BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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able to see, been remarkably successful in stimulating energy and
promoting organization."
While complimenting the League on its
observation of "the spirit of the election laws," his manner suggested
a general lack of enthusiasm for its endeavors.42
Salisbury, on the other hand, seemed to grasp quite early on
that the future success of the party as a whole and his position in
particular were dependent on his ability to capture the loyalty and
support of the new electorate as represented indirectly through rank
and file political associations.
Between 1880 and 1885 he addressed a
number of Conservative groups throughout the country, frequently
praising their efforts and calling on their aid in furthering party
principles which strengthened the empire and resisting "the active
assailants of our institutions."
In launching a campaign offensive,
Salisbury challenged existing Liberal strongholds, venturing into
Scotland and the city of Birmingham, respectively, the home of
Gladstonian Liberalism and the Chamberlain caucus.43
42 Iddesleigh to William Hardman, 13 January 1886 in the
Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 20 January 1886,
also cited in England, 23 January 1886, p. 7.
43 Citing Lord Salisbury's speech to the Junior Conservative
Club in Wolverhampton. The Times, 31 March 1883, p. 6. The myriad
political associations with which Salisbury had contact during these
years included those located in London, Littlehampton, Brighton,
Edinburgh, and Birmingham. "Lord Salisbury," The Times, 6 March 1881,
p. 9; writing an acknowledgment to the Southwark Workingmen's
Conservative Association for its vote of confidence in his appointment
as Conservative party leader in the House of Lords. "Lord Salisbury,"
The Times, 19 July 1881, p. 8; sending a note of congratulations on the
formation of the Littlehampton Conservative Association. "Lord
Salisbury on the Policy of the Government," The Times, 15 May 1884, p.
10; speaking to the London and Westminster Working Men's Constitutional
Association against the debilitating effects of the Liberal caucus and
the government's inadequate defense of the empire. "Lord Salisbury at
Brighton," The Times, 16 October 1885, p. 7; addressing representatives
from Sussex regarding Liberal foreign policy failures in Egypt. "Lord