BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

Abergavenny only agreed to assume the role of Grand Councillor on the
32
condition that it not involve any official functions.40
The Duke of
Portland, like many others, joined at Churchill's request, having "had
little doubt I was invited because they were hoping for a good
subscription."
He served as a Knight Harbinger for fifty years during
which time he "had no notion what that meant, except that I received an
illuminated parchment certificate."
Sir Robert Peel, taking reluctance
one step further, is reputed to have shouted "Filthy witches" at Dames
engaged in electioneering activities on behalf of the League.41
Nor were all so eager to join in the early phase of
development.
The Duchess of Sutherland expressed great misgivings at
having her name associated ?i witn a movement the names of the leaders of
which are kept secret."
Her remark prompted Balfour's confident script
notation on the back of her letter "Have told her her name shall not be
associated with League except with her full consent.
Have no doubt she
will wear her badge on Ap:19 &c &c."42
Further inroads were also made in extending and popularizing
the League's image. The word "Tory" was dropped from its title,43 a
40 Abergavenny to Churchill, 11 April 1885; Churchill papers.
41 Foster, Lord Randolph Churchill, p. 134; citing Men, Women
and Things; Memoirs of the Duke of Portland (London, 1937), pp. 175,
135.
42 Duchess of Sutherland to Sir Algernon Borthwick, 4 February
1884; Churchill Papers, RCHL ii/281. By 1888 the Duchess of Sutherland
was well represented in League functions, serving as Divisional
President for the northwest sector of Staffordshire as well as Ruling
Council to four Habitations in the surrounding region. The Primrose
League: The Roll of the Habitations, 1888; B.L. 8139.f.16, pp. 122-23.
43 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 2
February 1884.