Karl Marx

Open Letter

in the Matter of Vogt and the Berliner “National-Zeitung”

[“Volks-Zeitung” No. 35, 10 February 1860]

To the Editors of the “Volks-Zeitung”.

Declaration

I herewith give notice that I have taken preparatory steps for instituting a libel action against the Berliner “National-Zeitung” on account of the leading articles in Nos. 37 and 41 concerning Vogt’s pamphlet “Mein Prozeß gegen die Allgemeine Zeitung”. A literary reply to Vogt I reserve for a later date, since this requires enquiring of persons who are outside Europe.

For the time being, therefore, only this much:

1. To judge from the gleanings of the “National-Zeitung” – the book itself, by its own dispensation, has so far not been obtainable in London, neither from booksellers nor from acquaintances to whom Herr Vogt formerly sent his so-called “Studien” – the Vogt concoction is merely the elaboration of a sketch which he published 9 months ago in his private Moniteur – the Bieler “Handels-Courier”. At that time I had his pasquil printed in London without commentary. Such a simple procedure sufficed here, where the circumstances and personalities are known, to characterise the Herr Professor.

2. The
pretext
upon which Herr Vogt opens his campaign against me is, like the pretext for the Italian campaign, an “idea”. I am supposed, namely, to be the author of the anonymous pamphlet “Zur Warnung”. From the English circular published by me, which I enclose, you will see how I took steps to compel Herr Blind and his associates either to admit, by their silence, the falsity of that pretext or to have it proved against them before an English court of law.

6 February 1860

Karl Marx

9, Grafton Terrace, Maitland Park,

Haverstock Hill, London.