8527. TREATIES, Binding force of.—[further continued].
It is not the possibility
of danger which absolves a party from his
contract, for that possibility always exists,
and in every case. * * * If possibilities
would void contracts, there never could be a
valid contract, for possibilities hang over
everything. Obligation is not suspended till
the danger is become real, and the moment of
it so imminent, that we can no longer avoid
decision without forever losing the opportunity
to do it.—
Opinion on French Treaties. Washington ed. vii, 614.
Ford ed., vi, 222.
(1793)
