Tartan of
Macdonald of Clanranald
This day should be a special day for all Canadians. There are many who feel that this day should be a national holiday, for on January 11th in the year 1815, in Glasgow, Scotland, John Alexander Macdonald was born.
In our great neighbour to the south George Washington's birthday is a national holiday and Washington himself regarded with reverence. Every American knows about Washington and probably knows his birthdate and the details of his life and career. In Canada few are aware of the birthday of the foremost father of our nation and due to its proximity to Christmas and New Years the idea of making it a national holiday has been rejected by our legislators. I am sure, Macdonald, a very practical politician, would have understood.
Yet, it is a shame. In few other countries would a national hero be so neglected. In comparing Macdonald to Washington it is probably safe to say that Sir John played a greater role in forging the Canadian nation state than Washington did in determining the nature of his United States. In addition, Macdonald was the more interesting personality. The irony is that the interesting human aspects of Macdonald's personality have been allowed to obscure the true greatness of the man.
He was quick tempered and sharp tongued and yet it was Macdonald who possessed the patience to create the alliances and compromises necessary to form their nation. He brought together the Catholic, French-speaking conservatives and moderates of Canada East (Quebec) with the English-speaking Protestant conservatives of Canada West (Ontario) to form what would become the Conservative Party of Canada. He entered into a coalition with his most hated political enemy, George Brown, in order to acquire the political strength necessary to secure Confederation. He even agreed to a most unpopular treaty, the Treaty of Washington, in order to establish what was so essential for a young Canada; that is, friendly relations with the United States.
His health was seldom good and his personal life was riddled with sorrow. His first wife was bed-ridden for much of their married life. His first-born, his son and namesake, John Alexander, died at the tender age of 18 months. His daughter was born retarded. Added to these personal problems were political pressures, the like of which no Canadian leader has had to confront. Yet he served Canada for over 50 years. For more than 35 of those years he dominated the Canadian political scene. However, Macdonald was not larger than life. Problems at home and the demands of office frequently drove him to seek solace in alcohol. Yet, he was always able to retain his sense of humour. On one particularly memorable occasion, at an election rally, he arrived drunk and, when called upon to speak, rose from his seat and immediately threw up. He then retired to the wings, while the mess was cleaned up, after which he returned to centre stage, unfazed. He began his speech by apologizing, and then, pointing at his great political rival George Brown, who was seated on stage, proclaimed - "I couldn't help it, that man always makes me sick." The battle against the bottle was one Macdonald would fight for 40 years. He never won it but it never stopped him from fulfilling his public duties.
We, as Canadians, should remember him for his accomplishments. He was the leading Father of Confederation. As Canada's first prime minister, he was responsible for securing the West, in the face of a very real American threat. He saw the Canadian Pacific Railroad through to its completion, against considerable opposition, and thus he created of Canada something more than a mere geographic expression. His national policy provided a framework within which a national economy would develop. In the final analysis, he not only did more than anyone else to bring Canada into being, but he also ensured her survival through the early, difficult years. In doing so he earned, or should have earned, the title "Father of Our Nation".
On this his birthday, we Canadians owe Macdonald a grateful remembrance. Let us hope, in light of the current political crisis over separation, that the supporter who interrupted one of Macdonald's campaign speeches was correct when he shouted "You'll never die John A.". Canada is in great need of the dedication, love of country, and large heart that epitomized our first prime minister. Happy 181st Sir John.
W. Henricks
January 11, 1996
Image from Internet source which is no longer on-line
DFS: 8 July 96