The Henson Journals

[165]

Monday, February 14th, 1921.

I resolved, in the course of dressing, that I would devote the time before breakfast to the Book on Reunion to which I am practically pledged by way of a reply to the essay of the three Bishops. The first thing was to collect the indispensable materials for giving a true account of the actual proceedings in the Conference with a view of making clear (α) how far there was genuine agreement among the bishops, (β) what my own course has been throughout.

Ella and I motored to Darlington, and lunched with two old maids named Forster. Then I addressed a meeting of men in the Town Council Chamber convened in support of St Agnes Home, a Preventive & Rescue Agency, which has become so embarrassed financially, as to be threatened with extinction. From this meeting I went on to a meeting mainly attended by women, which had been gathered in the same interest. Here I made another speech. Then, after having tea with the before mentioned old–maids, we returned to the Castle, our journey being cheered by a sunset of rare beauty.

The "Times" contains a long letter on the Irish situation written by Lord Hugh Cecil. It includes a very outspoken denunciation of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland for its condonation of murder. Cardinal Bourne has re–issued Manning's pronouncement against the crimes of the Fenians. But his action is quite obviously dictated by Protestant public opinion.

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