The Henson Journals
Wed 1 June 1921
Volume 30, Page 1
[1]
Wednesday, June 1st, 1921.
"The employment of children at an excessively early age was common under the domestic system: and, though they were for the greater part under the protection of their parents, yet on the whole the evidence seems to show that they were often treated by their parents more cruelly than the great majority of children in the factories were."
Marshall, "Industry & Trade", p.73.
It would appear, therefore, that the vehement denunciation of Industrialisation based on the shocking oppression of children which it induced, were founded upon an error. The truth is less serviceable for perorations than the lie!
I motored in to Durham, & confirmed in the Cathedral 188 candidates. The service began at 4.15 p.m. and ended at 5.30 p.m. After tea with the Bishop of Jarrow, I returned to the Castle. The Deans of Westminster and York together with Mrs Norris & Miss Norris arrived during the afternoon.
The Superintendent of Police reports that the miners are stealing coal in the Park, & recommends prosecution. But, as the misdemeanour takes place in the outer Park, I suppose the Ecclesiastical Commissioners would be the right persons to prosecute. Wilson undertook to write to them on the matter.