Josephine Butler to Mr Clark of Newcastle

Copy of a letter. Written from London. The idea of the Electoral League was introduced to the Committee meeting of the Ladies National Associations and was received with delight and approbation. Their opponents in the House judge of their strength solely by what the Society does at Elections. It was agreed that a paid Electoral Agent should be appointed and a great effort made to raise a special Election fund. Also it is to be understood that it is a North country movement not to be managed by the Central Office in London. We must give earnest thought and work at once for this as 'The Acts are rapidly demoralising the towns where they are now in force.'

1. 'The Electoral League'

See the original document drawn up Jun 8 1872 by Ewing Whittle MD. Its aims was to organise support in each Borough for candidates who would advocate the Society's views. See p.c.s. of 13 Jun 1872 and 3 Jul 1872. It was endorsed by the Committee of the LNA, who agreed that they would be financially responsible for the salary of a special election agent.

'The Central Committee in London' This was the Committee of the National Association which was the central body to co-ordinate all the local associations. The organisation in the South was mainly in its hands. Headquarters then Great Marlborough St. Warns against allowing London to interfere with the North.

'An election agent ... to be to our cause what Mr Raper is to the Alliance Cause.' - The 'Alliance' whose official title was UK Alliance, was founded in 1853 for the total suppression of the liquor traffic. Sir Wilfred Lawson became closely associated with it and he was elected President in 1879.

Biog: Mr & Mrs Bright; Frederick Clark; Mr Raper