borne
such precious fruits. In pursuance of instructions received from
the Secretary of State, the United States Commission invited their
colleagues in the congress, the heads of the Dutch universities, and
the high civic authorities to join with them in observing the 4th of
July by celebrating the memory of the great jurist. With appropriate
exercises in the apse of the old church, near the monument of Grotius
and mausoleum of William the Silent, the representatives of twenty-six
nations gathered to do him honor. A beautiful commemorative wreath of
silver was laid upon Grotius's tomb bearing the inscription:
TO
THE MEMORY OF HUGO GROTIUS
IN
REVERENCE AND GRATITUDE
FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ON THE
OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE
AT
THE HAGUE JULY 4TH, 1899.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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