CORRESPONDENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 October 1920, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

.ESPERANTO. (To the Editor.) Dear Sir,—Allow me the privilege of replying to Sinjoro “Henry Dubb.” If your correspondent imagines that by means of an elementary text book knowledge, a few unsupported statements and a somewhat vindictive Shakesperian quotation, he can stem the tide of Esperanto, then I fear his superlative self-conceit is equalled only by his ignorance (pretended, maybe) of tiie facts. “Henry’s’’ grandiloquent manner of attack (camouflaging an unaccountable personal prejudice) may ‘tickje the ears of the groundlings,’ but every intelligent reader will have noticed that “Henry’s” assertions were contradictory, self-assertive, prejudiced and lacking proof. Contradictory: “The language itself with its uncouth phonetics and strange symbols is,” declares “Henry,” a very clever work.” He begins with a blow and ends with a handshake! Again: “Esperanto” writes “Henry” the sage, “entailed immense study and deep research” (not forgetting the “uncouth phonetics” etc), “and as such should receive the commendation due to all human effort . when rightly directed.” In this sentence “Henry” (for variety, no doubt) begins with the handshake and ends with a blow! (The game now is: Zamenhof 2, ”Dubb” 2.—Have you ever played golf, “Henry”?) . . t-w * • 1 . _ —I .1 ! Inn

“Henry” the sage, who ridicules “daydreams,” becomes “Henry” the prophet, and with unblushing inconsistency has his own little “daydream.” Thus : A “The universal use of Esperanto might lead to international brotherhood etc., but more likely” (listen Mr Massey!) it may have the opposite tendency, arid enable the discontented of all nations to band themselves together for evil (why “evil,” Henry?) thereby increasing the curse of Bolshevism and its attendant terrors.” (Ha, ha! very dramatic, and very much a “daydream,” I fear). I am not going to waste time proving the contrary, for “Henry” assures me that Esperanto “must fail.” He knows it is doomed, he knows it “must fail,” yet he also knows that “it might lead to International Brotherhood,” or that “it may increase the curse of Bolshevism.” And between his “musts” and his "mights” and his “mays” poor “Henry” has floundered through contradiction and phantastic prophecy into the wilderness of inane prejudice, where his insane babbling of “Bolshevism,” “rusty ways” “new fads,” etc., is moving an intelligent public to pity or hearty laughter. In spite of the hysterics of “Henry,

the pessimist, the movement progresses by leaps and bounds. Mr Edmanson (Wellington) writes me that “A group is to be formed in Palmerston North, and so many are becoming Esperantists that I have great difficuffilty in filling orders. In Auckland jail, two of the students are studying for the B.E.A. diploma.” I challenge Mr Dubb to answer the following questions: (1) If Esperanto contains “uncouth phonetics aw strange symbols” why did Dr A. E. Scougal (Chief Inspector of Schools, Scotland) write: “Had I to teach any foreign language, I would, on sound educational grounds, give my pupds a preliminary course m Esperanto. _ (2) If Esperanto “tended to Bolshevism, how came it that Capt Bohngbroke Nudie (killed) ex-president of the BE A. and Major General Cox were Esperantists. and why does the British r-A nf Education subsidise it as a

school subject? (3) If Esperanto is a “Fad,” why is it used by scientific and medical associations, and by the British and Foreign Bible ' Society, and recognised by the British Post Office, London Chamber of Commerce and London County Council? Thanking you for valuable space, I am, etc., - “REVULO”.