BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

anquet held just prior to the 1885 annual gathering.12 His lack of
participation in the activities sponsored by the Grand Council after
91
April, 1885 would appear to have two possible explanations.
Perhaps he
perceived the Primrose League as having little intrinsic value once the
National Union was curbed of its powers. Alternatively, there was no
"rational" explanation underlying his motives. As R.F. Foster's
biography of Churchill has noted,13 inconsistent and abrupt changes in
behavior were characteristic of Churchill
throughout his political
life.
In presiding over the Grand Habitation held in April of 1885,
Churchill
presented a fairly restrained manner, complementing the
organization for its growth and cautioning against interference with
existing Conservative party organs. His concluding remarks, however,
ended dramatically, and somewhat inexplicably given the text of his
speech, with the words "and remember, ladies and gentlemen, whatever
happens, by the Primrose League I stand or fall."14
Notwithstanding Churchill's grandstand pronouncement, his
association with League activities became minimal after April. He
continued along with Gorst and Wolff to be officially listed as Council
members for the 1885-86 Primrose year and retained his position as
12 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 16
July 1884; 25 April 1885. The Primrose League. Its Rise, Progress,
and Constitution, p. 13.
13 R.F. Foster, Lord Randolph Churchill, pp. 2-7.
14 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 25
April 1885.