ESPERANTO AS PEACEMAKER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8349, 8 February 1913, Page 9

ESPERANTO AS PEACEMAKER

Under this heading the “Manchester Guardian" published the following letter from a Chorley Esperantist. "I have read with interest the remarks of Sir Thomas Barclay on Anglo-German relations. As he says reciprocal visits of kindred societies and so on are valuable, but the fact remains that the peoples have no direct knowledge of each other, and a ‘better mutual knowledge’ is the chigf need. The ‘curse of Babel’ is the root difficutly. It is impracticable for more than a very small portion of our people to leam the German language, and vice versa. I myself have had no opportunity to do so, and I have many German friends who know no English, but with whom I carry on a regular friendly correspondence, and with whom I have had most interesting conversations, thanks to Esperanto. Esperanto is the instrument by which sooner or later the problem of inter-communication between the common people of the civilised nations will be Solved. It is efficient, eminently practical, has been tested beyond doubt. It ought to be taught in every elementary school. Those oast school age can get a practical knowledge of it at the cost of a few pence and a few weeks’ interesting study in spare time. Thousands of students in every country of the world are ready to carry on a correspondence with English men and women, and, further, to welcome them if they choose to visit a foreign land, as I myself have been welcomed in different countries, thanks solely to Esperanto. I have said that tho advantage to bo gained is worth a national effort. It is worth an international effort. The cause of the disease is known. Why not apply the remedy F’-