John A. Macdonald

Sourced

• As for myself, my course is clear. A British subject I was born — a British subject I will die. With my utmost effort, with my latest breath, will I oppose the ‘veiled treason’ which attempts by sordid means and mercenary proffers to lure our people from their allegiance.
  • February 3, 1891 as the as the 1891 election was called, fought largely over the issue of free trade with the United States. http://www.histori.ca/prodev/article.do;jsessionid=8D3831D48EE489EBCF46813C8427E685.tomcat1?id=15356

• Let us be English or let us be French... but above all let us be Canadians.

• Yes, but the people would prefer John A. drunk to George Brown sober.
  • Responding to a heckler. (from John A: The Man Who Made Us by Richard J. Gwyn)

• He hoped that Britain and Canada would have "a healthy and cordial alliance. Instead of looking upon us as a merely dependent colony, England will have in us a friendly nation, a subordinate but still a powerful people to stand by her in North America in peace or in war." - 1865 http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/hist/canada2-en.asp

• I must have another $10,000. Will be the last time of calling. Do not fail me. Answer today.
  • Telegram to Hugh Allan, head of the Canadian Pacific Railway, six days before the 1872 election. The release of this telegram spurred the Pacific Scandal.

• I get sick ... not because of drink [but because] I am forced to listen to the ranting of my honourable opponent.
  • During the election of 1863, Sir John A. Macdonald threw up during a campaign speech and when his opponent pointed this out, Macdonald shot back with this answer.

Unsourced

• We must protect the rights of minorities, and the rich are always fewer in number than the poor.
  • Sir John A. Macdonald said this in the privacy of the Quebec Conference of 1864 when they were constructing the Senate.

• The scheme as a whole has met with almost universal approval.
  • Talking to the legistlature about confederation.

• I would be quite willing, personally, to leave that whole country a wilderness for the next half-century but I fear if Englishmen do not go there, Yankees will.
  • Letter to Sir Edward W. Watkin-1865.

• I say that there is a deliberate conspiracy, by force, by fraud, or by both, to force Canada into the American Union.
  • Speech, Academy of Music, Toronto-1891.

• Anyone can support me when they think I'm right. What I want is someone that will support me when I am wrong.

• Yes, In my Canada the rich will always be a minority
  • Asked if he believe in minority rights.

• Ain't I the old devil though?
  • After being read aloud a long list of political mistakes.