The Henson Journals

[143]

Wednesday, 29th February, 1928.

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I received from Ralph the following brief note:–

My dear Herbert,

Upward wanted me to write on your new book. The result would only be a deep groan. But I cannot help it, and must hope to be forgiven.

Yours ever

W. R. Inge

The worst effect of these accursed religious controversies is their destruction of personal friendship. Ralph is terribly remote from the facts of ecclesiastical life: his deafness isolates him: & the adoring crew which acclaims him is barely Christian. His brilliance & versatility make him the prince of journalists: & he is exchanging the respect of his equals for the clamourous homage of his inferiors.

The Editor of the Ninteenth Century and After, Mr Carrol Romer, has been moved by my Times letter – which he says is 'perfectly splendid' – to write to me at length. He is apparently immersed in a libel action with the Papists, whom he has criticised in his journal with imprudent candour. "Look at America where Theodore Dreiser tells me that he believes it (i.e. the Roman propaganda) will cause civil war within 20 years".

[144]

I motored with Lionel to Newcastle. There I attended a meeting of the Riddell Trustees. We chose Professor Eddington to give the first course of lectures on their foundation. Then I attended a meeting of the Durham Castle Preservation Fund. My suggestion of a ^lunch^ to the Editors of the local press in order to expound the situation of Durham Castle was welcomed.

Then I went to Gateshead Rectory, & had tea. Lionel rejoined me, & we motored to Whickham, where I confirmed 96 persons in the parish church. Among them was the Rector's daughter.

On our way home we called at Gateshead Rectory in order that I might see Stephenson, who had been absent during the afternoon. I told him of the distressing situation which had developed in Bishopwearmouth: & he undertook with the utmost willingness to get into communication with Wynne–Willson & offer to lend him the services of one of his colleagues. He really is a thoroughly good fellow.

John McKitterick sent me a telegram telling me of his father's death. I fear that the wife and family are very ill provided for.