"What I mean is..." Mr. Phillips calmly corrected, "The Government cannot place the entire administrative system at risk just because one designer refuses to compromise."
This statement finally struck Chadwick.
"Are you accusing me personally?" Chadwick said, laughing in anger, "Or are you implying that the issues with the Poor Law Commission stem from my unwillingness to yield?"
Phillips did not deny it: "I am reminding you that when a policy starts to repeatedly rely on the police to maintain its social acceptability, it has already entered a dangerous phase."
Chadwick argued back: "The existence of the police inherently means the Government has the right to enforce the order it deems necessary."
Phillips shook his head: "It is precisely this kind of thinking that has made you increasingly isolated within the Government."
Before Chadwick could continue arguing, footsteps sounded from outside the meeting room.
