The First International Esperantist Congress terminated its most successful course in Boulogne-on-Sea on the 11th of August. Future Congresses will, undoubtedly, be many, but never shall we be able to forget the remarkable impressions which this first Congress made upon us.

As it is, we believe, the intention of all our Esperanto contemporaries to treat of the Congressional doings in detail, we will merely write a few words as to the general impression.

Certain it is that those many friends were right who predicted that now Esperanto, for the first time, will be advertised all over the world. For all journals, even those which never previously deigned to name the "Second Language for All Nations," yea, all have given most favourable reports of the remarkable fervour, comprehensibility, and friendliness which united the Congressmen of many nations.

When we first stepped upon French soil, after leaving the fine turbine steamer Onward, we saw that Boulogne had become an Esperanto city. Even the porters who looked after the baggage said: "To the Esperantists’ hotel, sir?" Over the streets fluttered a green flag with a white corner, on which was embroidered a green star.

Although Boulogne is a fairly large town, two thousand wearers of the green star were most conspicuous in the streets, and invariably, even during a short walk, we were sure to meet some kind friends-in-Esperanto.

Personally, I was more than content, for, thanks to frequent happy Esperantic excursions, which our readers may well remember, I renewed acquaintance with as large a number of Esperantists as did any other member of the Congress.

The whole Conference was thus a series of gratifying rÉunions with enthusiastic friends. And I could not help remembering the small and charming gatherings which I had attended during the two preceding years. Truly, on seeing the Boulogne Congress, none can now truthfully assert that Esperanto has not made the most astonishing progress. Even the English Times had to confess that the fact that so many men of divers nationalities could thoroughly understand one another solely by means of Esperanto "was not to be explained away."

"Into the world has come a new sentiment," wrote our eminent President; but we much doubt whether even he ever expected to see such proof as was given between August 4th-11th. And what did Dr. Zamenhof think of all this? Did he find that the excitement, zeal, and enthusiasm which he saw in those present; did he find the thundrous applause which greeted him at all times and places; did he believe that these and the other innumerable signs of our progress were worth the effort of the long journey from Warsaw to Boulogne?

One cannot indeed doubt as to his answer!

And those friends also who came even greater distances, from Canada, New Zealand, Japan, etc., were not they also supremely contented?

And, more than all, was not M. Michaux, the indefatigable organiser, the strong "Blower of the driving wind" of the Congress, was not he most content and proud at the result of his efforts? Assuredly nowhere could one have found a man more competent for such a great work, and who, at the same time, possessed so many valuable helpers.

"Let him who has earned it, bear the palm!"

Let us in our hearts renew our thanks and congratulations to M. Michaux and the Group in Boulogne-on-Sea!

Naturally, we Esperantists gathered together, and stayed in batches at the several Esperanto hotels. Certainly the hotel-keepers cannot complain of Esperanto.

Having arrived on Friday evening, we still had time for sundry little trips into the country before Saturday evening, when the Congress was officially opened.

Dr. Zamenhof himself arrived on Friday, after a glorious stay in Paris. He was staying with M. Michaux. A select few were invited to meet him for a private conference before the official meeting in the evening.

It was then decided to elect five Vice-Presidents for the Congress, as Dr. Zamenhof did not feel sufficiently strong to take all the duties upon himself. The five elected were:—Dr. Zamenhof, President. Vice-Presidents:—M. Boirac, Rector of the University of Dijon; M. Michaux, Advocate, Boulogne; Dr. Mybs, Hamburg; Colonel Pollen, LL.D., C.I.E., V.D., President of the B.E.A.; and General Sebert, Member of the Institute of France.

The success of the various meetings we largely owe to the Mayor of Boulogne, who most generously allowed us the use of the Municipal Theatre throughout the Congress. Indeed, without this help, we know not what would have happened, for that fine theatre itself was none too vast for the audience.

On Saturday evening, about 8.20, the friendly babbling of those assembled was suddenly hushed, the drop-curtain was raised, and lo! in one long row were seen the eminent Frenchmen who desired to welcome us to French soil.

Dr. Zamenhof was the only non-Frenchman, and the others were the Mayor, Deputy-Mayor, President of the Chamber of Commerce, General Sebert (Member of the Institute, Representative of the Touring Club de France), Professor Carlo Bourlet (President of the Paris Group), Professor Cart, and MM. Boulet and Derveaux (the two Secretaries of the Boulogne Group), and last, but not least, M. Michaux.

After many charming speeches, Dr. Zamenhof rose, and quite calmly heard the most thundrous applause imaginable. Many weaker men would have been confused under such circumstances; but, although I sat in the front row, I did not even see the Doctor’s hand shake. Most calmly, maybe somewhat automatically, the creator of the language Esperanto very clearly delivered a most beautiful speech, while he saw before his feet the triumph of his labours, the flower of the Esperantist army.

And, during the great silence which reigned during the long speech, not even one word from his lips was lost. It was ever thus throughout the Congress. Every Esperantist without difficulty understood every Esperantist.

A detailed description of Dr. Zamenhof’s speech we leave to those of our contemporaries who have been selected for reporting officially.

When Dr. Zamenhof was seated, and the applause had broken forth again, the curtain fell, and the Congress was officially opened.

Shortly afterwards the Boulogne Group gave a most enjoyable concert. The ladies’ choir, under the direction of the devoted Mme. Bergier, was specially worthy of applause.

Our collaborator, M. Paul Boulet, recited "The Pastor’s Bathe," and also acted in the two comedies performed during the Congress.

Would that all Esperantist Groups were as endowed with talent as that in Boulogne-on-Sea!

After the concert we naturally re-assembled in the Grand CafÉ, for we were in France, where the cafÉ is the general meeting place. In the same elegant building sixty or seventy Esperantists had chatted with Dr. Zamenhof, in a non-official gathering the night before, so we knew the place well.

The next day was, of course, Sunday. Assuredly none of the English members had ever enjoyed such a Sunday before; and, to set disturbed consciences at rest, we assured them that, as it was the second day, it could not be Sunday also, which is the first day!

Early in the morning we met, according to nationality, to settle the election of representatives for Linguistic Matters, etc.

After the meeting, those elected met together alone, and the rest lunched early, in order to go to the Races by a special train. The day was most delightful, air clear and fresh, sun warm, sky blue. When therefore M. Gehet, Secretary of the Rouen Group, suggested that we should go to the racecourse by sailing-boat, instead of the train, the proposal was so attractive that I deserted my mother and the many friends, and journeyed with but three.

The sea was so beautiful, yet a little rough, that, having arrived in Wimereux (where the racecourse is situated), M. Gehet and I decided to return to Boulogne, and later go by tram. Thus it happened that we saw only the last race—the Officers’—and returned to town in the Esperantists’ train.

After a hasty dinner, we had to tear off to the theatre, where the "International Concert" was to take place. Even more crowded than the day before, the theatre did indeed present a most encouraging appearance. Various songs, recitations, and music were entirely successful, and the Marriage ForcÉe, of MoliÈre, was performed by actors of eight nationalities. Never before has such a play taken place. Among the actors and audience there was but one solitary link—Esperanto; and it was indeed most remarkable that, almost without rehearsal, the comedy succeeded in such a manner!

Dr. Zamenhof and his amiable wife invited us, the nine actors, to his box, and thanked us. During the long tour of the theatre which this visit necessitated we were indeed overwhelmed with congratulations. The clothes, scenery, and everything were most excellently arranged.

The second part consisted of songs, recitations, humorous pieces, etc., which exhibited genuine talent. We print the programme, and everlasting be the shame of those Esperantists who could have been, but who did not take the trouble to be, present.

After concert, cafÉ; after cafÉ, bed; after bed, sleep; after sleep, jollifications (bis). Thus might one describe, in a few words, the first days of the Congress.

Monday, August 7th, Bank Holiday in England and Scotland, Esperanto Holiday in Esperanto-land! Can we ever forget that day?

While breakfasting, we recollected the counsel of Ham Mukasa, and did not eat too much, on account of the good things to come; for was not to-day the day allotted for the great International Banquet, and have we not been informed that possibly even the great hall of the Casino will not be sufficiently large for us?

Yes, so it was! Although it could contain 400 diners, about fifty Esperantists had to dine in a room adjoining. A magnificent success!

And over all the name Esperanto. Esperanto Whiskey, Esperanto Champagne, Esperanto this, and Esperanto that. And everywhere Esperantists. No matter whether Russian, Pole, Frenchman, German, Belgian, or Englishman, all were, and ever must remain, Esperantists.

Have such speeches ever been heard? In the first place, Dr. Zamenhof, then eminent Frenchmen and representatives of all nations present, expressed, in sonorous Esperanto, their thoughts and hopes. Time sped rapidly!

The photographers had plenty to do that day; for, although they worked hard during the banquet itself, it was even better when, expelled into the Casino Gardens, we all gathered hard by a band-stand to be photographed, and to hearken to those nations who had not yet had their opportunity in the hall.

One can, indeed, be most eloquent in Esperanto. The effect of the speeches was most favourable. All were thoroughly interesting, all well-delivered. I do not wish to praise any special speech above another, but none was more eloquent than that of our youngest friend, Edmond Privat, of Geneva. Among the best speakers were Dr. Zamenhof (Poland), MM. Michaux, Boirac, Bourlet, Cart, Javal, Mme. Bergier (France), MM. Grabowski (Poland), Ostrowski (Russia), Balik (Bohemia), Simon (Austria), Borel (Germany), Mme. Junck (Italy), MM. Codorniu (Spain), Krikorts (Sweden), St. Martin (Canada), Seynaeve (Belgium), Privat (Switzerland), Schneeberger (Protestantism), AbbÉ Peltier (Catholicism).

Although the feast began at mid-day, it was five o’clock before we could tear ourselves away to prepare for the cruel steamer which had to separate us, in body, from the Esperantists.

But in mind they remained with us still. When, crossing the silver streak at the sunset hour, we caught sight of a wonderful golden shore in the west, we pictured to ourselves that we journeyed to that golden land of Esperantism, where reign brotherly love and contentment, the golden land which must come some day, the land of the mutual intercomprehension of the human race.

Friends of the Congress, Gis la revido!