[Wake Up England - Reciprocity]

Rare Canadian (presumably) political card, likely from around the 1911 election, which was the "Reciprocity" election. The lady has a scarf around her nice that is composed of the Canadian and U.S. flags. The slogan "Wake up England. Reciprocity" is draped about her skirt. It is hard to know which side of the issue this card represents. Actually, it is likely pro-reciprocity -- the message is that a vote for reciprocity will "wake up England". There is also an American flag in the hat and the word "America" on the left sleeve. She is carrying wheat and it was the western Canadian farmer who was most in favour of reciprocity. The Liberal Party, which was attempting to extend its hold on power past the 15 years that Sir Wilfrid Laurier had already won for it, lost the election to the anti-reciprocity Conservatives under Sir Robert Borden. The loss was attributed in part to a speech by U.S. politician Champ Clark, who unwisely speculated that reciprocity would lead to the annexation of Canada by the Americans.

Interestingly, on the back are the words "Emily Dray, distant cousin". There is nothing else. An Emily Dray, both 8 July 1888 in Ontario, is listed in Emily Township, Victoria Co., Ontario in the 1911 census.