IS ESPERANTO USEFUL?

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14276, 17 August 1910, Page 7

IS ESPERANTO USEFUL?

A TRAVELLER'S EXPERIENCES. Following is translated from a letter by a German Esperarilist:— "One often hears that Esperanto has furnished up to now only an ideal use, not a practical one. From my year's travelling in South America, whence I have just returned, I can vouch for the contrary. Hardly having learnt Esperanto, I iiad already been accosted twice in Eastern Prussia by foreigners, who had seen my green star. Later on I was in Paris. In the Eiffel Tower there was a postcard shop. 'When the salesman caught sight of the Esperanto star, he immediately stopped speaking in French and continued his offer in Esperanto. Of course, after that I bought something. In the same evening I was dining in an hotel. A lady who was passing my table, asked me iii French if I could speak Esperanto. I replied, of course, in Esperanto. In less than five minutes I was already introduced to her husband, a worthy gentleman, and wo three sat togciiii-r, heedless of the time, until very late. They were indeed happy hours. But I mado the greatest use of Esperanto during my long stay in Chili. I immediately made" friends, who wore very kind to me, who were interested and looked after mo. While other young men, who had arrived- in Valparaiso long before 1, were obliged to kill time in the saloons, in the absence of anything else to do, I had beautiful, interesting and useful hours. When I wished to visit the neighbouring citv of Santiago, I wrote to the Esperanto group there, which then sent a starbearing delegate to the station, who conducted me through the interesting town, showing and explaining to me ail the line views. This active group invited me to one of its large fetes, I became close friends with several and warmly acquainted with manv members, and I can sincerely affirm that my most agreeable days in Chili were spent by the help of Esperanto. It was just the same all through. In Rio do Janeiro I wished to purchase a hook. I he shopman wore a green star; I was therefore not compelled to show my ignorance of the Portuguese language. Ho immediately led me to tho Consul of the U.E.A. (Universal Esperanto Association) who drove with me through the beautiful town and showed me the sights, which, without his ■Jl'-f- woukl ncver ll!lve found. Laden with Esperanto ru'eknacks and beautiful

souvenirs of America, I left for Europe, full of gratitude for Esperanto. In Liverpool 1 found the same heartv welcome, and now I have pleasure of enjoying it in London. Even if I had no ideal interest in Esperanto, I would still remain an Esperantist because of effective practical utilities which it rendered me " '