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173.
and strength", grand Imperial enterprises and the magnificence
of ruling an Empire of eight million equere miles and three
hundred million inhabitants.
The Primrose, League combined imperialism with support
M
for the established Church and the Constitution. 1884, the
date of its formation was felt to be a critical one of
the Empire, - the Transvaal had been lost, the'Sudan
garrisons abandonned and "that true knight, General Gordon
was to be loft to his fate at Khartoums, " A leaflet,
"Why should I join the Primrose League ?" answered "Because
I wish to see the British flag respected by all foreign
nations and never insulted of disgraced. Because I wish to
see the Army and the Navy maintained in a state that will
make, toreitn nations think twice before meddling with
British possessions. "
(3)
A jingoistic hostility to
other nations, which had been particularly noticable in the
1870's in support of Dioraeli's foreign policy was becoming
an important ingredient in the Ioporia]. icm of the 1860'a
(1) Dobnt r* 24th May 1884.
(2) The Pripro, e Lo uo itn rino ro ona and consstitutions
radon 1W7_1 p.?.
(3) Frinrone Records 23rd July 1885.