THE " ANTI-BABEL " SOCIETY
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] SIR,—TINO years ago you allowed us to expose, by letter, in your columns, the scheme of a Society entitled the " Anti- Babel," which was to be instituted, under the aegis of M. Paul Desjardins, in the Abbaye de Pontigny (Yonne). It has now made more than a beginning, and as both of us have had the opportunity of seeing it at work, one at its birth, the other during its growth, we venture to ask your hospitality in order to make it further known to the English public.
From January to March, and from April to July, the Abbaye has been open to young students of both sexes, and any nation- ality; they work together, and pursue a system of mutual instruction under the guidance of one or two directors. It is, indeed, an " Amide Enseignante "—for we listen in turn to each other, we exchange our notions of agreement or disagree- ment ; we live in the midst of a harmonious clash of opposites, with a view to the attainment of common principles and truth. The spirit of comradeship and mutual tolerance is very strong. Every morning there is a conference introduced by one or other of the members, followed by a discussion—and to give some idea of the subjects treated we may name one or two as follows : The external policy of France from 1918 to 1938.
The origin of the " Nouveaux Cahiers."
Problems of Colonisation. The Dreyfus Affair.
Bonaparte.
The Utopists, &c., &c.
The Czechoslovakian Problem, &z., &c.
Speakers, such as M. Andre Philippe and Mdme. Lefranc (C.G.T.) have lectured, and distinguished writers have passed some days amongst the students.
There were present amongst the latter Norwegians, Swedes, Swiss, Germans, Czechoslovakians, English, French ; but French is the recognised means of intercourse, as is right, for the acquisition of the language is, with some, one of the objects of their visit.
Those who wish to obtain further particulars have only to address their questions to Mdme. Paul Desjardins, Abbaye de Pontigny (Yonne).—We remain, Sir, obediently,
H. F. STEWART, D.D. (Trinity College, Cambridge). M. D. PETRE (Storrington).
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