Penarth British Women's Temperance Association Branch to Josephine Butler

Typed letter.

Expressing their dismay at Lady Henry Somerset's publicly made proposals that most of them regard with horror. They have only remained members 'because we were assured that wither Lady H[enry Somerset] would entirely reverse her position or the Association could not again re-elect her.' They deeply regret the resignation of the Head of the Purity Department of the WCTU [Women's Christian Temperance Union]. They believe that 'most if not all of the rank and file of the BWTA members are with you and not with Lady Henry on this question'.

This is noted by the Shield (Feb 1898, p 82) as follows:

'At the monthly meeting of the Penarth Branch of the BWTA held 26 Jan ... it was resolved to send a letter of sympathy to Mrs Butler.'

A resolution was passed reiterating their hostility to any form of State Regulation and expressing their conviction that Lady Henry should resign her position if she cannot abandon her views on the State Regulation of Vice.

The letter was signed by 16 members of the Committee.