Friedrich Engels

In Spite of Everything!

[Greeting Address to the French Workers for 1 May 1893]

Translated from the French.

[“Le Socialiste” No. 134, 23 April 1893]

Perhaps I am mistaken, but it seems to me that this year the 1st of May will not play the dominant role in the life of the international proletariat as it did in the three preceding years.

Of the great European countries, only Austria appears determined to keep the demonstration in the foremost place. There the workers really have no other means of action.

The significance of the 1st of May will this year certainly be pushed into the background in France, very probably in Germany, and perhaps in England, by the general elections in which the proletariat is called upon to conquer new positions—and, beyond doubt, will conquer them.

If therefore the May celebration is in certain respects, be it ever so slightly, overshadowed by the approaching elections, that need give us no cause for disquiet. This will by no means signify that we have grown weaker. On the contrary.

Demonstrations are an excellent thing, but only when we have no better means of action.

Let not the bourgeoisie triumph too soon.

We shall see one another again at the ballot boxes and, later, in the Palais Bourbon!

London, 14 April

Friedrich Engels