ST. EUSTACE, QUEBEC (AFTERNOON MEETING)
AUGUST 22, 1911167
I am a party man but I address not only my own party, but all parties in Canada. I respect the sincerity of others as I hope they respect mine. Many people thought that when I was elected in 1896 the end of industrial activity had come, but this was not so. Suppose the farmer had $200 worth of produce to send to the United States, on this he would have to pay about $50 duty. Wouldn’t it be just as well to let him keep that in his pocket? That is what reciprocity meant. Mr. Bourassa,168 who today said he did not know if he was for or against the agreement, said in 1902 that New England was the natural market for Quebec. Tell me, do you want that market?
Mr. Monk carried the trumpet on which Bourassa played.169 But when I see the name of Mr. Sifton and Mr. Bourassa stuck together I am simply revenged for the attacks on me. If there is one man Mr. Bourassa hates, one man he has insulted, it is Mr. Sifton. Now they are exchanging the kiss of peace and singing the chorus “we must overthrow Laurier….”
I am a champion of no race or tongue. It is said I have been dazzled by honours. More honour has come to me than I expected or wanted, but the King of England can give me no greater honour than to be Prime Minister of Canada and when I cease to be that, I shall become a simple Canadian citizen. I am a Canadian and this is all my policy and that policy will prevail.