The Henson Journals
Wed 20 June 1917
Volume 21, Page 80
[80]
Wednesday, June 20th, 1917.
1052nd day
Female suffrage was approved last night in the House of Commons by 385 to 55. The majority which is described as "overwhelming" numbered exactly half of the House. But clearly we must now make up our minds to accept a revolutionary proposal which four years ago seemed remote enough. I fear this is but representative of the topsy–turveydom in which this thrice–accursed war has plagued the country, & the world.
A letter from one Pulvertuft arrived this morning, it contains the statement that "The Master of Balliol, Temple, Shepherd & Co. are agitating in favour of disestablishment of the Church as the only means of gaining 'spiritual freedom'". My forecast of Gore's development as the Anglican Chalmers is likely to be justified sooner than I expected, for these men are but his creatures.
A long and interesting letter from Ernest reached us. He is making the most of his stay in Salonika, seeing everything & gathering experiences on every hand. His Shakespeare serves him as a Bible.
The 'Times' contains a letter under the heading "Liberty in the Church" signed by Mrs Creighton, A. A. David, A. Mansbridge, J. B. Seaton, A. L. Smith, W. Temple, A. P. Charles, F. A. Iremonger, H. R. L. Sheppard. It is really another "puff" of the Queen's Hall meeting on July 16th, and a preliminary blast on the trumpet of Disestablishment. This letter is curious as a rebellion against the Bishops, whose authority the writers are wont to exalt with some vehemence. Now they will go forward with their agitation "with them (the Bishops) or without them". I made several attempts to answer this letter but could produce nothing which seemed to me adequate. The thunderous state of the atmosphere depressed my intelligence!
A rather woe–begone letter arrived from Sapper Reggie Naughton, the Australian boy's scout, including a photograph of himself. He looks much like a scare–crow which is little to be wondered at after two years experience of the War on the Western Front.
Issues and controversies: female suffrage