The founding of an Esperanto Group, so that it should be successful,
demands much organising ability, boundless enthusiasm, great
patience, and firm determination that the group shall prosper, in
spite of the difficulties which stand in its path.
Undoubtedly the creation of such a society or group will cause you an
amount of work which anyone other than an enthusiast would justly
name slavery. In reckoning up the correspondence, the writing of
articles, and the accomplishing of everything we can do to gain the
attention of the sceptical public, besides the enrolling of other
adherents in order to gain their coöperation, the work is truly
endless. But, on the other hand, the results of your trouble are
recompense far greater than the cost, for, among other things, one
becomes acquainted with many interesting persons, is present at many
edifying lectures, classes, etc., and, besides this, one enjoys a
number of other advantages which are well worth, the labour expended.
Of course it is hardly necessary to say that your great exertions
certainly do not cease when you have founded the group. In fact, they
have only just commenced.
One will always find in a new movement like Esperanto many persons
who will willingly take it up while the interest lasts, which is
generally aroused by any novelty; but, as soon as it ceases to be
talked about, they quietly let it drop. Of such members one must take
especial care; should any one of them discontinue attending the
classes or seem to lose interest in the subject, write a short letter
or pay him a call to assure him that the group needs his
coöperation.
Now, as regards the _modus operandi_ for founding a group.
In the first place, there is the Public Press, an institution whose
uses in such a movement as this are absolutely essential. It will
give us the only effectual means for spreading Esperanto among the
general public. I advise personal interviews with Editors, the
majority of whom are already interested in matters linguistic, and I
believe you will not encounter any difficulty in discussing Esperanto
with them, and in finally obtaining their promise of support.
Articles giving a sketch of the movement from its commencement, also
examples for illustrating its uses for commerce, literature, and
society must be submitted. As often as possible correspondence _pro
and con_ should be initiated.
Now that our cause really begins to move in this land, (excuse me if
I take the present opportunity to say how remarkable, in my opinion,
is the progress it has already made when one considers that scarcely
twelve months have passed since its commencement), I am certain that
many Esperantists will be found in various parts of Britain who most
willingly will give their support to the movement by writing letters
to the Press in favour of the foundation of any Club, Group, or
Society. Such correspondence will doubtless prove that there exist
many opponents to our proposal. This is inevitable in any new scheme,
and their adverse comments must be politely listened to, and
instructively refuted by any of us who possess the necessary
capability for such work. Let us ever bear in mind that this
opposition is to us of far greater worth than apathy and indifference.
Having aroused, for a time, interest in the subject, and thus having
caused a certain section of the public to become desirous of learning
more about it, give a public lecture on the theme of an Auxiliary
International language. The Chairman should be someone of local
eminence.
Announcements of the meeting must be printed in the local Press.
It would also be well to seek the support of the various Literary
Institutions of the neighbourhood, and, having arranged the meeting,
to send to every Secretary, for distribution to the members, bills
announcing its date, place, and purpose.
At the termination of the lecture invite discussion, and then and
there announce the foundation of the new Group (obviously the rules,
proposals, etc., must be drawn up beforehand), fix the title of the
Group, define its purpose, and elect its officers, etc. This done,
ask your audience to at once become members.
The subscription must be so small as to form no obstacle to anyone's
joining.
These are the chief principles by which I have founded the Society
whose Hon. Secretary I am, but certainly not without having had the
valuable coöperation of the other members (of whom the present
Committee is composed), and also that of the indefatigable Hon.
Secretary of the Esperanto Club, the Editor of this Gazette.
I sincerely hope that these few remarks will be useful to
Friends-in-Esperanto, and that they will be encouraged to found
Groups in those localities, where none at present exist.
H. W. Clephan.