Dover is the last stopping place before New York; and I must admit I envied not a little the happy folks about to sail on such a tranquil sea.
The Captain kindly had us conducted over the vessel, and invited us to supper in the dining saloon of this Red Star palace. But it is the Green Star which must now be considered.
During the night a breeze sprang up, and the morning sea was flecked with little white horses, as by us the breakers are called. Nevertheless, the steamer did not roll much, and we arrived punctually in Calais Harbour and, thanks to Esperanto, once more walked on to French soil. Our friends there had awaited our arrival, and the "starred-ones" gave us a hearty welcome on the quay.
We intended to go at once to meet the Boulogne members; but the expected arrival of M. Camille Pelletan, Minister of Marine, changed our plan and detained us a few minutes in the station admiring the mass of gold lace worn by the various officers assembled. (Next day Mme. Pelletan became a member of the Calais group).
On leaving, we found that the streets were decorated with thousands upon thousands of flags, which, unfortunately, were not there merely to celebrate the Esperantist Congress! The sailors also were having their feast day and their carnival.
We soon met the Boulogne visitors, and assembled together at the Group’s headquarters for official presentation. This accomplished, we entered the dining room of the Hôtel Sauvage. Never had I lunched with so many friends-in-Esperanto. We were seventy round the table. Everything was capitally arranged, and we all were more thansatisfied with the result. During the repast the gay carnival passedalong the street, adding another point of interest to the memorable day.
Among the assembled Esperantists were not only members from Calais and Boulogne, but many departments of Esperantoland were represented there. Captain Capé (Algeria), Professor Offret (Lyon), Baron de Ménil (Reims), Commandant Mathon (Clermont-Ferrand), M. Pourcines (Nancy), Lieut. Dupont (Valenciennes), M. Michaux (Boulogne), M. Wicart (Roubaix), M. Deligny (St. Omer), and M. Lefebvre (Elboeuf) were some of the French participants; M. Kuhnl (Bohemia) and M. Seynaeve (Belgium), were also there. The Mayor kindly sent two delegates to be present at this international gathering.
After lunch, we walked about the ancient town, so interesting to us Englishmen, till five o’clock at which hour the concert began in St. Michel Hall.
Dr. Guyot, President of the Calais Group, again gave utterance to some very kind thoughts, and Captain Capé was elected chairman.
After hearing several telegrams from Esperantoland, we listened to most interesting discourses from many of those assembled.