"The interruption or suspension of neutral commerce which results from the forcible closing of a belligerent's ports or harbors is called a blockade."

"The most extensive, and in some respects the most effective, restraint which the law of nations permits a belligerent to impose upon neutral commerce is that involved in the exercise of the right of blackade. The rules of maritime capture permit him to seize upon the high seas certain contraband articles, which are destined to the enemy's use, or are calculated to aid that enemy in his military operations. But non-contraband articles are exempt from seizure, even though they have a belligerent destination, and the ship incurs no liability whatever. By the establishment of a blackade, however, he may not only prevent the introduction of contraband articles, but may absolutely prohibit access to his enemy's coast, and so, for the time, interrupt all commercial intercourse with the outside world." 9

In order to render a blockade binding it; must be effective.10 A "paper" blockade is no longer recognized. There must also be a formal proclamation of the blockade. Ships which had left their home ports before the proclamation of the blockade, can only be stopped, and notified of the blockade, such notification being endorsed on their papers.

8 Davis on International Law, page 538.

9 Davis on International Law, p. 468.

10 See provisions of Declaration of Paris,

"If a vessel is driven into a blockaded port by such distress of weather, or want of provisions or water, as to render entrance an unavoidable necessity, she may issue again, provided her cargo remains intact."

The penalty for an attempt to violate a blockade is the forfeiture of both ship and cargo.