Doctor Zamenhof away from Warsaw! The idea is as startling as that of
a Pope from Rome. Nevertheless, this consummation is about to be
realised, and all good Esperantists will rejoice accordingly.
During the recent meeting in Calais, Maître Michaux made use of the
opportunity to kindly propose an International Congress next August
at Boulogne. It is to this attractive function that our esteemed
master has promised to do his very best to be present.
Let all Samideanoj who can manage to go make a note of the date and
greet him there.
* * *
Men of ideas are a boon to Esperanto, and _vice versâ!_ Our
"Holiday Captain," Mr. Reeve, has devised two novelties, announced on
the cover. The "Esperantist's Signal" is introduced as a more
occasional sign than the Badge for mutual recognition. Its display
being optional, travellers will readily perceive the respective
advantages of the two devices.
* * *
Readers will notice among the advertisements another example of an
Esperanto name being given to a trade article. Several friends have
referred to this novel plan, which calls attention to the wares in
question and to Esperanto at the same time.
* * *
Several correspondents have expressed their satisfaction that music
has again found its way into The Esperantist. It often happens that
Groups possess good quartettes, and Esperanto part-songs are much
in demand. Next month another new song and words by Mr. Rowe, of
Nottingham, should appear, and musical contributions will always
receive careful attention, and be inserted whenever possible.
The next issue should contain another story by H.G. Wells, translated
by Dr. Martyn Westcott. This author is busy preparing a translation
of the _Christmas Carol_, which will, when published, give especial
pleasure to our foreign friends--such sincere admirers of Dickens'
genius.
* * *
Press notices of Esperanto have been numerous this month. Far and
away the most valuable of recent newspaper articles is a long and
able treatise by Mr. Albert Dudeney, which appeared in the
_Bedfordshire Times_. An attractive reprint, in brochure form,
will be sent on receipt of 2d. in stamps.
Reprints of the _Unua Leciono_, by Rev. R. A. Davis (pp. 151-4),
can also be had. Price 1s. for 30.
* * *
The word employed for Welsh in No. 8 was adversely criticised as
being synonymous with "of or appertaining to gall." Dr. Zamenhof has
kindly replied to my inquiry. He prefers Kimra for Welsh, Kimro
Welshman, and Kimrujo Wales.
The _Cwmry_ will assuredly be well pleased at the incorporation
of their national sobriquet in "The Second Tongue for All."
* * *
Referring to No. 7, some correspondents have asked for an explanation
of the German system of telling the time. It is briefly thus:--
As soon as the clock has struck, say, five, the sixth hour has
commenced. Thus half-past five is expressed as _halb sechs_,
_half of the sixth hour, la duono de la sesa_. This, of course,
is most perplexing to Englishmen.
Captain Tudor, R. N., writes suggesting the adoption of the
international railway system, by which _half-past five_ is
_kvin tridek_ (_5.30_). This method was recommended in No.
8, which had not reached the China Seas when he wrote. No doubt
Captain Tudor will be interested to learn that this latter system
works perfectly abroad. Esperantists should use no other.
* * *
Another danger in Esperanto is the alteration of place names. Do not
address your Fleet Street friend's letters to _Rapidega Strato_.
A friend living in _Lazarskaja_ has even received letters
addressed to _Strato de la Almozuloj_. This reflects great
credit on the local post office.
The Esperantist has sinned in this matter, using such
locally adopted forms as Bulonjo, Kalezo, Kastelteodoriko, etc. Now a
French friend talks of writing to fellow students in Lejstro,
Niukaslo, and La Insulo de Uajto!
Let us continue to employ, for postal purposes, the names commonly in
use for the town in question, not even adding the apparently harmless
"little O." Our friends in Louvain have often missed their letters
through giving their address as Loveno, whereby Italy receives what
is not hers, the Post Office has unnecessary trouble, and the
non-arrival of the letter is ascribed to the negligence or lack of
courtesy of the sender.
* * *
The Editor regrets that a delay has occurred in the preparation of
the postcards for illustrating the use of the Esperantic Participles.
They are now almost ready, and form an interesting addition to the
host of propaganda postcards already in use. (Price, 8d. per dozen).