The W.C.T.U. in Many Lands.

White Ribbon, Volume 9, Issue 101, 1 October 1903, Page 9

The W.C.T.U. in Many Lands.

A beautifully got up little volume chronicles the proceedings of the World’s Convention held in Geneva last June. The illustrations are well executed, and include portraits of Miss Willard, Lady Henry Somerset, and other leaders of the movement, and also a picture of the lovely hall in which the meetings were held. The secretary’s report is full of interest, and from its pages we glean the following items. They give some idea of the work being done in the many lands that have felt the quickening touch of awakened womanhood. Germany thinks education the most important department, and to introduce scientific instruction into the schools is the aim of the German association. Another department of work is the establishing of temperance restaurants.

Iceland reported that two members of the Union had spent a year in Scotland studying the management of temperance cafes and sailors’ rests, and have now started a cafe in Reylijavik, which is acknowledged to be the best and finest in its way in the country. In the town of Bildudal special work among the children is undertaken.

In Norway special work was done in connection with the first municipal election at which women were given equal rights with men. Several White Ribbontrs are first substitutes for town councillors. The Norwegian W.C.T.U. has decided to join the National Council of Women, which is just being formed in connection with the International C. W.

Sweden has a membership of 600, and says “ We see a wide field of work stretching out before us.” China reports 40 members. In some schools Temperance Instruction is given daily through texts books translated into Chinese. Work in Madagascar is much restricted by the French laws. Litera ture is distributed and work done among the juveniles. A Native branch is in active operation and is carrying the work to the towns and villages. Reading rooms in Beyrout form the special work of the Syrian W.C.T.U. ; over 22,000 visitors entered them during last year. In Africa for three years the war interfered with the usual activities. Nearly every Union aided the soldiers by holding quiet evenings for letter-writ-ing, Gospel Temperance and social meetings. Some Unions gave food, fruit, and literature to hundreds as they journeyed or lay in military hospitals. The new liquor laws in the Oiange River Colony and the Transvaal protect the weaker races by prohibition, have reduced the number of licenses, and have prohibited the employment of barmaids.

Canada has 11,000 members and nearly 7,000 children in juvenile societies. In one province the Union join< d with other associations in securing the passage of a law making fathers of illegitimate children responsible for their support to the age of fifteen, and even after, if the children are imbecile or otherwise unable to earn a living. Chili triumphantly reports the passage of a law* which makes drunkenness a crime, and requires that 2 per cent, of all taxes for municipal and town purposes be spent in a temperance propaganda. Scientific temperance in-

struction is now required in all the public schools, and the New Century series of physiologies, recommended by the Union, are in process of translation.

The native doctors of Montevideo are publishing strong articles showing th-i injurious effects of alcohol. Work among young people is vigorously pur- ! sued.

Temperance physiology has b.en taught in all the schools ol Porto Rico for three years. The United States report that the age of protection for girls has been raised in every State but two. In thirteen States the age is now eighteen.