The Henson Journals

[84]

Tuesday, February 25th, 1919.

[symbol]

I walked to Westminster, & spent the day in the Representative Church Council. It had been anticipated that there wd be difficulty in seating the members, for no room was available except for the Hoare Memorial Hall, which could not accommodate much more than half the number of the Council. However not more than half the members attended. Partly, the influenza, partly the fear of it, partly the difficulty of getting lodgings kept many away. As I entered the Hall two letters were handed to me. They were from the Bishops of Manchester and Newcastle, stating that illness prevented their attendance. As these were my principal allies, their absence was disastrous. The Dean of Westminster introduced the report of the "Grand Committee", & then I spoke at some length against the whole scheme. On the whole my speech was well received, and even cheered at the close. Lord Selborne followed, & was very polite to me. Then the Archbishop interposed with a very adroit & telling speech, which was entirely to the taste of the Council, & gave the 'coup de grâce' to opposition. After the Council had risen I walked to 5 Carlton House Terrace, & had tea with Lady Londonderry. Welldon was there, & Ella joined us. Then we drove back to St Paul's Deanery, & dined quietly with our host.

---