That the idea which impelled the young Zamenhof to undertake such a work
is still the mainspring of his devotion to the cause is shown by the
following extract from his opening speech at the second International
Esperanto Congress in 1906:--"We are all conscious that it is not
the thought of its practical utility which inspires us to work for
Esperanto, but only the thought of the important and holy idea which
underlies an international language. This idea, you all know, is that
of: brotherhood and justice among all peoples." And, again, in his
presidential address at the third Esperanto Congress, held this year
(1907) at Cambridge, he said, "We are constantly repeating that we do
not wish to interfere in the internal life of the nations, but only to
build a bridge between the peoples. The ideal aim of Esperantists, never
until now exactly formulated, but always clearly felt, is: To establish
a neutral foundation, on which the various races of mankind may hold
peaceful, brotherly intercourse, without intruding on each other their
racial differences."

Sur neuxtrala lingva fundamento,
Komprenante unu la alian,
La popoloj faros en konsento
Unu grandan rondon familian.

(On the foundation of a neutral language,
Understanding one another,
The peoples will form in agreement
One great family circle).

HELEN FRYER.