 As the leading figure in the League Morris embarked on a series of speeches and talks on street corners , in working men 's clubs , and in lecture theatres across England and Scotland . He also visited Dublin , there offering his support for Irish nationalism , and formed a branch of the League at his Hammersmith house . By the time of their first conference in July 1885 , the League had eight branches across England and had affiliations with several socialist groups in Scotland . However , as the British socialist movement grew it faced increased opposition from the establishment , with police frequently arresting and intimidating activists . To combat this , the League joined a Defence Club with other socialist groups , including the SDF , for which Morris was appointed treasurer . Morris was passionate in denouncing the " bullying and hectoring " that he felt socialists faced from the police , and on one occasion was arrested after fighting back against a police officer ; a magistrate dismissed the charges . The Black Monday riots of February 1886 led to increased political repression against left @-@ wing agitators , and in July Morris was arrested and fined for public obstruction while preaching socialism on the streets . 
