The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

from the pockets of the people.
‘Wealth of Nations’ (1776)
If any of the provinces of the British empire cannot be made to contribute towards the support
of the whole empire, it is surely time that Great Britain should free herself from the expense of
defending those provinces in time of war, and of supporting any part of their civil or military
establishments in time of peace, and endeavour to accommodate her future views and designs to
the real mediocrity of her circumstances.
‘Wealth of Nations’ (1776)
7.107 Alfred Emanuel Smith 1873-1944
All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.
Speech in Albany, 27 June 1933, in ‘New York Times’ 28 June 1933
Unpack.
Telegraphed message to the Pope, 1932, whom he had hoped would come to live in the United States, in the
event of Smith’s campaign for the presidency being successful; attributed
7.108 Sir Cyril Smith 1928—
The longest running farce in the West End.
On the House of Commons, in ‘Big Cyril’ (1977) ch. 8
7.109 Dodie Smith 1896-1990
The family—that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost
hearts, ever quite wish to.
‘Dear Octopus’ (1938) p. 120
7.110 Edgar Smith 1857-1938
You may tempt the upper classes
With your villainous demi-tasses,
But; Heaven will protect a working-girl!
‘Heaven Will Protect the Working-Girl’ (1909 song)
7.111 F. E. Smith (Earl of Birkenhead) 1872-1930
We have the highest authority for believing that the meek shall inherit the earth; though I have
never found any particular corroboration of this aphorism in the records of Somerset House.
‘Contemporary Personalities’ (1924) ‘Marquess Curzon’.
Nature has no cure for this sort of madness [Bolshevism], though I have known a legacy from a
rich relative work wonders.
‘Law, Life and Letters’ (1927) vol. 2, ch. 19
The world continues to offer glittering prizes to those who have stout hearts and sharp swords.
Rectorial Address, Glasgow University, 7 November 1923, in ‘The Times’ 8 November 1923
Judge: What do you suppose I am on the Bench for, Mr Smith?