The Henson Journals

[115]

10th Sunday after Trinity, August 4th, 1918.

1462rd day

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The doctor brought Adrian to see me. He is a taller boy than I had expected. After the leech had done with me, I dressed, & went over to the Palace where I wrote letters to Gamble, the new Lord Wenlock, Elizabeth Smith, Mr Darwin, and Frank.

The special service in the cathedral to mark the beginning of the 5th year of the War was attended by a great congregation, and was (as both Ella & the Nurse assured me) very impressive. My address was read from the pulpit by Wynne–Willson. In the evening, Streeter, who has come into residence, preached on the League of Nations, and impressed the nurse. I find myself so baffled by the practical difficulties of establishing such a league that I do not feel free in conscience to "let myself go" in advocacy of it. These happy enthusiasts, who combine their religious ardour with a steady allegiance to the Radical–Socialist party, are unencumbered by such scruples, and gain great advantage with the multitude. But could not as much be said against the whole tribe of so–called reformers? They set themselves to "voice" a vague and diffused discontent, and their words evoke general approbation, and by thus "voicing" the sentiment they strengthen it. To that extent they have a practical effect on the course of events. And it must be admitted that persons of my type are as useless as they are unpopular, self–inhibited from "going with the multitude" although they approve the multitude's avowed destination, and are only uncertain as to its direction!

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