The Esperantist, Vol. 2, No. 9

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,