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and to drown the reader in a sea of detail and technicality." But in gathering together for publication essays and addresses not having a very close relation to each other, it became clear that greater interest would attach to them if read in connection with a somewhat general survey; and this led to the preparation of an introductory essay on the subject of law reform.

The right of the American citizen to command the processes of the law for the protection of his rights, is the most valuable possession that he has, and some day he will be aroused to the importance of seeing that its value is not impaired by a failure to make needed improvements in substance and in methods. The potential political importance of the matter is indicated by expressions in the platforms of the two great political parties that there should be improvements in the administration of justice and that it should be made prompt and cheap; but political consciences are easily satisfied by such generalities, and in this case they have always been followed by a state of indifference.

If by this volume, I add a contribution, however modest, to an understanding of the subject, and aid, however little, to arouse the public interest which is essential to the great task of effective law reform, I shall feel justified in its publication.

In connection with the reform of municipal law, it has seemed suitable to include a few short addresses upon the World Court; for by the firm establishment of that tribunal and the settlement of international disputes in accordance with fixed principles of International Law, we advance toward the goal where in the relations among the nations of the world, justice will prevail.

H. W. T.

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