September 25, '15.
It goes without saying that I accept your offer of your friendship most gratefully; but I wonder if you realize what an unpractical dreamer you have taken on! I am afraid I am a most obstinate fellow. As soon as things materialize I lose faith in them. You will never do any good with me, I am afraid. The future—if there is to be a future for me on this planet—is as black and impene- trable as a London fog. I have a certain facility with my pen, which I do not want to prostitute to the purpose of making money. I have a certain power of making people like me, specially boys; but I ean't do much that is nractieal with my influence. I think I shall go out to Broken Hill if survive- the war, and try ti neutralize materialism in the Trade Unioas—from within. I am not really-a Socialist at-all. I rather believe in the "gentleman if only he can be kicked out of his prejudices and be made to love his brethren. In the -labourer and the gentleman there appears to me to be a certain potentiality for honest idealism which I-don't' see 'much sign- of elsewhere. I don't know. My mind is BO full of impressions that up to now I have been unable to sort them out properly. I must stop now, and run for a train. I am fit for duty " and awaiting orders. Afraid Seaford is out of the question, thanks very much. I am going to buy a Modern Churchman POW.
Previous page
