The Henson Journals

[86]

Tuesday, January 21st, 1930.

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An Ordination candidate, Cecil Eskholme Charlton, came to lunch, and had some talk with me. He is but 20 1/2 years old, but his record is good, & he impressed me favourably. I am rather sorry that he is at StChad's. After he had departed, I walked round the Park with Pattinson.

Baldwin's speech as Rector to the students of Glasgow University is very prominently reported in the Times. He spoke on "Character', and expressed himself very felicitously. He was less optimistic than his wont.

"The world is contracting & scientific invention, by flying, by wireless, by the motor–car, by films, & the gramophone, is jostling the peoples of the world together, & he would be a bold prophet, who would tell us whether these things will make for the elevation of mankind or for its degradation."

I fear that my own mind inclines ever more decidedly to embrace the more sinister judgement. The total effect of the new conditions is not favourable to the moral & mental health of the people.

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