The Henson Journals

[153]

Monday, September 6th, 1926.

["]The reading of histories may dispose a man towards satire; but the science of history, history studied in the light of philosophy, as the great drama of an ever unfolding Providence, has a very different effect. It infuses hope and reverential thoughts of man and his destination.["]

v. S. T. Coleridge, "Church & State". p. 38

I received a letter from J. Gennadius, Envoyé Extraordinaire et Ministre Plenipotentiaire Honoraire de Grece who offers some comments on "the learned & illuminating article on Pilgrimages" which he had read in the Evening Standard. Also I received a civil letter from the Bishop of Lichfield who sends me copies of his Diocesan Magazine containing his pronouncements on the Coal Stoppage. I spent the morning, after disposing of the business letters, in working at the Edinburgh Article, but very helplessly. My right hand has lost its cunning.

After lunch I walked in the Park, where I talked for some time with a very decent and reasonable miner. He, like all the rest with whom I have spoken, is longing to get back to work. I inquired what truth there was in the rumour that the ponies were ill treated in the pits. He said that they were often over worked, a patient, good tempered beast being preferred to a more troublesome animal, & put to work two shifts in succession. But generally he said that the ponies were not ill used.

Lady Struthers arrived on a short visit.

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