At Essex Hall, on Jan. 14, as announced in The Esperantist, the members and friends of the London Esperanto Club held their annual meeting. And consequently the report of this meeting demands much space. In order that other interesting matter should not be limited, the usual short grammar is left out. I hope readers will approve of this. The Club’s President, Felix Moscheles, Esq., opened the meeting by a long and interesting speech in Esperanto. He said:—
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The first words I say in this first annual meeting must, undoubtedly, be spoken in the language created by our illustrious master, Doctor Zamenhof. And the first thought which occurs to me is the most happy one that we may congratulate ourselves on the successes which we have gained. But the joy I now feel must not silence the second thought which reminds us of everything which we still have to do. We must, and for a long time, yes, for long years, keep on fighting against the rooted prejudices of many of our fellow-countrymen, and we also have to contend against the obstructing ignorance of those who, till now, have not heard the voice of our prized language.
The manner in which our opponents treat our efforts calls to mind the tale of a certain German deputy who, interrupting the speech of the Minister, cried out, "I do not know your arguments, but I thoroughly disapprove of them." So also are the tactics of those who continually endeavour to hinder the world’s progress, and who bear an especial ill-will against our valued Esperanto. "We do not know your language," these are ever proclaiming, "but we thoroughly disapprove of it!" Now, blind critics of that sort cannot disconcert us. Our motto is "Forwards," and this other saying of the glorious Galileo: "And nevertheless it moves." And now we naturally ask why we, Members of the London Esperanto Club, can look into the future with so much confidence. We do not resemble that deputy; we seek for the causes and weigh the arguments of things. "Happy that man," says Virgil, "who has been able to discover the causes of things."
Why may we be confident as to the continued growth and prosperity of our Club? Since it has succeeded so very well during the first year of its existence, we must ask why it has thus succeeded. Here is the answer to that question. It has succeeded because its members are filled with fervour, and are ready to labour ceaselessly to spread the language. We possess among our members many Esperantists who have very greatly helped us in teaching Esperanto without charge, in holding classes in various parts of London, of England, and even of the whole world; for many of our members are inhabitants of distant lands. We are confident because we have a Secretary (the sentences following the Editor is compelled by modesty to delete, as he is also the Hon. Sec).
I, for my part, believe I am the only blamable member of the Club, as I have only assisted it by the ordinary daily propaganda. Nevertheless, I rejoice to state that not infrequently have I succeeded in enrolling recruits for our Cause from among the incredulous. Nobody can interest himself more than I about the purpose of our Club. From my childhood—now a very remote period—I have continually been seeking out means for making the various nations of the earth acquainted with one another, and to cause them to unite instead of hating and killing each other. The most powerful means for dispelling the darkness which surrounds us, the ever-powerful instrument for uniting the various nations of the earth, is the International Language.
Do not forget, then, dear fellow-thinkers and friends, that, in working for the cause of the international language, we are devoting ourselves to a blessed and a holy aim; we are striving for the happiness of future generations, and for the amelioration of the civilised world.
At the termination of this interesting speech the Vice-President, J. C. O’Connor, Esq., read a letter from the Treasurer, W. T. Stead, Esq., who was not able to be present on account of a slight illness. Mr. O’Connor also said a few words in English on the rapid progress Esperanto has made amongst us.
Then the Hon. Secretary read a Report of the Club’s affairs, which will be sent to all Members.
Miss Lawrence then gave us two interesting letters. One was from Mr. Geoghegan, in Alaska, for which, unfortunately, we have not space. The other was from Dr. Zamenhof, once more accentuating the fact that, if printers have not the accents over Esperanto letters, they may always substitute the accents by the letter "H" (ch, gh, hh, sh, jh), and that the accent over the "Ŭ" need not be printed. This will, possibly, help our Cause.
The Members of some other Societies, who wished to unite with us, were added to the London Esperanto Club; and the official part of the meeting terminated with a flourish, for our dear Chief, Dr. Zamenhof himself, had sent us a speech on the phonograph.
The use of phonographs is certainly an important means of studying the pronunciation of Esperanto, and those who have access to them will be wise in getting Esperanto records. Mr. Rees, of the Modern Language Press, 13, Paternoster Row, London, kindly came to prove this fact by means of Dr. Zamenhof’s record, and another one from The Esperantist. I had already copied the speech which Dr. Zamenhof thus kindly sent before the transcript arrived. This fact will prove to sceptical people that our Chief’s words in Warsaw were quite intelligible to us in London.
Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen,
Not having the power of participating in person in the first annual meeting of the London Esperanto Club, I send by phonograph my hearty greeting to all participants in the meeting. In my imagination I picture to myself that I now sit with you, esteemed English friends to the idea of an international language, and I rejoice with you at the fine fruits which your energetic continuous labour has given in the course of the past year. One year ago our Cause was still but little known in your land, and now we already have in your land very many most warm and sincere friends; we have various Esperanto groups, we have permanent Esperanto classes, we have a beautiful Esperanto Gazette. Almost all this is the fruit of the labour of the London Club, which may be proud of the result of its first year’s endeavours. To the noble and energetic conductors and workers of the London Esperanto Club our Cause owes most hearty thanks.
In speaking of the successes of the London Club I must not forget that little Esperantist circle in Keighley, which gave a start to our movement in England. Our hearty greeting to the Keighley Esperantists.
The entire world observes with very great interest the work of the London Esperanto Club. We all hope and anticipate that, sooner or later, London will become one of the most important centres of our Cause for the whole world. London has for a long time slept; but when it awakens it will be as the awakening of a lion. A mighty voice will issue forth from London, and will sound and resound in all parts of the earth. The nations will listen with attention to the voice issuing from the centre of the English-speaking world. When such a powerful nation as the English begins speaking of the brotherhood of nations and the neutrality of international relations, the world will applaud with enthusiasm, and that sacred Cause for which we contend will march forward with great strides. Esperantists in London, Esperantists in England, work courageously and energetically. Difficult, very difficult, is the sowing, but sweet and blessed will be the fruits. Great and important is your rôle. The whole Esperantist world watches you and hopes much from you.
This speech greatly pleased the audience, who most heartily thanked the Doctor for his kind greeting. Mr. Motteau, with three others, sang most effectively his beautiful hymn "Espero" (printed on the page 16 of The Esperantist), and all joined in the chorus with enthusiasm. After many short speeches and a pretty poem recited by Miss Schäfer, the meeting came to an end, and all the participants returned home thinking how to help the spread of Esperanto in England, and throughout the world.