George E. Harris
Record of Karl Marx's speech on the attitude
of the British government towards the Irish Question
at the meeting of the General Council,
November 16, 1869

The National Reformer.
Nr. 22, 28. November 1869

...On Tuesday evening, the 16* inst, Citizen Dr. Carl Marx, opened a discussion
"On the Attitude of the British Government towards Ireland." Citizen Lucraft
presided, and the council was fully represented. Dr. Marx commenced by drawing attention to political amnesties, clearly defining their meaning and sources of
origin, contrasting the conduct of the British Government in the treatment of
political prisoners with the Governments of America, Austria, France, &c, showing that no country had been worse treated than Ireland had been under English
rule. Dr. Marx entered into a very minute analysis of Gladstone's and Bright's
speeches during the elections, deducing therefrom the justification of Fenianism,

and that no radical change could come for Ireland, save through revolution. 10

Gladstone's replies to the petitions and memorials of the Irish people was handled in such a manner as to show the danger that would arise from the minister's
harsh and haughty treatment of a nation's sovereign will; and Dr. Marx's speech
was marked throughout by a rigid, logical adhesion to moral right and political

justice. Dr. Marx's address on this occasion is only equalled by the exposé he 15

gave of Palmerston, some years ago, in the People's Paper, a treatise which ought
to be in the home of every Englishman. Dr. Marx resumed his seat by moving the
following resolution, which being seconded by Citizen G. Harris and carried, the
meeting adjourned at eleven o'clock. ... G. E. H.

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