Quote#Homeland
The state of the country at present is perhaps the most alarming that…
Quote byGeorge Canning · 1770–1827
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Letter to Edward Bootle Wilbraham (4 December 1792), quoted in George Canning and His Friends, Containing Hitherto Unpublished Letters, Jeux D'Esprit, Etc. Vol. I, ed. Captain Josceline Bagot (1909), p. 30.
English (original)
The state of the country at present is perhaps the most alarming that it is possible to conceive. The rapid progress of the French arms, and the wide diffusion of French principles, has given to a republican party here such strength and spirit that there is, in my opinion, nothing mischievous and desperate which may not be apprehended from them.
— George Canning
More from George Canning
Story! God bless you! I have none to tell, sir.
The deed is done, the nail is driven, Spanish America is free; and if we do not mismanage our affairs sadly, she is English.
I can prove anything by statistics except the truth.
I called the New World into existence to redress the balance of the Old.
We are hated throughout Europe and that hate must be cured by fear.
I give thee sixpence! I will see thee damned first.