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17

CHAPTER III.


The Right of Search.

The right to seize enemies cargoes is often, though improperly, called "the right of search." This latter right is of course included in the larger right of seizure, but it is by no means co-extensive with it. Even if the right of seizure were abolished the right of search would remain, with a view to ascertain the ship's nationality, and also that she had no contraband of war on board. It has never been proposed to abolish the right of search, and as long as contraband of war is prohibited the right of search must remain.

A certain limitation of the right of search was proposed by the Powers who formed the second armed Neutrality of