This is so obvious to a Briton that he has ceased to insist upon it, and it is for that reason perhaps that it is so universally misunderstood abroad.

On the other hand, while she is no gainer by the change, most of the expense of it in blood and in money falls upon the home country.

On the face of it, therefore, Great Britain had every reason to avoid so formidable a task as the conquest of the South African Republic.

At the best she had nothing to gain, and at the worst she had an immense deal to lose.

There was no room for ambition or aggression.