Nevertheless, when the Nord arrived we observed that the sea’s smoothness, and the curiosity of those who had never before visited our island, had attracted a much greater number than we had expected. Nearly a hundred of them, before disembarking, joined in singing "Dio Savu La Reĝon." But the excessive hissing of the steam caused the effect to be lost, and we therefore all sang it again before the Lord Warden Hotel! I assure you, dear Readers, that none of the passers-by are now ignorant of the Esperanto movement!
The programme stated that we were to have a special boat to visit the Harbour works; but unfortunately, on account of the race, that proposed pleasure could not be included, and I had therefore to give a short verbal explanation of the magnitude of the undertaking, which will in a short time enable Dover to become one of our finest harbours. The present visits of the transatlantic liners have already assured its future importance.
In a café we sang the Marseillaise, heartily and in chorus.
We then scrambled up the hill to the ancient castle. A large proportion of the visitors had never before been in England, and much appreciated the natural beauty of our coast.
Dinner was taken at Mangilli’s, but, of course, the unexpected number of persons greatly hindered the arrangements. A special tram took us to the Town Hall, which displayed an enormous motto—Bonvenon! Esperantistoj.
His Worship the Mayor, Sir William Crundall (who is a Member of the Group), had most kindly allowed us to assemble in the Council Chamber.
On entering this magnificent historical hall, ornamented with fine paintings and glass, I could not help thinking of the past. For, only a few weeks ago, I had entered the same Council Chamber to give the lecture which founded the Dover Group. And now, in the same building, I saw Esperantists assembled from four different countries listening to, and taking part in, an Esperantist concert. Tempora mutantur!
Our cause owes much, very much, to Messrs. Finez and Geddes, whose energy has brought about the happy event. But we also must send our sincere congratulations to all helpers.
Sir William Crundall himself could not be present, on account of the dinner in honour of the automobilists. But Mr. A. T. Walmisley, M.Inst.C.E. (one of the Council), who is President of the Group, announced a kind and encouraging message from the Mayor, who sent his most hearty welcome.
The first item of the concert was, of course,. "Dio Savu La Reĝon" (now learnt by heart). Then Mr. Geddes sang the first verse, and M. Dervaux the last, of the Marseillaise, all joining in the chorus. The roof shook with the fervour of the choristers!