The Henson Journals

[29]

Friday, November 14th, 1919.

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'I look upon the task of socialization, not only as an economic, but also as a moral postulate. I do not believe it is a matter of mere materialism; at any rate, I can put up with the materialism of the hungry more easily than with that of the overfed'.

President Masaryk Oct 28th, 1919. (v. Times, Nov 6th, 1919).

The bitter weather continues, & the omens are favourable to its continuance. It is said that the warmth of the mines attracts the pitmen to their work, & so far the cold tends to provide its own remedy. The "Times" prints a letter, for the authenticity of which it vouches describing the horrors perpetrated by the Bolshevists. It purports to be addressed by a British officer serving with Denickin to his wife. But the incredulity of our "Labour" men is insurmountable. They discount everything that appears against Bolshevism as only another Capitalistic 'stunt'. And Lloyd George is evidently meditating one more volte–face. The anti–Bolshevists are plainly handicapped by their eager insistence on economy. They cannot suppose that intervention in Russia is compatible with cutting down expenditure.

[30] [symbol]

November 15th, 1919.

My dear Mr Moore,

I am glad you did not send your 'statement' to the papers for it must needs have some effect in defeating my efforts to maintain harmony: but as I have the smallest conception of the grievance which you seem to feel, I cannot understand what your reasons for writing can be.

Of course I am at all times ready to see you, or any other of my clergy, but I cannot undertake to discuss my decisions as to the policy which seems to me right in the administration of my diocese. Nor can I draw a distinction between illegalities with which I may personally sympathize and illegalities which I personally regret. If an incumbent desires me, as his Bishop, to know & acquiesce in illegal actions, I think it important that he shd know within what limits I am ready to meet his wishes. So much is made clear in my letter to the 'Diocesan Messenger'. So much, & no more. The only alternative to this considered acquiescence in [31] [symbol] some illegalities is an enforcement of the law against all. That is a policy which, although logical, does not seem to me expedient or even practicable.

Believe me.

Yours v. faithfully,

H. H.Hereford.

I marked this letter 'private', for my correspondent is quite capable of publishing it without first seeking my permission. His vanity is evidently offended at finding himself linked with his Ritualistic neighbour in a common description as a law–breaker: but of course the combination of the contrasted types was essential to the effectiveness of my statement of policy, and also to a disclosure of its real character.

It is true the Evangelical law–breaking is merely anarchic, being inspired by no principle and directed to no definite end: while the "Catholic" law–breaking is of a more deliberate and dangerous kind. It expresses a policy, the complete expression of which would involve the Romanizing of the Established Church: but this distinction, though real & important, must needs be ignored in episcopal administration.

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