CORRESPONDENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1920, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

A MODERN DAY-DREAM. (To the Editor.) Sir,—ln last Saturday’s issue of your esteemed journal there appeared a' lengthy article on “Esperanto” by one “Revulo” in which is glowingly portray ed the history and so-called success of that would be universal language. A while ago-, my curiosity having'been incited by certain correspondence appearing in -one of your Greyniouth contemporaries, I obtained from a friend in Christchurch a disused text-book on Esperanto compiled by one Madame Blaise, which enabled me to thoroughlv investigate the merits or otherwise of this later attempt at artificial language. The little band-book is certainly a well printed budget of attractive information concerning Doctor Zamenhof’s invention. The opening lecture is rather interesting and it is a matter for regret that “Revulo” did not favour its reproduction bolus bolus instead of the excerpts which formed the bulk of hw article The language itself with its uncouth phonetics and strange symbols is a very clever work, entailing immense study and research and as such should receive the commendation which is clue to all human eftort when rigl > directed. The. word “Revulo” is translated “one who dreams by day” which term is not inaptly descriptive of the Idealist of the Esperanto type, who advocates the adoption of. the auxß • y language by the nations of the Ea th a a potentical panacea for all the ills o humanity. Its universal use might lead to International Brotherhood and the ahoßion of war and bloodshed for ever but more likdy *W, f onposite tendency and enable the ciis contented of all nations selves together for evil, and .national questions international ones, By increasing the cuise o and its attendant terrors. It might be claimed that with -j peranto the great literary works of .11 ihe countries will be put into> > man’s hands. As a matter ot fact work of merit published in any language is twenty-four hours m the maiUc Before the translators are at work, am translations of popular and useful and sometimes of books whose tendency is bad are available in cheap editions, whilst the Continental criticisms me still exciting the emotions of the reading public. Esperanto would be of no advantage in reading foreign works and it is questionable whether anyone would learn it for that purpose alone. Esperanto is said by its exponents lo be “the key to the whole world”, but methinks a somewhat rebellious oid rusty key.' Other “keys” have been 1 forced to unlock the “Doors of International Understanding,” and like YoI laiuik with its million adherents have j 1 failed’ as Esperanto must fail. M- j I ready in Europe Esperanto is being | ! superseded by an improved artificial language, called IDO, but surely it is not left to any auxiliary language to bring about the wondrous world reforms its exponents promise on its general adoption. 1 . No. Each successive system of artificial language is but a new fad, and better left languishing. It might seem that some few individuals desirous of fame and finding all other outlets barred have chosen to revive a decadent means whereby their genius might be blazoned forth unto this ignorant world. It is: “A talisman or spell, By which the magis art of shrewer wits, Has held the unthinking Multitude in throll.” Thanking you, Sir for valuable space, i I am etc, HENRY DUBB.