1913
June
International Vegetarian Conference.
The fourth meeting of the International Vegetarian Union will, in
accordance with the resolution passed at the third meeting in Brussels,
in the sumrner of 1910, be held on the 25th and 26th of August of
this year, at the Hague. This place was chosen as the new "Peace
Hall," will be opened at this time, and it was thought that
the occasion, with which all vegetarians must be in keen sympathy,
would attract numerous visitors from all parts of the world. The
Secretary of the Congress Committee is the Honourable Miss Ortt,
by whom suggestions and help are invited. Her address is :- Jonkvrouw
M. J. C. Ortt, Laan van Meerdervoort 383 Den Haag. English correspondents
can apply through the Vegetarian Society, 257 Deansgate, Manchester.
It is hoped that many visitors from England will help to make the
Hague Congress a success. As the town is likely to be full next
August, early arrangements should be made.
International Vegetarian Congress
at The Hague.
By Mathilde Hompes
The fourth Congress of the International Vegetarian Union took place
at The Hague from the 24th to the 26th of August, and proved a very
interesting and brilliant gathering. The proceedings opened on the
evening of the 24th with a reception given to the guests by The Hague
Committee, arranged in the beautiful hotel-restaurant ''Pomona."
Over a hundred assembled in the large dining-room, where a central
table was furnished with refreshments, which were freely served during
the course of the proceedings. The sight of this table alone, with
its treasures of fruit, cakes and flowers, was enough to make the
heart of any Vegetarian rejoice, for it would prove to any non-Vegetarian
that our provision need be second to none in beauty and sufficiency
to a table of any kind.
After some little time had been spent in recognising old friends
and introductions to new ones amid a babel of the languages of nearly
every European country, the President of the Congress, Mr. Hugo Nolthenius.
read his address of greeting in three languages, English, French,
and German. He deemed it unnecessary to read it in Dutch, because
expected his countrymen to understand at least one of these languages,
and in any case they were sure of his sentiments. He set forth the
Ideal of Vegetarianism, and the objects of the International Vegetarian
Union ; then gave a hearty welcome to all present.
Next a Vegetarian song, which Mr. Nolthenius is the composer, was
read in the original Dutch, as also in English, German and French
translations (the English has already appeared in the VEGETARIAN MESSENGER).
Mr. Nolthenius seated himself at the piano, and to his accompaniment
we all sang the Dutch version. Perhaps I should say some of us, but
I think we all joined in the tune, and one of the delegates of the
Vegetarian Society was in the happy position of being able to speak
Dutch.
During the course of the evening we were entertained by some very
good music and recitations. Professor van Rees, Mr. Domela Nieuwenhuis
and Rev. A.O.Broadley spoke in acknowledgment of the good things provided;
and with much friendly intercourse a very agreeable meeting was brought
to a close just upon midnight. It was well for a large number of the
guests that they had not to travel far, being lodged in the Pomona.
On Monday morning we proceeded to Hotel Zeerust at Scheveningen
for the business part of our Congress. Here we had the sea in view
as we sat, which was very refreshing. We had plenty of business on
hand, thirty-four papers on the programme, not to mention Presidents'
introductory and closing addresses, discussions, etc., Messrs. J.
Morand, of Paris, and Saxon, of Stockholm, were appointed presidents.
Though some of the papers were taken as read on account of the absence
of the contributors and want of time, all present read their papers,
and they were twenty-four in number-in Dutch, German, French, English
and Esperanto. As they will all appear in the Transactions shortly
to be published, for about 1/6, and because our space would not permit
it is impossible to enter into the substance of the various papers,
and I must content myself with just indicating the names of the contributors
and their subjects.
The delegates of the Vegetarian Society, Rev A.O.Broadley and Miss
Mahilde Hompes, spoke respectively on "The Vegetarian Church
in Salford" and "Vegetarianism and Peace." The latter
was read in Dutch before the Public Meeting on Monday evening. Both
were well received.
The following is a list of the papers:-
Those marked with an * were read.
W. Wagner, of Germany, *"The Vegetarian Movement in Germany."
J. Morand, of Paris, *"The Vegetarian Movement in France."
Mr. Emary, of London, *"Vegetarianism in England."
Prof. J. van Rees, of Holland, *"Vegetarianismn Considered in
the Light of a Humane Aspect of Life and Conduct."
J. L. Saxon, of Sweden, *"The Bloodguiltiness of Boäs and
Muffs."
Dr. Alex. Haig, of England, "The Vegetarian Ideal."
Rev. C. M. Boenders, of Holland, *"Liberal Religious Experience
and Vegetarianism"
Miss T. van der Tuuk, of Holland, *"From Within, Outwards."
L. van Mierop, of Holland, *"Vegetarianism and 'The Pure Life'
Problem."
Miss Hompes, of Manchester, *" Vegetarianismn and Peace."
J. A. Gill, of Tunhridge Wells, *"Two Green Subjects."
Miss van der Vet-Dirksen, of The Hague, *"What Appertains to
all Mankind"
Hugo Noilhenius, of Utrecht, *"The Soul of our Vegetarianism."
Rev. A. O. Broadley, of Manchester, *"The Vegetarian Church."
J. Morand, of Paris, *"Some Objections to Vegetarianism Discussed."
Dr. G. Danjou, of Nice.
P. Zimmetmann, of Germany, *"Vegetarian Colonies and Restaurants
in Germany."
D. de Clercq, of Bloemendaal (Holland), *"Vegetarian Slaughter-houses."
F. Domela Nieuwenhuis, of Hilvershum (Holland), * "The Economic
Aspect of Vegetarianism."
Mrs. E. Anldre/e, of Brussels, *"Vegetarianism and Alcoholism."
Mrs. Garshagen, of Godesherg a/R., *"Thirty Years' Experience."
Dr. J. Rutgers, of The Hague, *"A Couple of Medical Ideas."
Dr. Jos. Oldfleld, of Bromley (England), "Diet in the Treatment
of Indigestion."
Dr. Ernest Nyssens, of Brussels.
Dr. Carton, of Brévannes (France), "The Salt Question."
Mrs. Wright-Sewall, of America, "Vegetarianism and the Great
Moral Reforms."
Dr. J. H. W..van Ophuysen, of The Hague, *"Contribution to the
Psychology of the Choice of Food."
Dr. A. B. Olsen, of Caterham (England), *" Protein Problem of
Vegetarianism."
L. Michaud, of St. Maurice (France), *" The Danger of Fruit in
Cases of Hyper-acidity."
Dr. Kellogg, of BattleCreek (U.S.), "Recent Scientific Discoveries
con-firming the Principles of Natural Food Reform."
Dr. H. F. Fleischer, of The Hague, *"Our Daily Need of Albumin."
Miss Kipiani, of Brussels, *"The Place of 'Tropism' and of Symmetry
in the Integral Life of the Human Being."
Dr. Robert Bell, of London, "The Cancer Scourge and how to Destroy
it."
Dr. G. Petit, of Paris, "Danger of High Feeding for Tuberculous
Patients.''
Dr. Jules Grand, of Paris.*
Mrs. Wright-Sewall, who came to The Hague to attend the Peace Congress
and also the Vegetarian Congress, was prevented by an unfortunate
accident from attending the meetings, but I had the pleasure of an
interview with her in the Hotel Pomona, and believe that she has since
been able to return to her home in the States. Mrs. Wright-Sewall
is the Hon. President of the International Council of Women, Hon.
President of the National Council of Women of U.S.A., and Chairman
of the International Council's Committee on Peace and Arbitration.
She has been a Vegetarian for eight years, and stands in close touch
with the movement in America. Mrs. Sewall was the bearer of an invitation
from the President of the Committee of the International Exposition
to be held in San Francisco in 1915 to the International Vegetarian
Union.
Many greetings from Dutch and foreign societies were received, among
which was one from the Summer Scholars assembled at Colwyn Bay.
The public meeting, which was held more centrally at the Orange Club,
The Hague, was addressed by Mr. Emary, M. Morand, Miss Homnpes, Mr.
Saxon, and Mr. de Clercq. The meeting was not a very large one, but
the audience was appreciative. The Press gave excellent and lengthy
reports of all the papers and speeches and proceedings generally,
which extended to several columns both in the Rotterdamsche
and the Amstervdamsche Courant. Not any item was neglected.
On Tuesday evening it was suggested that the International Union
should nominate a Secretary, and that the various Societies belonging
to it should contribute towards a fund for the Union. This was deferred
to the General Committee, which met later in the day. Rules for raising
a fund were drawn up and Miss Mathilde Hompes, of Manchester, was
elected Hon. Secretary of the International Vegetarian Union.
After the formal part of the Congress had terminated on Tuesday afternoon,
lunch was provided at the Hotel Zecrust, as it had been on
the previous day, by order of the Congress Committee. The manager
of this hotel had never before provided a Vegetarian lunch, but the
result of his efforts amid those of his chef were such as are only
seldom attained at a Vegetarian restaurant, and the very moderate
price of 1/3 made it a marvel of production.
In the afternoon all the members of Congress were taken, by invitation
of the Com-mittee, to Rotterdam by train and thence a very pleasant
boat-trip up the River Maas, revealing a characteristic bit of Dutch
landscape. Ample refreshments were served on board. We returned about
8 p.m. to a dinner at the Pomona Vegetarian Hotel. It was a
splendid feast, the preparation of which and the beautiful setting
out of the table reflect great credit on the managers, Mr. and Mrs.
Valk, and their willing staff of helpers. Songs were sung and speeches
made in many languages. There was a splendid spirit of comradeship
and joyousness, which was kept up till nearly midnight, when the guests
rose from the table and gradually dispersed, after much hand-shaking
and many good-byes spoken in various tongues. It was a hearty gathering
marked by the utter absence of any stiffness.
On Wednesday forenoon a number of the guests, under the guidance
of our genial friend, Mr. de Clercq, visited the very extensive fruit
and vegetable plantations at the Westland, which lies at a
little distance by steam-tram from The Hague. Here gardening in the
open and under glass is carried on in the most extensive and scientific
way. Acres upon acres of glass houses appear to view, where grapes,
peaches, tomatoes, etc., are grown for home consumption and exportation
; also excellent vegetables in the open. The grounds are so extensive
that we were taken some dozen of short journeys in steam-trams to
go the whole round, stepping out at intervals to view different parts.
We also visited the public market in connection with the grounds,
where the goods are sold in lots by auction. The visit was most interesting
and enjoyable, especially after having heard Mr. de Clercq speak about
this place on the previous day.
Although I have previously described the Hotel Pomona in the columns
of the VEGETARIAN MESSENGER, I cannot close this account without a
word of tribute, now that I have seen it with my own eyes. It is beautiful!
Not only its lovely, large, lofty dining hall, beautifully built and
decorated and set out with plants and flowers, with its large French
windows overlooking the garden belonging to the palace of the Queen
of Holland, but every part of the hotel. Our kind, courteous and indefatigable
hostess, Mrs. Valk. conducted a small party of us, by request, over
every portion of the building from floor to second basement. Not a
spot did I see that was not clean, arranged, tidy and comfortable
for the workers. There is not an ugly corner. The workers' rooms everywhere
are airy and sweet, not to say beautiful, and for the most part open
on to greenery and flower beds. The accommodation is cheap, the meals
excellent, and the service courteous and willing. Guests are absolutely
forbidden to offer gratuities; the workers are reasonably well paid
and are not over-worked. The hotel is the property of a limited company.
By its rules, investors cannot draw more than 5 per cent dividend
per annum - any surplus goes to propaganda and to a sustentation fund
for the staff during sickness and old age. The hotel is crowded, as
it deserves to be, for its charges are most reasonable, and a number
of its supporters are non-Vegetarians.
We shall not readily forget our visit to The Hague?
