19 DECEMBER 1903, Page 14

THE LADIES' EMPIRE CLUB.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:']

Sts,—In your issue of November 14th, in mentioning the success of the Ladies' Empire Club as a meeting-place for women from the various British dominions, you were good enough to refer to the fact that this club owed its origin to the Victoria League. Your recognition emboldens us to draw attention to the present position of the League. Founded immediately after the death of the great Queen whose name it bears, for the purpose of binding in closer sympathy the scattered peoples of the Empire, it has steadily pursued its aim, and has accomplished practical work in many directions without deviating in any instance from its initial principle,— absolute avoidance of party politics. The Victoria League has aided its ally, the Guild of Loyal Women in South Africa, in many ways, and especially in the care of the graves of those fallen in the war. It has raised and distributed large funds to alleviate the distress of non-combatants. It has promoted education in Imperial subjects by lantern lectures and prIzes at home and overseas. It has, by the generous help of members and their friends, been enabled to extend hospitality to numerous visitors from the Colonies and from India. The Central Committee are now anxious to comply with requests for literature and other assistance which have reached them from Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The League is in alliance with organisations having similar aims in various parts of the Empire, while many branches are in process of formation in the United Kingdom. The work could be largely developed had we more members and ampler funds at our disposal. As aforesaid, we do not touch on controversial questions, but we appeal to all who have the cause of Imperial unity at heart, and who realise how much this can be strengthened by mutual understanding and personal sympathy, to write for particulars to Miss Talbot, Secretary, Victoria League, Deere House, Victoria Street, London, S.W., who will gladly supply further information.— We are, Sir, &c., M. E. JERSEY, President.

FANNY TWEED310IITH, Vice-President.

Victoria League, Dacre House, Victoria Street, S.W.

[The Victoria League is doing a work truly Imperial. By maintaining a strictly non-party attitude it affords at this moment a most useful reminder that the Empire must not be dragged into the political arena. The Victoria League has only got to be better known to gain recruits by the thousand. —ED. Spectator.]