The Henson Journals

[149]

Friday, August 30th, 1918.

1488th day

I left Birchington by the early (8 a.m.) train, and arrived at Cannon Street about 10 a.m. Having deposited my bags at Paddington, I went to the hair dresser, & had my Absalom's locks abbreviated. Then I went to Rees, and bought some books. I lunched at the Senior United Services Club (whereto the members of the Athenaeum had retired during the temporary closing of the Club for purposes of cleaning), and was joined by W. P. Ker, who celebrates today his 63rd birthday. I showed him Miss Anson's MS, and we ran through it together. He agreed that it could not be included in my memoir. Then I went to Paddington, & caught the 3 p.m. train to Hereford, where I arrived about 8 p.m. Ella and Fearne arrived from Birmingham soon afterwards. This was my first night at the Palace.

A very ominous sign of social disintegration has appeared suddenly – a strike of the London Police. They demand a considerable increase of wages, the re–instatement of one of their number who was recently dismissed for insubordination, and the full recognition of their Trade Union! The special constables have been called out, but there seems some reason for doubting their loyalty. Some of them have been heard to say that they sympathized with the strikers, and would not act as "blacklegs". The Government will no doubt yield to the revolters, but their pusillanimous surrender will but encourage the men to fresh essays in rebellion.

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