Resolution 9.
Moved by Mr. Farnes (London); seconded by Miss Schafer (London). That the honorary secretary be authorised at the conclusion of this meeting to enroll members on payment of the provisional subscription of 2s. 6d., and to receive donations, and that the Council be empowered to elect from amongst the members, before the annual meeting in May, 1905, a limited number of Fellows who have proved themselves to be expert Esperantists, and are willing to pay 5s.
For convenience sake these resolutions have been set down in the fashion in which they were finally settled, but no single resolution was passed without comment or discussion, although to most of them unanimous consent was finally given; for example, there was an amendment to Resolution 2, Mr. E. W. Eagle (Brixton) moving that the objects should be as in the printed paper, that is, in the sentence "distributing information throughout the Empire," "Empire" should be omitted. This was seconded by Mr. E. W. Bullen (Dulwich). Mr. J. C. O’Connor (London) pleaded for the larger idea, and pointed out that he had recently received applications for information as to how to start Groups from persons in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sidney, and another distant part of the Empire. The chairman suggested that, even if the words were left out, there would really be no limitation of the activities of the Association to that part of the Empire contained within the British Isles. The meeting thereupon accepted the amendment unanimously, and the words stand simply "Distributing Information." Sir William Ramsay had been requested to become president, but, his absence in America making it possible that a reply would scarcely reach London before the meeting, the noted scholar and ardent Esperantist, Colonel Pollen, had consented to come to our help if needed. Sir William’s telegram arrived just before the meeting, the letter not until later. With his usual kindness he wrote:—
R.M.S. Baltic, 13th October, 1904.
I am most flattered by your request. My position is simply this:—I am on the Council of so many Societies (and on the Senate of London University, too) that I find I have not sufficient time for what is really the business of my life, research. It is true that each Society takes only a little time, say, one afternoon a fortnight, some more; but in the aggregate they take far more time than I ought to give. I am now free from the presidentship of the Society of Chemical Industry; but I must still attend its meetings, for the new president is an American, and cannot be present in London.
These considerations lead me to decline your flattering offer. Believe me it is not want of will; but I have made up my mind not to undertake any more work of the kind for some years. I must have time for my own work, and the only way to secure it is to decline all public offices.
Remember that I am in complete sympathy with your movement.
Yours faithfully,
William Ramsay.
Thus far our efforts have been successful, and the B.E.A. formed, but we must not forget that this is only the first step, we have to formulate carefully the Rules; and suggestions of all kinds will be welcome. The arrangement as to examiners and examinations will be an arduous and difficult work, and this applies to the whole of the objects mentioned in Resolution 2. Each and everyone of us must do our very best to give of our time and of our means. It has often been said that true enthusiasm empties pockets. Let us, everyone who can afford it, at least, become members, and those who can go one better may add a donation. Subscriptions and funds will be gladly welcomed by the Hon. Secretary, Harald Clegg, Esq., 14, Norfolk Street, Strand, London.
Our space will not allow me to mention the classes in and around London; particulars of these were published in the October Esperantist. There was, however, one mistake, Miss Schafer’s class at the German Club, Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square, is held on Wednesday. The Principal of the Cusack Institute, White Street, close to Moorgate Street Station, has placed a room at our disposal, and classes are held there on Thursday evenings—beginners at 6.15, teacher Mr. Gray; advanced 7.15, Miss Schafer.
Which of our readers has not heard of the extraordinary progress made by Esperanto in Aberdeen? Their case is, I should think, unique. As the result of a newspaper propaganda, commenced scarcely five weeks ago, Aberdeen has more than 170 students attending classes. They intend to hold a meeting in the Town Hall, which holds 5,000 people, and already names for the Adresaro are coming in. All honour to the enthusiastic Mr. A. Christen, who has originated and carried out this successful movement.
News of progress abroad will have to be held over this month. Two items are of great importance. At a congress of workmen painters held lately in Grenoble it was decided that delegates to the next congress must be able to speak Esperanto; and the preparations for the reception of Dr. Zamenhof at Boulogne are already being commenced.