The Henson Journals

[96] [symbol]

March 19th 1920

My dear Dean

Anson was so deferential to the Abp. of C. that he wd have felt it very difficult to oppose a measure which his Grace was actively pressing; but he disliked the so–called autonomy of the Church intensely, and had nothing but contempt for the "Representative Church Council".

One of my arguments against the Enabling Bill was the certainty that it wd not command the acceptance of the faction wh in the name of "Catholick principles" has refused obedience to every authority legally established in the National Church. Now that my reasoning is justified by experience, it is rather hard that I should be insultingly bracketed with these fanaticks!

You are the last of the Tractarians: and I am the last of the National Churchmen. These "Anglo–Catholicks" go beyond us, & will bring about a disruption before many years have passed.

Lacey's subtlety seems to be too much even for his friends!

Yours affley

H. H. Hereford

The Very Revd

Dean of Westminster

[97]

Friday, March 19th, 1920.

"I have often had the choice as to the disposition of troops on the field of battle, but when there has been a point that it was really important to hold, when there has been a tactical area of great importance which we could not afford to lose, it has always been the English troops that I have chosen."

General Sir Henry Rawlinson, May 8th 1919

This is an interesting testimony, and very welcome just now, when English self–respect is really imperilled by the subordination into which Englishmen have been brought on every plane of public life.

Mr Nint lunched here. He aspires to be ordained, but does not seem particularly well suited, either in body or in mind. I advised him to betake himself to an urban bishop.

The "Times" reports Lloyd–George's speech to the Liberals. He declares war against the "Labour" party which he describes as Socialist: but his reference to Lord Robt Cecil was very hostile. The "Times" has a bitterly censorious leader, but Ld Northcliffe's vendetta is so naked, that his utterances are discounted.

The English Church Union has espoused the case of a rebellious parson, whom the Bishop of Bath & Wells is prosecuting for a series of illegalities including Benediction. The President, Ld Phillimore, has announced his dissent from this decision.

Ernest arrived. After a term abandoned to the theatre, he may possibly dedicate a vacation to his schools!

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