[London,] 17 December 1866 
Dear Fred, 

THANKs For THE £10. 

As far as Rode is concerned, he is obsessed with political 
connections and his own self-importance. As you are finding this 
obsession a nuisance—and justly so—you should write to him at 
the first opportunity saying that you have not the honour of his 
acquaintance and requesting him to desist from such .liberties. 

The Revue des deux Mondes and the Revue Contemporaine had two 
detailed articles on the ‘International’, which treat it and its congress 
as one of the most significant events of the century.* The like also 
in The Fortnightly Review, in consequence.” Meanwhile, we are in 
practice paralysed sy want or Funps and even or men, with all the 
English being totally absorbed by the reform Movement. The French 
government is (heureusement‘) beginning to treat us as enemies. ** 
One of our more dubious acguisirions was the joining (ar New 
York) of Heap centre*” Stephens. 

Was not the Pope’s address to the French officers capital? Only 
an Italian priest could thus, before the whole of Europe, deliver 
Bonaparte a kick in the form of a sressinc.” 

It is highly characteristic of the status rerum* that neither 
Bonaparte nor William the Conqueror‘ are quite right in the top 
DEPARTMENT. The latter believes that God Almighty has entrusted 
him with a special mission, and the former has been turned so 
topsy-turvy by Mexico”? and Bismarck that he sometimes appears 
positively demented. 

And do you not think that there will be peace for another year 
yet at least (apart from accidents, of course, such as the death of 
Bonaparte, etc.)? The fellows all need time for the conversion and 
PRODUCTION oF ARMS, do they not? 

Not a word from Mr Meissner yet. I presume that now, at the 

aL. Reybaud, ‘L’économie politique des ouvriers’, Revue des deux Mondes, Vol. 66, 
1 November 1866; J. E. Alaux, ‘Une forme nouvelle du socialisme. Le Congrés 
ouvrier de Genéve’, Revue contemporaine, Vol. 53, 15 October 1866. - > Marx refers to 
an editorial published in The Fortnightly Review, No. 37, December 1866. - 
© fortunately - 4 Pius IX - © state of affairs - An ironic reference to William I of 
Prussia