London, 11 April 1890 

Dear Kautsky, 

A line or two in great haste before the post goes. First of all my hearti- 
est congratulations on your engagement. You have been through a diffi- 
cult time and to me this news is a sign that you’ve got over it, that you’ve 
put it behind you. May you find the happiness you expect. 

Schorlemmer and Nim also send you their sincerest congratulations. 

Thank you for your letter from Stuckart;* yesterday I also got one 
from Dietz, which I answered straight away, saying that I was entirely 
satisfied and also confirming that, as I had previously told you, I agree 
to a new edition of the Origin, etc.’ as part of the Internationale 
Bibliothek and shall make some additions. 

4 Stuttgart ~ > Frederick Engels, The Origin of the Family, Private Property and 
the State 

Now as to Dietz’s plan to bring you to Stuckart, that is really a 
matter you must settle between the two of you. Schorlemmer and I 
were in Kentish Town today, but Ede was out and so I doubt 
whether I shall be able to consult with him before Sunday. As for 
myself, all I can say is that I should much prefer to have you here, but 
if your presence in Stuttgart? is really necessary and you are never- 
theless able to visit this country for a month or two each year, I must, 
for better or for worse, content myself with that. The Neue Zeit has 
become a stronghold which is worth defending to the utmost. And 
having an influence over Dietz’s publishing business generally, which 
henceforth will be a more important lever in party life than was the 
case during the period of oppression, is also 4 considération.* To some 
extent, naturalisation and a secure berth in Germany can cut both 
ways, since it means that you would be liable to be thrown out of 
Austria. And you are also familiar with dear Stuckart and its delights. 
I shall give the matter further thought to see whether there may not be 
some other, not immediately apparent, snags and talk it over with Ede 
on Sunday. 

However I wanted to get this line off to you straight away and it’s 
now 5.25, ergo time for the post. 

Your 
EE.