BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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The political
responsibilities of League members was further
developed and made explicit in the model bylaws.
It shall be the duty of every member to see that the
adherents of the League in his district are placed on
the register of electors and to furnish a list of such
adherents to the Secretary of the Habitation.
During an election the Habitations shall meet
daily to receive reports from its members as a result
of their work, and arrange for future proceedings.
The Executive Councillors shall also arrange
public meetings and other work . . . doing all in their
power ... to further the objects of the League.62
The League's relationship with the National
Union during this
early period of development remained largely that of an affiliate, a
potential basis of support for Churchill
in his bid for Conservative
party leadership.
The League was the indirect beneficiary of the
National
Union and Conservative party struggle which surfaced most
prominently during the first six months of 1884.
Churchill took pains
to stack its leadership and to ensure the organization of wealthy
benefactors so as to provide a potential political base for him in his
drive for power.
However, with an enhanced membership and financial
status, the League began to acquire greater diversity in outlook,
gradually emerging as a political organ in its own right.
The quarrels between the National Union and the Conservative
party appeared to have little direct impact in executive circles of the
League.
The minute records of both the Union and the League give no
indication of any close ties between the two organizations as measured
either in terms of actions taken or policies pursued, save for a few
62 Minutes of the Grand Council of the Primrose League, 10 May
1884. Suggested Bylaws as contained in the Minutes.