William Lyon Mackenzie King's Quotes

In the twelve months immediately preceding the outbreak; of war, the quantity of spirits, both domestic and imported released for sale in Canada, amounted to over three and a half million proof gallons.

Just when we most need to be clearheaded, in order to face the hard facts before us, there is all too frequently a very real inclination to give way to dangerous tendencies merely as an escape from realities.

No one will deny that the excessive use of alcohol and alcoholic beverages would do more than any other single factor to make impossible a total war effort.

Nor do we begin to have a clear appreciation of what the increase in consumption of alcoholic beverages in wartime means in increased risk, and in loss of efficiency to the fighting and working forces of the country.

On behalf of the federal government, I wish now publicly to appeal to the provinces to lend their co-operation in furthering our country's war effort by effecting at as early a date as may be possible this much needed restriction.

Regardless of what one's attitude towards prohibition may be, temperance is something against which, at a time of war, no reasonable protest can be made.

Since the outbreak of war, there has been in our country a steady increase in the consumption of spirits, wine and beer. It is estimated that in dollar volume, the annual outlay is now practically double what it was before the war.

Temperance is essential, if the services of men and women are to be employed to the best and most useful effect according, to the physical capacity and ability of each. Nothing less will assure a total effort.

The greatly increased consumption of alcoholic beverages is very largely a direct result of the increased purchasing power created by wartime expenditures.

When gasoline and rubber are rationed, electric power and transport facilities are becoming increasingly scarce, and manpower shortages are developing, it is difficult for people to understand their increased use for other than the most vital needs of war.

Once a nation parts with the control of its credit, it matters not who makes the laws.

Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government, which sooner or later becomes autocratic government.

Until the control of the issue of currency and credit is restored to government and recognized as its most conspicuous and sacred responsibility, all talks of the sovereignty of Parliament and of democracy is idle and futile.

Self-denial and self-discipline, however, will be recognized as the outstanding qualities of a good soldier.

Every hour of useful work is precious.

Far more has been accomplished for the welfare and progress of mankind by preventing bad actions than by doing good ones.

It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.

Conscription if necessary, but not necessarily conscription.

Each year, therefore, a dollar spent on alcoholic beverages has purchased a smaller quantity.

Few would venture to deny the advantages of temperance in increasing the efficiency of a nation at war.

Fortunately, the Canadian people in all their habits, are essentially a temperate people.

I really believe my greatest service is in the many unwise steps I prevent.

I would not wish to imply that most industrial accidents are due to intemperance. But, certainly, temperance has never failed to reduce their number.

Let it be remembered, too, that at a time of war, nearly every one is under great strain.

Only the man who disciplines himself strictly can stand for long the terrific pace of modern war.

The anxiety of most parents in seeing their sons and daughters enlist does not lie only in the fear of the physical dangers they may encounter.