The Henson Journals

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Thursday, November 14th, 1929.

Lord Midleton spoke to me last night about the disadvantage which came from Mr Baldwin's lack of experience in political life. He said that he (Baldwin) was very forgetful, and that he took no advice in his ecclesiastical appointments. Thus in the appointments to the Primacies, he had not even consulted the Chairman of the House of Laity (Selbourne). Herein I must confess (though I did not tell Ld Midleton as much) I think the Prime Minister showed his good sense. We talked about Q. Victoria, & he said that he found her very difficult when he was War–Minister. He thought that her letter to Ld Lansdowne on the subject of Mr Gladstone was indefensible, but she became extremely autocratic and if she once formed a hostile opinion of anyone, nothing would induce her to abandon it. He spoke very strongly about the abominable behaviour of Ld Rothermere to Baldwin.

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Before descending to breakfast, I wrote to Ella: telling her of my purpose to return by the late train. After breakfast, I walked to the Athenaeum, & from thence to the Assemby, where I listened for awhile to the debate on the Cathedrals Measure. Hutton made his 'maiden' speech. That quaint creature, Turner, also spoke. I left the Assembly at noon, & went to the bookseller, where I obtained a copy of the report on Religious Education. I went to the Club, lunched, & read the Report. Then I drove to Harold Speed's Studio, and looked at my picture. Lord Darling & Di arrived for the same purpose, and afterwards drove me back to the Club. There I prepared 'notes' for my speech, & then walked back to Lambeth.

The archbishop having gone to a dinner of Balliol men, I presided in his place at dinner. 'Fish' Cecil and his wife came to dine. Mrs Creighton sate beside me, & made herself very agreeable. I went off to bed directly prayers were over.

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