Confederation is only yet in the gristle, and it will require five years more before it hardens into bone.
When Fortune empties her chamber pot on your head, smile and say 'We are going to have a summer shower.'
A new Member requires the experience of his first session in the House to teach him how to hang up his overcoat and take his seat in a manner befitting gentlemen. Politicians Quotes
Macdonald's Law: Never write a letter if you can help it, and never destroy one. Politicians Quotes
"A public man should have no resentments." - To his secretary, Joseph Pope, Pope, Sir John A. Macdonald vindicated, 1912 "A sweet smile from the teeth outwards." - to Joseph Pope referring to John Abbott, M. Pope, ed., Public servant (1960)
"Anybody may support me when I am right. What I want is a man that will support me when I am wrong." - to Senator Dickey, of Nova Scotia, at Confederation; also applied to Toronto Mail when it became independent; Bigger, Anecdotal Life of Macdonald, states he said it to George M. Grant, of Nova Scotia, later Principal of Queen's University, 1867.
"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." Last electoral address, Ottawa, February 7, 1891 "Consciousness of power, my dear" -
