Robinson (emerging from his paper). I never could see the use of the Suez Canal. No more could Lord Palmerston. And couldn't we get to India quite as quickly by the Pacific Railway?
Brown (doubtfully). I think not; although, of course, it shortens the route to Australia. I fancy it wouldn't help us much with Egypt.
Jones. Why, the Pacific Railway is in Canada—isn't it?
Robinson. I suppose it is.
[Returns to the perusal of his paper.
Brown. Not that the Pacific Railway isn't useful. You see, the Americans are waking up, and even proposed to intervene in the Chino-Japanese controversy. That shows they have abandoned the old policy of keeping themselves to themselves.
Jones. Of course that's impossible. You see that while we are so violently in favour of free trade, we must take an interest in transatlantic politics.
Brown. Yes, there is a good deal in what you say, and I suppose on account of the fall in silver we all must be careful.
Robinson (emerging from his paper). Perhaps it is connected with bi-metallism.
[Train enters tunnel, and in the rattle the talk subsides.