person in the first annual
meeting of the London Esperanto Club, I send by phonograph my hearty
greeting to all participants in the meeting. In my imagination I
picture to myself that I now sit with you, esteemed English friends
to the idea of an international language, and I rejoice with you at
the fine fruits which your energetic continuous labour has given in
the course of the past year. One year ago our Cause was still but
little known in your land, and now we already have in your land very
many most warm and sincere friends; we have various Esperanto groups,
we have permanent Esperanto classes, we have a beautiful Esperanto
Gazette. Almost all this is the fruit of the labour of the London
Club, which may be proud of the result of its first year's
endeavours. To the noble and energetic conductors and workers of the
London Esperanto Club our Cause owes most hearty thanks.

In speaking of the successes of the London Club I must not forget
that little Esperantist circle in Keighley, which gave a start to our
movement in England. Our hearty greeting to the Keighley
Esperantists.

The entire world observes with very great interest the work of the
London Esperanto Club. We all hope and anticipate that, sooner or
later, London will become one of the most important centres of
our Cause for the whole world. London has for a long time slept;
but when it awakens it will be as the awakening of a lion. A mighty
voice will issue forth from London, and will sound and resound in
all parts of the earth. The nations will listen with attention to
the voice issuing from the centre of the English-speaking world.
When such a powerful nation as the English begins speaking of the
brotherhood of nations and the neutrality of international relations,
the world will applaud with enthusiasm, and that sacred Cause for
which we contend will march forward with great strides. Esperantists
in London, Esperantists in England, work courageously and
energetically. Difficult, very difficult, is the sowing, but sweet
and blessed will be the fruits. Great and important is your _role_.
The whole Esperantist world watches you and hopes much from you.

This speech greatly pleased the audience, who most heartily thanked
the Doctor for his kind greeting. Mr. Motteau, with three others,
sang most effectively his beautiful hymn "Espero" (printed on the
page 16 of The Esperantist), and all joined in the chorus
with enthusiasm. After many short speeches and