The Henson Journals

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Tuesday, October 29th, 1912. Philadelphia.

While we were dressing, a cable arrived from Harold, saying that a girl had been born, & that both mother & child were progressing favourably. Also the Treasurer of Bryn Mawr sent me my 'honorarium' of fifty dollars.

The morning papers report more sensational victories of the Balkan powers. It looks as if we shall soon hear of the total collapse of the Ottoman power, & the capture of Constantinople. How Freeman would have rejoiced to see that day! The military wiseacres who have persistently prophesised the victory of the Turks have a sufficiently foolish aspect. Meanwhile the really grave question comes threateningly nearer, what will the settlement be? Can the Christianisation of the Balkans be accomplished without a collision between Austria & Russia? Can such a collision be limited to those powers? Is not the stage being prepared for the great tragedy of Harmageddon?

Before going out I wrote to Harold in his new character of the happy Father.

After breakfast we went by trolley to the Zoological gardens, & there spent the morning very agreeably. The bears, vultures & eagles, deer, & smaller mammals were all unusually good. Returning to the Hotel we found out the palatial office of the Girard Trust Cy, and cashed the aforesaid 'honorarium'.

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On our arrival in the Hotel a telegram from Professor Edward Moore was handed to me. It ran thus:–

Following cable received from Asquith London with the King's approval offer you Deanery of Durham in view of your cable to Ryle shall announce appointment forthwith.

To this I send a reply in a cable to the prime Minister expressed thus:–

Thanks for the offer of Deanery received today.

Am writing formal acceptance.

So the die is cast: & I shake off the dust of Westr to immerse myself in the grimier coal dust of Durham.

We walked out in the city after lunch, but were too late to see Independence Hall. So we had our shoes cleaned by a quaint little Italian boy, who said he was 11 years old, & looked even younger, & returned to the Hotel. After tea I wrote to the Prime Minister, & to the Dean, in both cases indicating my desire to preach in St Margaret's through Advent.

After dinner I wrote to both the Churchwardens explaining how the suddenness of everything had made it impossible for me to consult them before taking my decision. I wrote also to Mother, & to Pearce. Also I wrote to tell Mr Bryce.

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