principles of confederation, judiciously and temperately applied to the circumstances of the country. The Swiss Cantons of to-day have very much the political organism of the United States. They are sovereign in so far as their sovereignty is not limited by the federal constitution; and as such they exercise all the rights which are not delegated to the federal government. The Cantons are units of a federal state, possessed within certain limits of independent and supreme power. The Swiss constitution, after guaranteeing to the Cantons their sovereignty, their territory, their constitutions, etc. (as pointed out in the chapter on the constitution), again and again reverts to the rights, powers, and duties of the Canton with that remarkable detail which characterizes the text of that instrument in everything it touches. These cantonal provisions are, viz.: 1. The Cantons have the right to make conventions among themselves upon legislative, administrative, or judicial subjects; in all cases they shall bring such conventions to the attention of the federal officials, who are authorized to prevent their execution if they contain anything contrary to the Confederation or to the rights of the Cantons. Should such not be the case, the respective Cantons may demand the co-operation of the federal authorities in their execution. 2. By exception, the Cantons preserve the right to conclude treaties with foreign powers, respecting the administration of public property, and border and police intercourse; but such treaties shall contain nothing contrary to the Confederation or to the rights of the Canton. 3. Official intercourse between the Cantons and foreign governments or their representatives shall take place through the Federal Council. But the Cantons may deal directly with the subordinate officials and officers of a foreign state in regard to the subjects enumerated (in Section 2). 4. In the case of sudden danger of foreign attack, the authorities of the Canton threatened shall request the aid of other members of the Confederation, and shall immediately notify the federal government, without prejudice, however, to the action of the latter. The Cantons so summoned are bound to give aid. The expenses shall be borne by the Confederation.