The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-08-15

Twenty million labor men and women
Of the world investigated Esperanto last
night through Secretary Frank Morrison.
Of the American Federation Of Labor.
and his recommendation may decide
whether the language Is adopted at the
next international labor congress.
Secretary Morrison attended a meeting
Of the Esperantists' congress at the
Arlington. He talked with the leaders
Of the movement. and asked numerous
( questions as 10 the value Of the language.
I The American Federation Of Labor has
I nearly 100000 members. It affiliated
with the international Congress Of Labor
last November. and, next TO England.
win have the biggest vote at the next
biennial congress.
Should the American Federation Join
hands with the British union men in
favor OF Esperanto, the tongue viii get
a boost that Will make ali other efforts
to spread it seem trihing.
( With the representatives Of 100000
laboring people. the backbone Of fifty
nations. taking up Esperanto as the off,
cial language Of a worlds gathering OF
( labor, il would soon be in every house
hold where there is a trade worker. The
troubles Of DR.. Zamenhof. its inventor.
and the devotees who are working with
him 10 popularize the tongue would be
almost over.
Compliments the Cause.
I don't know whether Esperanto could
be used practically by the International
Congress OF Labor" said Secretary Nor
rison. after the meeting last night ct
seems wonderfully easy to learn. and yet
u am afraid the delegates at this con-
gress are little TOO optimistic about H.
If we can use it, there Is no doubt
that it would be wonderful help
IN the epedition Of business. At the next
labor congress there will be representa-
ti'es there who speak thirty different
languages II in a comparatively short
period the delegates could learn Esper-
anto well enough 10 make themselves
plainly understood. IL would bring the
worsd OF labor into close touch
I have not seen enough Of the prae-
teal side Of the convention, and have
not heard enough Esperanto used by
other than experts. who have studied 1t
fo- years, 10 tell how practical Il is.
= shall attend other sessions Of this
congress. and before & a6journs viii
know just about what the thing is worth
to practical men. We have no use for
feds, you see"
LinguiSts Enjoy Musicale.
There was brief meeting Of the gen
eral committee OF the convention last
night, and at O'Clock the impromptu
musical began The artists who held
more than $50 Esperantists enthral.ed for
two hours were all delegates.
Among the performers were more than
one musician OF even international repu-
tation. Prof Guerine de OHveiva. OF Rio
de Janeiro. played accompaniment TO a
song Of his own composition. beautifully
rendered by Mrs. F. A. Williams. OF De-
troit Miss Agnes Preston sang The
Gypsy Love Song" in Esperanto. with
cello obligato by Miss Ethel Lee.
A Quartette composed Of Mrs. Williams.
Rev. F. Newan. Miss NJ X Anacker. and
Mr.. Wirick. received repeated applause.
Miss Cora Butler gave q mandolin solo
that proved a popular number.
Recites "PrOdiEaI SON."
DR.. W. S. Hamilton recFed the story
o. the Prodigal son in Esperanto, and
Mr.. Richard Sharpe gave several recita-
tons Lieut.. Col John Poland Of the
British army. told graphically OF the prog
ress the cause Of the Esperantists has
made IN England
The regular business OF the convention
Will begin to-day. There viii be a busi-
ness meeting Of the general committee.
which will include at least one member
from each nation represented. ar o'clock
this morning
At 10 o'clock the congress will be for
mally called 10 order. At O'Clock there
viii be a continuation n business. At
o'clock the convention will adjourn to
the Treasury steps. where a photograph
viii be taken.
Tonight the entire congress and the
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