The Henson Journals

[145]

Thursday, March 1st, 1928.

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Copies of "The Book & the Vote" were sent to:–

1. The Duke of Northumberland.
2. Lord Danesfort.
3. The Rev. F. E. Warren D.D.
4. The Rev. F. C. Tymms.
5. Dr McCullagh
6. Rev. J. C. S. Daly.

I received a pleasant letter from Abp. D'Arcy. He says of my little book, "It has the charm of being eminently readable, as well as pre–eminently timely.' His anxiety about Disestablishment is deep. "I was in London lately, & met quite a number of important laymen. Mr Bridgeman seemed confident that the Book will pass when it comes before Parliament again: others took very decidedly and opposite view. I dread disestablishment. A second rejection would be a terrible event." He suggests postponing the whole matter for two or even for five years.

Lord Danesfort writes to ask what on my view Parliament ought to do if the Church definitely adopted Roman Catholic doctrines. I could but reply that, in that case, the Church ought to be disestablished: & I sent him " The Book & the Vote".

[146]

Hugh Macmillan sends me a letter of thanks, which opens thus:–

'Samuel Johnson says, "People seldom read a book which is given to them"! But I have waited to thank you for 'The Book & the Vote' until I had read every word of it. Your statement of the problems was profoundly interesting & illuminating to one brought up like myself in the barbarous North & to my lawyer-soul – if lawyers have a soul - the development of your thesis was an intellectual joy.'

Daly, from St Mary's, Tynedock, came to consult me about a proposal that he should go to Persia for some rather nebulous work for the employe's [sic] of an Oil Company. I told him to stay where he is.

I walked round the Park, calling on the way at Byden's house to inquire for William who has been off duty.

J. G. Wilson came to tea, & returned to Durham with me & Lionel. We went on to Beamish, where I confirmed 96 persons in the parish church. There was a good deal of fog which made motoring slow & dangerous. However we got back to the Castle about 9.30 p.m.

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