This guy, Zebulon Lash, a Liberal who was one of the leaders of the “Toronto 18”, that signed the manifestor denouncing the “recipprocity” or free trade agreement that was being pushed by Liberal leader and prime minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier. The opposition of Lash and others killed Laurier's chances in Ontario in the 1911 election. Lash, based on that Canadian biography snippet sounds like a fascinating character. Anyone got any idea if there is a full biography of him?
Dear Mr. Akin:
The 1911 free trade election and the issues surrouding it are fascinating. I did not know of the of the Lash character, but will see what I find. My MA thesis focuses on the 1910 “Siege of Ottawa,” where close to 800 farmers from across the country, converged in Ottawa and, in fact, met in the House of Commons, in one of the only times in Canadian history where the Chamber of the House has been set aside for a delegation other than for government purposes. Laurier backed the farmers who requested trade among other demands. It has been 100 years since the Siege took place, kick starting a long line of delegations who went off to Ottawa to make their voices heard.
I know it is an aside, but a great piece of history nonetheless.
Regards,
Nathan Elliott,
President, Insightwest
Here's a link for a photo of him:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lsuc_archives/4370683967/
Bill Donaldson
Here's a link for Zeb. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0004541