BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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despite resolutions or demonstrations at local Habitations which
frequently came out in support of tariffs or opposed Conservative
candidates who voted against the extension of the parliamentary
franchise to women.8
By the 1900's the Primrose League was also encountering
competition from a number of women's organizations including the
Women's Unionist and Tariff Reform Association, the Women's Unionist
Association, and the extra-parliamentary group, the Victoria League.
Repeatedly, attempts were made to minimize tensions between these
societies and promote cooperation.
These efforts appeared to meet with
only limited success. 9
By 1910 the number of organizations in
competition with the League were so extensive that the Chancellor
issued a Precept warning Habitations of the dangers of extending
support to rival groups which threatened to usurp the powers and
influence of the Primrose League.
Grand Councillor would specifically call attention
to the danger of weakening our forces by dissipating
energies in the creation of fresh organizations which,
however, worthy of support in themselves, cannot
adequately present to the country the consolidated
principles which the Primrose League embodies and which
represent enduring the abiding causes of national
life. 10
8 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 25 June
1903; 16 November 1905; 30 November 1905; 16 June 1907; 7 November
1907; 5 March 1908; 22 October 1908; 5 November 1908; 4 March 1909; 7
October 1909; 17 February 1910; 6 October 1910; 22 December 1910; 15
February 1912.
9
Ibid., 19 July 1900; 13 December 1906; 4 June 1908; 8
October 1908; 4 March 1909; 3 November 1910; 16 February 1911. LGC
Executive Committee Minutes, 3 May 1901.
10
Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 3
November 1910.