The Henson Journals

[120]

Wednesday, January 9th, 1924.

There has been no time when alcohol, at proper seasons and in moderation, could serve a more useful purpose than in the phase of civilization through which we are passing…. If the true uses of alcohol were more readily recognized by reformers, I think the influence of the latter would be considerably greater. They are not listened to because too often they talk of alcohol as a curse.

Lord Dawson of Penn. Speech in H. of L. in 1923

During the night there had been a considerable fall of snow, & the weather continued to be extremely cold.

I wasted the whole day. A letter from Sir Alfred Palmer saying that the police were about to arrest the unhappy cleric caused me much distress. I sent a telegram to Knight bidding him hold his hand. Later, Sir A.P. sent a reassuring telegram, but everything remains uncertain. I laboured at the Article all the morning but to no purpose. After lunch Ernest and I walked round the Park in the snow.

I finished Winston's book. The story of vacillation and misfortune which culminated in the withdrawal of the forces from Gallipoli is almost incredible.

---