BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

Lord Salisbury, as Grand Master, likewise praised their efforts
79
the following year.
According to him, "the feminine element" not only
contributed generously to the cause, but also was influential in
ensuring "the prudence and the respect for the law,"64
factors of
considerable importance in Salisbury's view and significant in securing
the legitimacy of the League and its future as handmaiden to the party.
By May of 1887, the LGC had 1,043 members, over half of whom
were actively involved in a variety of political roles ranging from
initiating Habitations to assisting agents in canvassing, registering
outvoters, and engaging in the production or distribution of League
political 1iterature.6 5 Their independent organization and funding
enabled them, over the course of time, to exert considerable influence
within the scope of Primrose affairs.
The SGC, originally named the Scottish Branch, was conceived by
the Central Office in July of 1885 as a means of extending the
influence of the League to Scotland.
It was a quasi-independent organ,
having its own Grand Master, trustees, and Grand Councillors who
exercised substantial discretionary powers in local matters so long as
these did not conflict with Central Office dictates.
The Scottish
organization was responsible for its own financial affairs, issuing
Warrants, diplomas, and collecting its own fees.
A weekly return
listing the number of Warrants issued was prepared and sent to London,
enabling the Grand Council to keep a watchful eye on Scotland's
64
65
The Morning Post, 20 May 1886, p. 2.
LGC Executive Committee Minutes, 6 May 1887.