International law; Natural law; War (International law)
XXIII.[63] It is observed by legal authorities to be a custom, which
has silently gained ground, for either allies or subjects, who engage
in war, without pay, and at their own risque and expence, to be
rewarded with the captures that they make.
The reason, why allies have such a privilege, is evident. Because one
ally is naturally bound to another to repair the losses, which he has
sustained by entering into a mutual agreement to support a common
cause. Besides it seldom happens, that services are given without some
consideration in return.
Quintilian, applying the same reasoning to another case, alleges that
it is but just for orators and advocates, who devote their whole
time and talents to the business of others, to be requited for their
services: as thereby they preclude themselves from acquiring gain in
any other way.
It is most likely therefore that some advantage gained from the enemy
is always expected, as a compensation for the loss and risque incurred,
unless there is evidence to the contrary from some antecedent treaty,
in which there is an express stipulation for gratuitous assistance and
services.
XXIV. Such claim to a share of the spoils is not equally evident,
where SUBJECTS ONLY are concerned. For the state has a RIGHT TO THEIR
SERVICES. Still where ALL are not engaged in arms, but only SOME,
those, who give up their time to the calling of soldiers, and expose
their lives to its hazards, have a right to be rewarded and supported
by the body politic:--and as a compensation for this loss of time, and
this personal danger, it is but reasonable they should have a share of
the spoils.
With respect to allies there is an example in the Roman treaty, in
which the Latins are admitted to an equal share of the spoil, in those
wars, which were carried on under the auspices of the Roman people.
Thus in the war, which the Aetolians carried on with the assistance
of the Romans, the lands and cities were ceded to the Aetolians, and
the prisoners and moveable effects were given to the Romans. After
the defeat of king Ptolemy, Demetrius gave part of the spoils to the
Athenians. Ambrose, in speaking of the expedition of Abraham, shews the
equity of this practice. He asserts that it was but just for those, who
had assisted him as partners in the danger, to share in the prizes,
which were their due reward.
As to what were the privileges of subjects in these respects, we have a
proof in the conduct of the Hebrews, among whom it was usual for half
of the spoils to be given to those, who were engaged in battle. In
the same manner the soldiers of Alexander were allowed to appropriate
to themselves whatever they took from individuals, except that it was
usual for a considerable portion to be set apart for the king. So that
it was made a subject of accusation against those at Arbela, who were
said to have entered into a conspiracy for securing to themselves every
thing that was taken, without contributing a due proportion of it to
the treasury.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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