The governing principle of this volume, originally published in 1914, was not rhetorical quality, but historical interest. Speeches were selected from the earliest days of reporting downwards, dealing with such phases of foreign policy as were of exceptional interest at the time. They were chosen so as to cover a variety of international crises affecting various states.

The governing principle of this volume, originally published in 1914, was not rhetorical quality, but historical interest. Speeches were selected from the earliest days of reporting downwards, dealing with such phases of foreign policy as were of exceptional interest at the time. They were chosen so as to cover a variety of international crises affecting various states.