In considering questions relating to international law, or arising der treaty provisions, the want of some ready means of reference to conclusions which have formerly been reached on the same or kind questions has constantly been experienced. Without an exhaustive examination, it has been found impossible ascertain whether, or in what manner, different Attorneys-General ha considered similar questions and a ready means of reference to decisions of the courts on like subjects is not always at hand. An effort has here been made to give a reference to all of the publish opinions of the Attorneys General upon international law, public tre ies, or upon such questions as from time to time come before Department of State, and also to the leading decisions of the Fede courts on the same subjects. Under certain titles, such as "Treaties," "Extradition," an effort been made to refer to all decisions bearing on the subject. It is not intended in any case to state what the law is, or to assu to give the effect of any opinion or decision upon any Department the Government, but simply to refer to what has from time to ti been held to be the law by recognized legal authority. In some instances, different opinions, if not different decisions, her cited, will be found to be in direct opposition. In some cases t arises from a change in public law and a consequent change of opini in others, from positive differences of opinion on delicate questions. 1 this reason, both opinions and decisions are cited in the order of th date; and from the comparatively small number of citations under a particular title, it is believed this will cause no embarrassment. The Revised Statutes published in 1875 under the authority of C gress are cited as R. S., § and the volume of the Treaties to wh reference is made is that published at the same time, known as "Revised Statutes relating to the District of Columbia and Post-Ro -Public Treaties." The obligations of the undersigned are due to Mr. Charles P. Jan for valuable assistance; to Mr. John H. Haswell and Mr. Almont Barr of the Department of State; and to Mr. Clapp, the Government Print and Mr. Brian, the foreman of the Government Printing-Office. JOHN L. CADWALADER DEPARTMENT OF STATE, |