The First International Esperantist Congress terminated its
most successful course in Boulogne-on-Sea on the 11th of August.
Future Congresses will, undoubtedly, be many, but never shall we be
able to forget the remarkable impressions which this first Congress
made upon us.
As it is, we believe, the intention of all our Esperanto
contemporaries to treat of the Congressional doings in detail, we
will merely write a few words as to the general impression.
Certain it is that those many friends were right who predicted that
now Esperanto, for the first time, will be advertised all over the
world. For all journals, even those which never previously deigned to
name the "Second Language for All Nations," yea, all have given most
favourable reports of the remarkable fervour, comprehensibility, and
friendliness which united the Congressmen of many nations.
When we first stepped upon French soil, after leaving the fine
turbine steamer _Onward_, we saw that Boulogne had become an
Esperanto city. Even the porters who looked after the baggage said:
"To the Esperantists' hotel, sir?" Over the streets fluttered a green
flag with a white corner, on which was embroidered a green star.
Although Boulogne is a fairly large town, two thousand wearers
of the green star were most conspicuous in the streets, and
invariably, even during a short walk, we were sure to meet some kind
friends-in-Esperanto.
Personally, I was more than content, for, thanks to frequent happy
Esperantic excursions, which our readers may well remember, I renewed
acquaintance with as large a number of Esperantists as did any other
member of the Congress.
The whole Conference was thus a series of gratifying _réunions_
with enthusiastic friends. And I could not help remembering the
small and charming gatherings which I had attended during the two
preceding years. Truly, on seeing the Boulogne Congress, none can now
truthfully assert that Esperanto has not made the most astonishing
progress. Even the English _Times_ had to confess that the fact that
so many men of divers nationalities could thoroughly understand one
another solely by means of Esperanto "was not to be explained away."
"Into the world has come a new sentiment," wrote our eminent
President; but we much doubt whether even he ever expected to see
such proof as was given between August 4th-11th. And what did Dr.
Zamenhof think of all this? Did he find that the excitement, zeal,
and enthusiasm which he saw in those present; did he find the
thundrous applause which greeted him at all times and places; did he
believe that these and the other innumerable signs of our progress
were worth the effort of the long journey from Warsaw to Boulogne?
One cannot indeed doubt as to his answer!
And those friends also who came even greater distances, from Canada,
New Zealand, Japan, etc., were not they also supremely contented?
And, more than all, was not M. Michaux, the indefatigable organiser,
the strong "Blower of the driving wind" of the Congress, was not
he most content and proud at the result of his efforts? Assuredly
nowhere could one have found a man more competent for such a great
work, and who, at the same time, possessed so many valuable helpers.
"Let him who has earned it, bear the palm!"
Let us in our hearts renew our thanks and congratulations to M.
Michaux and the Group in Boulogne-on-Sea!
Naturally, we Esperantists gathered together, and stayed in batches
at the several Esperanto hotels. Certainly the hotel-keepers cannot
complain of Esperanto.
Having arrived on Friday evening, we still had time for sundry little
trips into the country before Saturday evening, when the Congress was
officially opened.
Dr. Zamenhof himself arrived on Friday, after a glorious stay in
Paris. He was staying with M. Michaux. A select few were invited to
meet him for a private conference before the official meeting in the
evening.
It was then decided to elect five Vice-Presidents for the Congress,
as Dr. Zamenhof did not feel sufficiently strong to take all the
duties upon himself. The five elected were:--Dr. Zamenhof, President.
Vice-Presidents:--M. Boirac, Rector of the University of Dijon; M.
Michaux, Advocate, Boulogne; Dr. Mybs, Hamburg; Colonel Pollen,
LL.D., C.I.E., V.D., President of the B.E.A.; and General Sebert,
Member of the Institute of France.
The success of the various meetings we largely owe to the Mayor of
Boulogne, who most generously allowed us the use of the Municipal
Theatre throughout the Congress. Indeed, without this help, we know
not what would have happened, for that fine theatre itself was none
too vast for the audience.
On Saturday evening, about 8.20, the friendly babbling of those
assembled was suddenly hushed, the drop-curtain was raised, and
lo! in one long row were seen the eminent Frenchmen who desired to
welcome us to French soil.
Dr. Zamenhof was the only non-Frenchman, and the others were the
Mayor, Deputy-Mayor, President of the Chamber of Commerce, General
Sebert (Member of the Institute, Representative of the Touring Club
de France), Professor Carlo Bourlet (President of the Paris Group),
Professor Cart, and MM. Boulet and Derveaux (the two Secretaries of
the Boulogne Group), and last, but not least, M. Michaux.
After many charming speeches, Dr. Zamenhof rose, and quite calmly
heard the most thundrous applause imaginable. Many weaker men would
have been confused under such circumstances; but, although I sat
in the front row, I did not even see the Doctor's hand shake. Most
calmly, maybe somewhat automatically, the creator of the language
Esperanto very clearly delivered a most beautiful speech, while he
saw before his feet the triumph of his labours, the flower of the
Esperantist army.
And, during the great silence which reigned during the long speech,
not even one word from his lips was lost. It was ever thus throughout
the Congress. Every Esperantist without difficulty understood every
Esperantist.
A detailed description of Dr. Zamenhof's speech we leave to those of
our contemporaries who have been selected for reporting officially.
When Dr. Zamenhof was seated, and the applause had broken forth
again, the curtain fell, and the Congress was officially opened.
Shortly afterwards the Boulogne Group gave a most enjoyable concert.
The ladies' choir, under the direction of the devoted Mme. Bergier,
was specially worthy of applause.
Our collaborator, M. Paul Boulet, recited "The Pastor's Bathe," and
also acted in the two comedies performed during the Congress.
Would that all Esperantist Groups were as endowed with talent as that
in Boulogne-on-Sea!
After the concert we naturally re-assembled in the Grand Café, for
we were in France, where the café is the general meeting place. In
the same elegant building sixty or seventy Esperantists had chatted
with Dr. Zamenhof, in a non-official gathering the night before, so
we knew the place well.
The next day was, of course, Sunday. Assuredly none of the English
members had ever enjoyed such a Sunday before; and, to set disturbed
consciences at rest, we assured them that, as it was the second day,
it could not be Sunday also, which is the first day!
Early in the morning we met, according to nationality, to settle the
election of representatives for Linguistic Matters, etc.
After the meeting, those elected met together alone, and the rest
lunched early, in order to go to the Races by a special train. The
day was most delightful, air clear and fresh, sun warm, sky blue.
When therefore M. Gehet, Secretary of the Rouen Group, suggested that
we should go to the racecourse by sailing-boat, instead of the train,
the proposal was so attractive that I deserted my mother and the many
friends, and journeyed with but three.
The sea was so beautiful, yet a little rough, that, having arrived in
Wimereux (where the racecourse is situated), M. Gehet and I decided
to return to Boulogne, and later go by tram. Thus it happened that we
saw only the last race--the Officers'--and returned to town in the
Esperantists' train.
After a hasty dinner, we had to tear off to the theatre, where the
"International Concert" was to take place. Even more crowded than
the day before, the theatre did indeed present a most encouraging
appearance. Various songs, recitations, and music were entirely
successful, and the _Marriage Forcée_, of Molière, was performed by
actors of eight nationalities. Never before has such a play taken
place. Among the actors and audience there was but one solitary
link--Esperanto; and it was indeed most remarkable that, almost
without rehearsal, the comedy succeeded in such a manner!
Dr. Zamenhof and his amiable wife invited us, the nine actors, to his
box, and thanked us. During the long tour of the theatre which this
visit necessitated we were indeed overwhelmed with congratulations.
The clothes, scenery, and everything were most excellently arranged.
The second part consisted of songs, recitations, humorous pieces,
etc., which exhibited genuine talent. We print the programme, and
everlasting be the shame of those Esperantists who could have been,
but who did not take the trouble to be, present.
After concert, café; after café, bed; after bed, sleep; after sleep,
jollifications (bis). Thus might one describe, in a few words, the
first days of the Congress.
Monday, August 7th, Bank Holiday in England and Scotland, Esperanto
Holiday in Esperanto-land! Can we ever forget that day?
While breakfasting, we recollected the counsel of Ham Mukasa, and did
not eat too much, on account of the good things to come; for was not
to-day the day allotted for the great International Banquet, and have
we not been informed that possibly even the great hall of the Casino
will not be sufficiently large for us?
Yes, so it was! Although it could contain 400 diners, about fifty
Esperantists had to dine in a room adjoining. A magnificent success!
And over all the name Esperanto. Esperanto Whiskey, Esperanto
Champagne, Esperanto this, and Esperanto that. And everywhere
Esperantists. No matter whether Russian, Pole, Frenchman, German,
Belgian, or Englishman, all were, and ever must remain, Esperantists.
Have such speeches ever been heard? In the first place, Dr. Zamenhof,
then eminent Frenchmen and representatives of all nations present,
expressed, in sonorous Esperanto, their thoughts and hopes. Time sped
rapidly!
The photographers had plenty to do that day; for, although they
worked hard during the banquet itself, it was even better when,
expelled into the Casino Gardens, we all gathered hard by a
band-stand to be photographed, and to hearken to those nations who
had not yet had their opportunity in the hall.
One can, indeed, be most eloquent in Esperanto. The effect of the
speeches was most favourable. All were thoroughly interesting,
all well-delivered. I do not wish to praise any special speech
above another, but none was more eloquent than that of our youngest
friend, Edmond Privat, of Geneva. Among the best speakers were Dr.
Zamenhof (Poland), MM. Michaux, Boirac, Bourlet, Cart, Javal, Mme.
Bergier (France), MM. Grabowski (Poland), Ostrowski (Russia), Balik
(Bohemia), Simon (Austria), Borel (Germany), Mme. Junck (Italy), MM.
Codorniu (Spain), Krikorts (Sweden), St. Martin (Canada), Seynaeve
(Belgium), Privat (Switzerland), Schneeberger (Protestantism), Abbé
Peltier (Catholicism).
Although the feast began at mid-day, it was five o'clock before we
could tear ourselves away to prepare for the cruel steamer which had
to separate us, in body, from the Esperantists.
But in mind they remained with us still. When, crossing the silver
streak at the sunset hour, we caught sight of a wonderful golden
shore in the west, we pictured to ourselves that we journeyed to
that golden land of Esperantism, where reign brotherly love and
contentment, the golden land which must come some day, the land of
the mutual intercomprehension of the human race.