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inconvenience to himself than dipping a pen in ink,—be hastening on the realisation of the traditional ideal of mankind, the universal language. When the number of promises has reached ten millions, a list of the names of those who have signed will be published, and with it, the question of an international language—decided.
Nothing actually prevents people from inducing their friends and acquaintances to sign a promise in any cause, yet how few, as a fact, ever do sign anything, be the object ever so important and advantageous to mankind. More especially, when, as in the present instance, the act of signing, while contributing to the realisation of a sublime ideal, at the same time requires no moral nor material sacrifice, can one see no very clear grounds for a refusal.
Doubtless, no one has anything to say, in general, against the introduction of an international language; but, if anyone does not approve of the present form of the language, by all means let him send me, instead of his „Promise“, his „Protest“. For it is, manifestly, the duty of every person able to read and write, of every age, sex, or profession, to give his opinion in this great undertaking; the more so, as it requires no greater sacrifice than that of a few moments for filling in the promise, and a few pence for sending it to me.
I would here beg of all editors of newspapers and magazines to make known the cause to their readers, and at the same time, I would request my readers to mention the subject to all their friends.
