Rorlund: That is a thing no engineer here would ever do.

Bernick: No engineer in the bigger countries would think twice
about doing it.

Rorlund: In the bigger countries? No, I can quite believe it. In
those depraved and unprincipled communities.

Bernick: Oh, there is a good deal to be said for those
communities.

Rorlund: Can you say that?--you, who yourself--

Bernick: In the bigger communities a man finds space to carry out
a valuable project--finds the courage to make some sacrifice in a
great cause; but here, a man is cramped by all kinds of petty
considerations and scruples.

Rorlund: Is human life a petty consideration?

Bernick: When that human life threatens the welfare of thousands.

Rorlund: But you are suggesting cases that are quite
inconceivable, Mr. Bernick! I do not understand you at all today.
And you quote the bigger countries--well, what do they
think of human life there? They look upon it simply as part of
the capital they have to use. But we look at things from a
somewhat different moral standpoint, I should hope. Look at our
respected shipping industry! Can you name a single one of our