John A. Macdonald Quotes

• Let us be French, let us be English, but most importantly let us be Canadian!

  John A. Macdonald

  Canada

  71 Copy quote

• Anybody may support me when I am right. What I want is someone that will support me when I am wrong.

  John A. Macdonald

  History, Support, Political

  41 Copy quote

• Give me better wood and I will make you a better cabinet.

  John A. Macdonald

  Giving, Woods, Cabinets

  27 Copy quote

• Confederation is only yet in the gristle, and it will require five years more before it hardens into bone.

  John A. Macdonald

  Years, Bones, Confederation

  22 Copy quote

• When a man has done me an evil turn once, I don't like to give him the opportunity to do so twice.

  John A. Macdonald

  Opportunity, Men, Evil

  23 Copy quote

• 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.

  John A. Macdonald

  Mean, People, Effort

  29 Copy quote

• Politics is a game requiring great coolness.

  John A. Macdonald

  Games, Political, Politics

  18 Copy quote

• When fortune empties her chamber pot on your head, smile and say We are going to have a summer shower.

  John A. Macdonald

  Summer, Pot, Fortune

  29 Copy quote

• It must be an independent House, having a free action of its own, for it is only valuable as being a regulating body, calmly considering the legislation initiated by the popular branch, and preventing any hasty or ill considered legislation which may come from that body, but it will never set itself in opposition against the deliberate and understood wishes of the people.

  John A. Macdonald

  Independent, People, House

  24 Copy quote

• Never write a letter if you can help it, and never destroy one!

  John A. Macdonald

  Writing, Letters, Helping

  18 Copy quote

• 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 a gentlemen.

  John A. Macdonald

  House, Gentleman, Firsts

  12 Copy quote

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