WILLIAM LYON MACKENZIE KING

For one cause or another, it has become necessary to impose restrictions upon the use of many commodities, including not a few of the necessities of life.

If the military might of Germany and Japan are ultimately to be crushed, the United Nations, one and all, must definitely and urgently strive toward a total war effort.

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.

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

If some countries have too much history, we have too much geography.

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

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.

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.

As to the advantages of temperance in the training of the armed forces and of its benefits to the members of the forces themselves, there can be no doubt in the world.

If I am outspoken of the dangers of intemperance to members of our armed forces, it is because we are all especially concerned for the welfare of those who are risking their lives in the cause of freedom.

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

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

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

Workers in industry are the partners in war of the fighting forces.

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

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

Government, in the last analysis, is organized opinion. Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government.

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

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.

Every hour of useful work is precious.

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

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.

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

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

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.