The Henson Journals
Wed 18 January 1922
Volume 31, Page 120
[120]
Wednesday, January 18th, 1922.
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A high wind swept the snow into formidable drifts, and a fresh fall added considerably to the quantity available for drifting. My heart failed me, and, when William expressed a certain reluctance to adventure the expedition, and no convenient trains were running, I determined to cancel my engagements at Ebchester and Dipton. Telegrams were sent to that effect.
I stayed indoors, & worked at preparing the Lecture, which I was foolish enough to promise to the Middlesbrough Historical Association. It is humiliating that so petty a matter should cost me so much labour.
I wrote to Knight asking him to help me in the matter of B.A. The Secretary of the English Church Union sent me a copy of a letter he has just issued to that body. It is an interesting document, and merits study. The Union is now organized on a Diocesan basis.
"It has become absolutely necessary to set to work deliberately upon the task of the organisation of the Catholic vote."
In effect, the E.C.U. is now a caucus formed to "capture" the new machinery for the "self–government" of the Church of England.
"The Union has laboured to organise the Catholic party in the National Assembly from the very first opportunity. Its members have combined & have invited the co–operation of others who accept like principles with themselves. A Watching Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Lord Phillimore. A meeting of like–minded people who represent the Catholic point of view is held before each meeting of the Assembly to consider the agenda for the session & to decide upon a policy &c."
The closest co–operation between the E.C.U., and the Federation of Catholic Priests is announced. All this is deplorable enough, for not only does it disclose a thoroughly sectarian spirit, but it destroys all possibility of unifying the Church of England. Particular attention is to be given to "packing" the Electoral Rolls, & the meetings of the Parochial Church Councils. In the prevailing apathy, I doubt not that these tactics will be largely successful.