The need for this kind of legislation need not be explained to any one who is familiar with the coidition of our citizens abroad. their rights. and their affairs. No one among us would be willing in Pagain or Mahommedan countries to be subjected to their fantastic laws and cruel punishments. and inefficient. ignorant. corrupt courts. Our Governient. from the beginning of our national history. has taken vigilant care to protect its citizens everywhere around the world. providing in its treaties with Oriental. far Asiatic. and island countries of halfcivilized peoples. that they shall not be subjected to the jurisdiction of local law and local tribunals. And when gentlemen ask. as they may. where is the authority in the Constitution for exercising this jurisdiction or for establishing a judicial authority in a foreign country. I may remind them that this was done by nearly all Christian governments under public law. in treaties centuries ago. and by our own Government in its earliest existence.