2011-02-07

Esperanto & kongreso pri blinduloj, 1911

Fifth International Congress for the Amelioration of the Lot of the Blind, Cairo, Feb. 20-25, 1911. Reports by Etta Josselyn Griffin and Walter G. Holmes. In: Report of the Commissioner of Education made to the Secretary of the Interior ..., Volume 1 [United States Bureau of Education, Dept. of the Interior] (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1912), pp. 598-605.

Etta Josselyn Griffin reports (p. 600):
Third question.—Has the adoption of Esperanto as the universal language of the blind been applied, and in the affirmative case, and what are the practical results it has produced?

Interesting papers in favor of teaching Esperanto to the blind were read by Prof. Dor, of Lyons, and Brother Isador Clé, of Wolove St., Lambert, Brussels. Miss Griffin said in America Esperanto is considered a recreation rather than a practical aid to the blind. It broadens the horizon, through correspondence in Esperanto with people of different nations, and is therefore greatly enjoyed.

Walter G. Holmes reports (p. 605):
It was the sense of the meeting that in those countries which use what is known as European or Universal Braille, it should not be changed or interfered with, and the meeting decided that Esperanto had not progressed far enough as a world language to recommend the blind taking it up, except as a pastime and diversion.

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