London, 8 August 1885 

Dear Sir, 

I have considered your proposal to write a special preface for the 
Russian edition, but I do not see how I could do so in a satisfactory 
way. #33 

* This probably refers to the previous letter.-> See this volume, pp. 320 and 330. - 
© William I 

If you consider that it will be better not to refer to Rodbertus at all, 
then I would propose that you leave out the whole of the second part 
of the preface. As an exposition of the author’s* place in the history of 
economical science, it is far too incomplete, unless justified by the spe- 
cial circumstances under which it was written, viz. the attacks of the 
Rodbertus clique. This clique is extremely influential in Germany, 
makes a deal of noise, and will no doubt soon also be heard of in Rus- 
sia. It is such a very cheap and convenient way of settling the whole 
question, to say that our author merely copied Rodbertus, 27° that it 
is sure to be repeated everywhere where our author is read and dis- 
cussed. But of all these matters you are the best judge, and so I leave 
the matter entirely in your own hands, the more so as I have not the 
remotest idea what your censorship would allow to pass and what 
not. 

There are some favourable rumours spread here about our mutual 
friend °°?; can you give me any news? 

Yours faithfully, 
P. W. Rosher 3°