Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-03-04
NEED OF A UNIVERSAL TRADE LANGUAGE

The need of a universal auxiliary language is being
felt more and more, especially in international commercial
pursuits. Scientific men who have made a study of this
matter are unanimous in the d%esirabilty Of such a general
means of communication, but there is still some difference
of opinion as to how to bring it about.
A universal language for trade purposes was predicted
by Sir Robert Falconer, president of the University of To-
ronto, in a speech in Philadelphia a day or two ago. 1t is
not difficult to show how such a comma language would
be beneficial as our international relations become closer.
A French commission that investigated the subject reported
recently that a universal. language was entirely feasible and
it even went so far as to recommend Esperanto as the most
satisfactory solution to the problem.
On the other hand, Sir Robert Falconer does not con-
templte such a language as Esperanto as the universal tom
que. He admits, however that the new language would be
adopted only by persons engaged in international commerce
ial pursuits, while race and national pride would preserve
the mother tongue in each country.
But it is just because race and national pride will al
ways preserve the mother tongue that an artificial Ian
auage will be necessary for the universal medium of speech.
This same race and national pride will stand in the way of
any of the spoken languages of today being adopted as the
universal tongue for it would give too much advantage to
that country whose language is adopted. AT the same time,
T. revival of the classics, such as ancient Latin or Greek,
is impossible because of the difficulty in learning them.
Admitting, therefore That a universal language is de-
sirable, it is Esperanto against the field. This auxiliary
language is gaining every year, In some countries the
teaching of it is being made compulsory in the public
schools. 1t is receiving greater and greater recognition
by different government authorities. a case in point has re
Gently been brought to our attention.
Brazil is arranging for a national centennial exposition
in commemoration of the independence of Brazil. Literature
is being sent throughout the world advertising the
event and much of this literature is printed in Esperanto
by the direction of the Department Of Justice and lnterna-
tional Affairs of Brazil. The pamphlet published in Esperan-
to is an elaborate affair profusely illustrated.
The significant feature about this particular pamphlet
is that while other pamphlets printed in different languages
are being sent only TO those countries where that particular
language is spoken, the pamphlet printed in Esperanto is
being sent all over the world being understood as readily
in one cGuntry as another. g.
That the world needs a common tongue is evident
Real progress cannot be made until we are able TO under
stand each other better. With n common language for in
ternational gatherings and for international publications.
an auxiliary language that is taught in every country along
with the mother tongue, the business and political rela
tons between nations will be tremendously improved, and
who can say ps what it would be the greatest step " 'aker
toward universal peace.