The Henson Journals

[54]

Thursday, July 22nd, 1920.

We started in Conference at 10 a.m. The draft of an appeal for unity, which Lang had circulated overnight, was taken in hand. I carried several amendments. We arose at 3 p.m. on account of the Royal Garden Party.

Ella joined me at the Athenaeum, & we walked together to Buckingham Palace. There was, of course, a great crowd, among whom the bishops were scattered like rooks in a corn–field. ["Fish" Cecil was there with his wife & my god–daughter, Eve. He introduced an odd–looking vivacious woman, Lady Astor M.P. Buff was looking pathetically radiant, & the overpowering Dorothea.] Bishop Brent was beginning to expound some scheme of compromise which would satisfy Zanzibar when we were interrupted. This was one of several indications that there is some intention to go back on the very modest advances which the Committee has made. I doubt whether we shall get beyond the small platitudes, but, if we don't, there will be more harm than good effected. There is very little sincerity of purpose among us. The American Bishops contribute practically nothing to the discussions. Even Bishop Lawrence is woefully commonplace. The missionary bishops are more concerned to get something done, but they are much divided. Our own Evangelicals cut a very poor figure, & are infrequent (happily) speakers. The Bishop of Manchester intervenes most frequently, but he is not a persuasive speaker, & generally takes points which interest nobody. The Talbots are oracular, discursive, & popular!

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