"We are told," said Irene, "that England must expand." "Probably. But the mere necessity of the case must not become our law. It won't do for a great… - George Gissing

"We are told," said Irene, "that England must expand."
"Probably. But the mere necessity of the case must not become our law. It won't do for a great people to say, 'Make room for us, and we promise to set you a fine example of civilisation; refuse to make room, and we'll blow your brains out!' One doubts the quality of the civilisation promised."