Profiles of National Temperance Organisations
Legislative:
National Commercial Temperance League & National Temperance League:
The National Temperance League was founded in 1856. Its formation was a result of an amalgamation of the National Temperance Society and the London Temperance League. In its ealy days the main stated aim was the advancement of personal abstinence anongst the "educated classes" by devises such as select conferences and drawing room meetings and was able to draw into membership a number of medical & clerical supporters.
The National Temperance Society was formed in 1842, in turn decended from the British and Foreign Temperance Society organised in 1831. The NTS organised a World Temperance Convention held in London in 1846 attended by 277 delegates from Britain and the wider world.
The National Temperance Society:
The National Temperance Society was formed in 1842, in turn descended from the British and Foreign Temperance Society organised in 1831. The NTS organised a World Temperance Convention held in London in 1846 attended by 277 delegates from Britain and the wider world.
The London Temperance League grew out of number of special demonstations held at the Crystal Palace in 1851. It organised a number of sinificant meets over the next five years and was instrumental in inviting John B.Gough to visit Britain in 1853.
The NTL was active in promoting Temperance in the Army and the Naval Services.
In 1873 the NTL opened the London Temperance Hospital.
In 1887 the NTL held a Jubilee Fete at Crystal Palace attended by 43,000 abstainers serenaded by a massed 4,500 strong Band of Hope Choir.
Journals
The Temperance Record
National Temperance Mirror
Founded in February 1884 the NTF was an umbrella organisation whose constitution established " The basis of co-operation for the Federated Societies is that they should work together in view of legislative and other actions on the points they are agreed, as a united body, bring their influence to bear on Parliament, and with Her Majesty's Government, and through the country generally."
National United Temperance Council
In January 1895 a London Council was formed. The National Council was formed on 30 July 1896 with A. F. Hills as President.
The Council joined with the Temperance Choral Union and organised several very successful National Temperance Fetes at the Crystal Palace. In 1897 a National Conference was held with the Arhbishop of Canterbury presiding. In 1899 50,000 children attended a London Juvenile Demonstation. The Council overtook the publication of the Gazette in 1904 & in later years financed advertising in Trams and Buses, constant and sustained personal opposition to applications for Liquor Licences in London Licensing Meetings. The Council also sent questionarries to London County Council & Parliamentary candidates.
Speacial mention is due to Mr James A Spurgeon who was Secretary for many years and Rev, Arthur Davies who carried on his tireless work.
Educational
The British and Foreign Temperance Society
Founded in London in 1831 as the London Temperance Society & later transformed into the national advocate of moderation.
The BFTS Pledge " We agree to abstain from distilled spirits, except for medicinal purposes, and to discounterenace the causes ans practice of intemperance".
British Association for the Promotion of Temperance
Founded in September 1835 formed at Manchester, composed of Total Abstinence Societies in the North of England.
Journal : The Star of Temperance
National Commercial Temperance League
Founded in 1891 to promote total abstinence as a business asset.
The British Temperance League was founded in 1835. It objects were to "Diffuse ans extensively as possible the principles of Total Abstinence from all Intoxicating Liquors, to extend the operations through Auxilaries, and to promote the formation of new ones throught the kingdom" These objects to be effected by the employment of an efficient personal agency, and by the diffusion of information through the medium of the press".
Journal - Brtish Temperance Adovcate