TRIPLE ALLIANCE means a con tract entered into by a treaty between three different powers, by which each of the contracting parties, by contributing its share to the execution of it, is also en titled to a proportionate share of those advantages which may be derived from it. Such a treaty may be concluded either for defensive purposes, when each power pledges itself U. assist the other, or the others in case of attack ; or it may be entered into for an offensive object, when the contracting powers engage to commence and carry on a war against a fourth party. It has been discussed by several writers on international law, whether two of the three contracting parties have a right, after a triple alli ance or treaty has been concluded among them, to enter into separate stipulations in which the third party does not partici pate and is not privy to. This question has never been fairly settled, like many other intricate questions in that obscure branch of jurisprudence, and in case of difficulty, the strongest hand would este" Wish and maintain its own particular doctrine. Martens, however, is of opi
nion that no separate stipulations can be made without the consent of all parties, if three or more, and that this doctrine is recognised by all civilised nations. Powers allied by a treaty may in fact be considered as partners, who as such can enter into any agreements or treaties with other parties, without these other parties becoming participators in the first contract. For instance, this was the case in the late war, which resulted in the de struction of Napoleon's empire. Russia and Prussia concluded a treaty of alliance, defensive and offensive, at Kalish, which Austria afterwards joined ; and this triple alliance, or partnership, entered after wards as such into treaties ander various conditions with Great Britain, Sweden, and almost all European powers, without these states however becoming parties to the original triple alliance.