DAME HENRIETTA 0. BARNETT
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—I am told that a writer in the Spectator regretted that I had died last week. So I write to say that I have not been called upon to take that interesting step in the journey of the soul. I am glad, as I should like to see from the plane of this earth the triumph of some of the ideals for which I have worked—such as the establishment of an International Army under the League of Nations, which while possessing force would use it only for the establishment of peace and good will.
It would be deeply gratifying also to live to see the new custodians of the Poor Law Children so organize their duties that every child should be treated as an individual with potentialities, with the right to be loved and taught how to love. I do not want to be removed until I can see the Institute at the Hampstead Garden Suburb really finished ; its Hostels and School of Art built and established ; its roof sheltering all kinds of self-governed centres for training, progress and the creation of friendships.
Perhaps I seem to be planning for myself an abnormally long life, but is it foolish to hope that in a few years the Church will recognize its need for reform, so that freed from the trammels of the ignorance of past ages and spurred by the glorious gains of Science, it can divide parable and fiction from fact, and present the eternal verities as the truths of the Spirit to be followed in humility and hope ?
Lastly, while my body is healthy and my mind as clear as ever it was, I do not want to leave my countless friends for whose affection I daily thank God. So please, dear Sir, will you tell your readers that I am theirs to command as far as seventy-eight years permit.—I am, Sir, &c., Hampstead Garden Suburb.
HENRIETTA 0. BARNETT.
[We have great pleasure in publishing this letter, and tender our sincere apologies to Dame Henrietta Barnett for any trouble that may have been occasioned by our mis- statement.—ED. Spectator.]
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