The Henson Journals

[211]

Saturday, March 12th, 1921.

Colonel Bowes came to see me, and we discussed the perplexing situation created by Major S. [Slovach]. Both the Colonel & the Major lunched here: and afterwards I had rather a distressing interview with the latter, who certainly leaves on my mind a very favourable impression. I wrote to Sherwood asking him to come here, & talk the matter over with me. There for the present the subject must be left.

I received the unrevised Report of my speech in the H. of L. Lang's speech takes just over 6 columns: Ld Parmoor's just over 3 1/2: mine just over 7: Ld Braye's 2: Ld Buckmaster's 4 3/4: Earl Russell's just over 6: Lord Gorell's introducing the Bill 8 1/2: Ld Chancellor's 4 3/4: Ld Phillimore's 1 3/4. The debate began at 4.15 p.m. and was over something after 7 p.m. This works out at about 5 minutes to the column. My "maiden speech" required about 35 minutes to deliver.

After dinner I wrote to George. It is odd that, having once promised him a fortnightly letter, I should feel that particular obligation peculiarly binding on my conscience. But such is the case. There seems a singular baseness in disappointing the expectations of a simple, affectionate youth, whose friendship one has gained. Besides, there is the off chance that the letters have a certain value as moral auxiliaries, keeping him in mind of spiritual purposes and ideals, which are remote enough from his present experiences.

---