The Henson Journals

[89]

4th Sunday in Lent, March 14th, 1920.

A bright morning after a night's rain. I went to the Cathedral & received the Holy communion at 8 a.m. As we returned through the garden after service, I was pleased and surprised to see a thrush busy at his worm on the lawn. So few are the birds this year that we welcome a singing bird's appearance as a notable event.

I motored to Hope–under–Dinmore, & there confirmed 24 candidates. The parson, Carlton, impressed me well, though perhaps too addicted to "Catholick" notions. After service I lunched with M. Burrell at Hampton Court. This is an old and interesting house, dating from the XIV century. The chapel contains some excellent medieval glass. After lunch, I motored to Ludlow, and confirmed 85 candidates in the noble church. I had tea with "Archdeacon" Maude, whom I licensed to officiate in the diocese. His brother–in–law is Stamar, the new Rector of Berrington. By this time the weather had changed for the worse, & I motored back to Hereford in a blizzard.

The newspapers report a revolution in Berlin organised by the Monarchist factions. The Republican government has fled to Dresden, & proclaimed a general strike. Cox is disposed to think that this episode is to be reckoned as a fortunate event, & speculates on its effect on our Labour Party, who have been loudly philo–German. I am disposed to take a less sanguine views. If Germany goes into civil war, and then falls into anarchy, the consequences both in France & in Britain must needs be calamitous.

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