The Henson Journals

[90]

Saturday, December 22nd, 1917.

1237th day

I presided at a meeting of the Chapter, and afterwards wrote to Canon Fowler, accepting his offer of £150 to found a prize for the choir boys, and to the Minister of Munitions, asking that materials might be purchased for patching up the heating apparatus of the Cathedral, which has finally broken down!

Then I wrote to the Abp. of C. giving him an account of the situation in Hereford. I stated my own position thus:–

“That the E.C.U. is a powerful organisation is unfortunately true: but we have hardly yet reached the point when the King's nominations must be approved by that body before they can count on being effective. For myself, I have to say this. As I was led by long & anxious thought to the conclusion that it was my plain duty to accept a place on the Episcopal Bench if it were offered me, so I am not likely to be deflected from my course by clamour. Nor will I yield one inch to a Society with the principles & methods of the E.C.U. It grieves me deeply that you shd have worry on my account, but in this matter, I am absolutely guiltless".

The "Church Times" has another virulent article headed "The Hereford Scandal", & its columns overflow with vituperative letters. The "Guardian" comes down on the same side though with more decency of expression.

[91]

Lord Halifax's letter to the "Times" (Dec: 20th) is answered in the issue of today by three letters from the Bishop of Jarrow, Beeching, & Sanday. Frank with his wife and daughter arrived, and also Linetta, to stay for Christmas.

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