If we do not want once again to be the most deceived of all, and do 
not want for a long series of years to be exploited, despised and 
downtrodden by a handful of men, then we must not lose a moment, 
we must not remain inactive for a single minute. 

Isolated, as we have been hitherto, we are weak although we 
number millions. United and organised, on the other hand, we shall 
constitute an irresistible force. Therefore, brothers, everywhere in 
towns and villages form workers’ associations in which our conditions 
are discussed, measures proposed to change our present situation, 
representatives from the working class to the German Parliament 
nominated and elected, and all other steps taken that are necessary 
for safeguarding our interests. Furthermore, all workers’ associa- 
tions in Germany must as quickly as possible enter into and keep in 
contact with one another. 

We propose that for the time being you choose Mainz as the centre 
for all the workers’ associations and that you enter into correspon- 
dence with the undersigned Executive Committee so that we can 
agree on a common plan and as soon as possible definitively decide 
the seat of the Central Committee etc. at a meeting of delegates of all 
the associations. 

We expect letters without postage pre-paid, just as for our part we 
shall write to the associations without pre-payment. 


Mainz, April 5, 1848 


The Workers’ Educational Association in Mainz 
On behalf of the Executive Committee 


Speaker Writer 
Wallau Cluss 


536 Appendices 


Address: Secretariat of the Workers’ Educational Association in 
Mainz, c/o Herr Adolf Cluss, Mainz, Franziskanergasse No. 156'/2.