19. Record of Marx's Speech on the Political Action of the Working Class
[FROM THE MINUTES OF THE SESSION OF THE LONDON CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL WORKING MEN'S ASSOCIATION ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1871]
Marx will not speak against Vaillant's motion because yesterday he spoke for it — he replies to Bastelica that from the beginning of the conference it had been decided that this question was entirely one of organisation and not of principle — as for the regulation invoked — he recalls [that it is necessary] to read the Rules and the Inaugural Address together — which he reads once again.(1)
He outlines the history of abstention — we must not get annoyed, he says, over the issue — the people who propagated this doctrine were sincere Utopians — but those who are resuming the same path today are not — by adjourning politics until after the violent struggle they are hurling the people into the formalist, bourgeois opposition — which it is our duty to combat, as well as the powers-that-be — We must expose Gambetta, so that the people are not deceived all over again. He is of the same opinion as Vaillant — we must throw down a challenge to all the governments in response to their persecution of the International — which (...)
Reaction exists throughout the Continent, it is general and permanent — and even in the United States and in England in another form —
We must tell them — we know that you are the armed force opposing the proletariat — we shall act against you peacefully wherever possible — and take up arms when that is necessary — he believes that changes must be made in the framing of Vaillant's motion — which is why he is supporting Utin's motion.[415]
Endnotes
[415] The reference is to Utin's motion to instruct the General Council to draw up the final text of the resolution "Political Action of the Working Class", taking into account Vaillant's proposal and Serraillier's and Frankel's amendments made during the discussion of this question at the Conference. The London Conference adopted Utin's motion.