MARX TO ENGELS” 

[London,] 17 May 1866 

Dear Fred, 

How are the articles on Poland‘ progressing? The paper may or 
may not hold out, you must give as much as you can. The Poles 

a Charles Roesgen -> Neue Preussische Zeitung -¢ F. Engels, ‘What Have the 
Working Classes to Do with Poland?’ -4 The Commonwealth 

here are waiting for the next article and sorner me with 
enquiries.*** The articles have created a stir in other respects, too. 
Having earlier praised them, Foxikins launched a prarrise the day 
before yesterday in the Central Council against the passage in 
which you ascribe the partitioning to the corruption of the Polish 
aristocracy. Amongst other things, he singled out the Germans for 
attack, for having ruined the Poles in particular through the 
Saxon dynasty, etc. I replied to him in brief.** 

It is true that for all their big talk the Prussians are inclined to 
draw in their horns, and Bismarck is meeting strong opposition 
from Burp,’ too. But a retreat is scarcely possible in ltaly, and that 
may have repercussions on Prussia again. What Izzy” is missing by 
being so dead! Bismarck would have had him playing a part now. 
Bismarck is surely cursing us (and thinking us Austrian agents) for 
spoiling his easy game with the workers. 

From the beginning of this week my work“ has at last been 

advancing again. If you can send me some vino, please do so, as 
the sudden abstinence may do harm. 

Mr Mazzini gave himself no rest until he had founded an 
“International Republican Committee’ in opposition to us. On it are 
jackass Holtorp, Langiewicz, Ledru, Kinkel,’ Blind, I believe 
also—Bolleter! Our Association is gaining ground daily. Only in 
Germany nothing can be done, on account of jackass Liebknecht 
(Good FELLOW as HE Is!). 

The present crisis appears to me to be merely a premature, 
specifically financial crisis. It could only become important if the 
business in the United States goes rotten, and there would scarcely 
be time for that now. What effect is it having on you corroniorps? 
And what effect has the fall in cotton prices had? 

Salut. 

Your 
K. M.