CORRESPONDENCE NOTES.
Doctor Zamenhof away from Warsaw! The idea is as startling as that of a Pope from Rome. Nevertheless, this consummation is about to be realised, and all good Esperantists will rejoice accordingly.
During the recent meeting in Calais, Maître Michaux made use of the opportunity to kindly propose an International Congress next August at Boulogne. It is to this attractive function that our esteemed master has promised to do his very best to be present.
Let all Samideanoj who can manage to go make a note of the date and greet him there.
Men of ideas are a boon to Esperanto, and vice versâ! Our "Holiday Captain," Mr. Reeve, has devised two novelties, announced on the cover. The "Esperantist’s Signal" is introduced as a more occasional sign than the Badge for mutual recognition. Its display being optional, travellers will readily perceive the respective advantages of the two devices.
Readers will notice among the advertisements another example of an Esperanto name being given to a trade article. Several friends have referred to this novel plan, which calls attention to the wares in question and to Esperanto at the same time.
Several correspondents have expressed their satisfaction that music has again found its way into The Esperantist. It often happens that Groups possess good quartettes, and Esperanto part-songs are much in demand. Next month another new song and words by Mr. Rowe, of Nottingham, should appear, and musical contributions will always receive careful attention, and be inserted whenever possible.
The next issue should contain another story by H.G. Wells, translated by Dr. Martyn Westcott. This author is busy preparing a translation of the Christmas Carol, which will, when published, give especial pleasure to our foreign friends—such sincere admirers of Dickens’ genius.
Press notices of Esperanto have been numerous this month. Far and away the most valuable of recent newspaper articles is a long and able treatise by Mr. Albert Dudeney, which appeared in the Bedfordshire Times. An attractive reprint, in brochure form, will be sent on receipt of 2d. in stamps.
Reprints of the Unua Leciono, by Rev. R. A. Davis (pp. 151–4), can also be had. Price 1s. for 30.
The word employed for Welsh in No. 8 was adversely criticised as being synonymous with "of or appertaining to gall." Dr. Zamenhof has kindly replied to my inquiry. He prefers Kimra for Welsh, Kimro Welshman, and Kimrujo Wales.
The Cwmry will assuredly be well pleased at the incorporation of their national sobriquet in "The Second Tongue for All."
Referring to No. 7, some correspondents have asked for an explanation of the German system of telling the time. It is briefly thus:—
As soon as the clock has struck, say, five, the sixth hour has commenced. Thus half-past five is expressed as halb sechs, half of the sixth hour, la duono de la sesa. This, of course, is most perplexing to Englishmen.
Captain Tudor, R. N., writes suggesting the adoption of the international railway system, by which half-past five is kvin tridek (5.30). This method was recommended in No. 8, which had not reached the China Seas when he wrote. No doubt Captain Tudor will be interested to learn that this latter system works perfectly abroad. Esperantists should use no other.
Another danger in Esperanto is the alteration of place names. Do not address your Fleet Street friend’s letters to Rapidega Strato. A friend living in Lazarskaja has even received letters addressed to Strato de la Almozuloj. This reflects great credit on the local post office.
The Esperantist has sinned in this matter, using such locally adopted forms as Bulonjo, Kalezo, Kastelteodoriko, etc. Now a French friend talks of writing to fellow students in Lejstro, Niukaslo, and La Insulo de Uajto!
Let us continue to employ, for postal purposes, the names commonly in use for the town in question, not even adding the apparently harmless "little O." Our friends in Louvain have often missed their letters through giving their address as Loveno, whereby Italy receives what is not hers, the Post Office has unnecessary trouble, and the non-arrival of the letter is ascribed to the negligence or lack of courtesy of the sender.
The Editor regrets that a delay has occurred in the preparation of the postcards for illustrating the use of the Esperantic Participles. They are now almost ready, and form an interesting addition to the host of propaganda postcards already in use. (Price, 8d. per dozen).
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Kantu ni estontan amikecon
De l’homaro en la tero;
Noblan pacan internaciecon
Ni dissemos ĉe la sfero.
Fratoj—Angloj, Francoj, kaj Germanoj,
Kantu do, en Esperanto;
Ĝis ĉe ĉiuj Oceanoj
Eĥoiĝos sama kanto.
Ĉe la nova kaj malnova mondo
Unu lingvo unu koro.
Ĉe Atlanta kaj Hinduja ondo
Resoniĝu paca ĥoro.