ABSTRACT OF CONSTITUTION OF THE WORLD LEAGUE AGAINST ALCOHOLISM.

White Ribbon, Volume 25, Issue 291, 18 September 1919, Page 12

ABSTRACT OF CONSTITUTION OF THE WORLD LEAGUE AGAINST ALCOHOLISM.

The following are the leading features of the World League Against Alcoholism, referred to in another part of this issue of the “White Ribbon.” Jt was formed recently in America with the object of attaining, by education and legislation, the total suppression of alcoholism throughout the World. Alcoholism is defined as the “IKiisoning of bod\, germ-plasm, mind, conduit, and society, produced by the consumption of alcoholic bevu ages.” The League declines to connect itself with any political party as such, and pledges itself m observe strict neutrality on all questions of public police not concerned with the traffic in alcoholic beverages. The organisations in harmony with the above object, and national in their scope, are entitled to membership, the original members beirg those whose representatives are signatories to this constitution, when their action has been duly ratified by the proper authorities; and similar organisations ma\ he invited to join by a three-fourths vote of the General Council, after due notice has been given. Individuals may also be admitted as associate members.

Office is of' the League are Lour Joint Presidents, a Vice-President for each countrv represented in the membership of the League, a Treasurer,

and a General Secretary, eac h chosen for three years by the General Council on the nomination of the Peimanent International Committee. The Gene-

ral Council is composed of three • members from each organisation bold ing membership in the League, with additional members elected by the Council, not more in number than onethird of the total membership of the Council. The Pt rmanent International Com-

mittee consists of (i) the officers, (2) one member from each organisation holding membership in the League, elected for three years, (3) additional members elected by the Permanent International Committee, not exceeding in number one-third of the total membership of the Committee.

The Lxecutive Committee consists of the Presidents. Treasurer, and General Secretary, with other mem bets, not less than 7 nor more than 15, elected annuallv by the Peimanent Intel national Committee.

The necessary finances arc raised b. assessments fixed by mutual agicement between the Peimanent International Committee and each member of the League. Any additional money for special demands to be raised b> the Permanent International Committee.

Ordinary Conventions will be held once in three years, tine and place to be fixed beforehand by Permanent International Cctnmittee, special Conventions to be called by a two-thirds vote. Amendments to the Constitution arc to be recommended by a two thirds vote of the Permanent International Committee, and passed by a similar vote at a regular meeting of the Gencr. l Council. There arc 14 organisations that are original members, represen'ing the following countries: Kngland, Scotland, Ireland, l niled States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Mexico, and Japan. The four Joint Presidents aic Dr. R. Hercod (Switzerland), Right Hon Leif Jones (Kngland), Dr. Howard 11. Russell (United States), and Hon. Kmile Vandervelde (Belgium). The Treasurer is Mr Miles Vokes (Canada) and the General Secretary Mr Finest 11. Cherrington (United States). New Zealand is represented by Kev. R. S. Gray (a Vice-President) and Rev. John Dawson (member of the General Council and of the Permanent International Committee)