BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

poor taste, loose morals, and atrocious manners.
Both stories are significant in a number of respects. Despite
the romantic plots, they focus primarily on the attributes of the new
Conservative party and its Liberal rival.
Emphasis is placed on the
modern methods of political
elections, on the need to gain anew the
support of the rural
community, and the ever present threat of a
Radical government in undermining constitutional principles.
The old patterns of agrarian workers deferring to local
nobility appear to have been lost.
In their place is a sustained
effort by the Conservatives to reforge the alliance.
This is to be
achieved by presenting a revitalized party; one which is, like its
former leader Disraeli, receptive to the people while at the same time
remaining committed to traditional principles.
It is the intention of
these stories to nurture the creation of a new generation of
politically committed youths who will be willing to promote the
Primrose League.
Primers written for young children were even less subtle in
their presentation.
A number of imperialist readers were produced at
the turn of the century and advertised within The Primrose League
Gazette for possible appeal to Primrose Buds.
One such work was
entitled the "ABC for Baby Patriots."
Written by Mrs. Ernest Ames, it
recites the alphabet in nationalist terms.
One particular stanza
noted,
N is the Navy
We keep at Spithead
It's a sight that makes foreigners