ABSTRACT
The prototype of the organizations is a Liberal society formed on the eve of the general election of 1880, when the Liberal party was about to deliver a decisive attack on the Tories, led by Lord Beaconsfield in person, by a group of cultivated young men of various shades of Liberal opinion. Brimming over with enthusiasm, they set forth throughout the country to champion the good cause by their eloquence. Along with the auxiliary organizations can be discerned others which are only allies. Independent by their origin and their peculiar aspirations of party politics, they nevertheless give their co-operation to one party or the other, according as it is favourable or hostile to the special cause which they serve. The Labour party was formed for the purpose of assuming an independent and even hostile attitude towards the great parties.
