Pacific Scandal

The Pacific Scandal of 1873 was a political scandal in Canada. It was about the allegation that the government of conservative Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald had accepted bribes.

Following the accession of British Columbia to the Canadian Confederation in 1871, it was agreed that a transcontinental railroad from the Atlantic across to build on the Canadian prairies and the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. Two groups competed for the contract to be able to build the railway line: the Canada Pacific Railway by Hugh Allan (not the present-day Canadian Pacific Railway identical) and the Inter -Ocean Railway Company. 1873 revealed that Hugh Allan of the Conservative Party had donated a large sum of money that was used for the election campaign in 1872. The Liberal Party, which was then in opposition, alleged that this was a tacit agreement to secure Hugh Allan the order.

Although John Macdonald protested his innocence, the police found incriminating evidence that money had been paid to him and some of his party colleagues. Even more embarrassing for Macdonald was the discovery of a telegram which had been given six days before the general election in 1872. It read: "I need another $ 10,000. This will be the last message. Do not disappoint me. Answer today. " ( " I must have another $ 10,000. Will be the last time of calling. Do not fail me. Answer today. ").

Macdonald was then forced to resign from the office of Prime Minister. He also offered his resignation as party leader, but was convinced to continue. The direct result of the scandal was that the Conservative government lost the favor of the electorate and the general election in 1874 lost. Thereupon Alexander Mackenzie, the chairman of the Liberal Party, new Canadian prime minister.