Rush-Bagot Treaty: History and Why It's Obsolete

Since April 1817, when the agreement between the United States and Great Britain, commonly called the Rush-Bagot Convention, was concluded, it has successfully resisted all efforts to modify or annul it, although for more than half a century, it has been practically obsolete. For the past 60 years, both parties have violated the agreement with the same persistency with which they have both maintained at all times that the agreement was in full force and effect, and its faithful observance essential to their mutual welfare.