BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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numbers significantly in later years, at no time was it able to
approach the dynamic growth experienced during this period.
Since agreement achieved in July, 1884 between Salisbury and
Churchill which placed the National
Union under the control of the
Conservative party, Salisbury had made steady gains in securing its
unconditional support. Initially this was sought through the
supervision of Principal
Agent Bartley serving as Treasurer and the
assistance of Balfour and Akers-Douglas, two of the designated Vice
Chairmen.
The appointment of Middleton to Bartley's post in 1885
accelerated the process.
Under his able management the National Union
was transformed into a virtual
propaganda organ for the party, doubling
its publication in that year and once again in 1886. Middleton 1 s
reorganization scheme in 1886 completed the process.
Under the new
guidelines the Union was to serve as a national federation of
Conservative clubs and associations.
Middleton was appointed honorary
secretary of the Council.
His nine agents were to serve as regional
organizers and honorary secretaries within the executive of the newly
created Provincial Unions. These measures effectively transformed the
National Union into Middleton's own personal instrument.59
Salisbury's strategic control by 1886 of party organization as
represented at the parliamentary, National Union, and Primrose League
levels proved a formidable obstacle to challenges from Churchill.
59 Marsh, The Discipline of Popular Government, pp. 198-200,
202. "National Union Special Conference Report," 15 May 1886; NUA
2/1/5.