The conqueror prescribes its limits. Humanity, however, act- ■
ing on public opinion, has established as a general rule that the
conquered shall not be wantonly oppressed, and that their con-
dition shall remain as eligible as is compatible with the objects ;
of the conquest. Usually they are incorporated with the vic-
torious nation, and become subjects or citizens of the govern-
ment with which they are connected. * * * When this incor-
poration is practicable, humanity demands, and a wise policy
requires, that the rights of the conquered to property should
remain unimpaired ; that the new subjects should be governed
as equitably as the old. * * * When the conquest is complete,
and the conquered inhabitants can be blended with the con-
querors, or safely governed as a distinct people, public opinion,
which not even the conqueror can disregard, imposes these re-
straints upon him, and he cannot neglect them without injury
to his fame^ and hazard to his power."^

* Peters, United States Statutes at Large, voL vii.
\



14 A CENTUBY OF DISBONOB.
