The Henson Journals

[25]

Monday, November 10th, 1919.

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Ella went off to Scotland, & Penelope returned home in the course of the morning, I occupied myself in writing a letter to the "Times" on the Enabling Bill, after lunch I motored to Bridstow in order to talk to Knight about it. He agrees with me in thinking that the sudden turn in favour of the Bill may not be unconnected with Lloyd George's quarrel with the "Times". The fact that Lord Northcliffe's journal was opposing the Bill would predispose the Prime Minister to support it, and there would be no lack of people to point out to him the fitness of doing so. Lord Selbourne, & his precious son, the Cecils, and others would hardly fail to do this: and the connection of Knight with the "Times" coupled with his known friendship for me would give them their case for working up prejudice. Anyway, the Prime Minister voted for the 2nd Reading, which considering the infrequency of his attendance in the House was fairly significant.

The annual meeting of the C.E.T.S. in the Town Hall was attended by about 45 persons including their speakers! The weather was deterrent, but this would not provide an adequate explanation of the small attendance. There is not a flicker of vitality in the Society, nor any belief in the cause!

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