38. Karl Marx. To the Editor of L'International[24]

Sir,

In an article entitled " 'The International' Society" you say:

"Beside their strict economies, the infatuated workers provide the members of the Council with every desirable comfort for leading a pleasant life in London." (1)

I would point out to you that, with the exception of the General Secretary, who receives a salary of 10 shillings per week, all the members of the Council carry out their duties gratuitously, and have always done so.

I demand that you insert these lines in your next issue. If your paper continues to spread such lies, legal action will be taken against it.

Yours faithfully,

K. Marx London, August 17, 1871

First published in Der Volkstaat, No. 68, August 23, 1871

Printed according to the rough manuscript, verified with the newspaper

Translated from the French

Published in English for the first time

Endnotes

[24] At the Battle of Forbach (Lorraine) on August 6, 1870, the German troops of the First Army under General Steinmetz defeated the French 2nd Corps under General Frossard. The capture of Forbach secured domination over the department of Moselle and opened up the way to Lorraine. MacMahon's army found itself cut off from that of Bazaine. In historical literature this battle is also called the battle of Spicheren. Later Engels uses this name too. pp. 29, 103

(1) "La Société 'l'Internationale'", L'International, No. 3031, August 17, 1871.— Ed.