The Henson Journals

[161]

Friday, February 8th, 1918.

1285th day

I walked with the Archbishop to the Convocation, and on the way I asked whether it was necessary to have private arms on ring and seal, and he said that it was not. Convocation sate until lunchtime. The Bishop of Peterborough made a much–complimented speech, (which he read) on the Church's attitude towards Labour questions. The debate was adjourned. I walked back to Lambeth, & lunched with Mrs Davidson. Then we took our leave of the Palace, and went to the Deanery of St Paul's. Here we parted, and I went to the Athenaeum. I walked back to the Deanery along the Embankment as far as Chancery Lane with Sir Henry Newbolt. He was curiously optimistic about the war; held that the threatened German offensive would not take place at all as the German Government could no longer depend on the troops: & thought that Jellicoe's speech about the submarines was really hopeful. I wish I could agree with all this. At the Deanery I found a note from the Secretary of the University Chest informing me that on receipt of fees amounting to £50.10.0 the diploma of the D.D. degree would be sent me. This is rather a formidable price to pay for an entirely insignificant compliment. I paid Adeney's Bill for episcopalia (£114.6.0). My available resources are quickly melting away before the heavier charges come in! And all this expenditure in order that I may be removed from a place where I am comparatively popular & have little to do to another place where I shall be loathed & overworked!

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