Letter to Adolphe Hubert, November 22, 1871

Author(s) Karl Marx
Written 22 November 1871


First published in: Marx and Engels, Works, First Russian Edition, Vol. XXVI, Moscow, 1935
Printed according to the original
Translated from the French
Published in English for the first time in Marx-Engels Collected Works, Volume 44


MARX TO ADOLPHE HUBERT[1]

IN LONDON

[London,] 22 November 1871

Dear Citizen,

My ailment continues to keep me indoors, thereby preventing me from doing all I should like to do to support the better elements on the Qui Vive![2] Nevertheless I have spoken to several of my French friends, though I don't know whether they have started things moving.

As to the terms of admission to the International, all that is needed is recognition of our principles. I am sending you 30 CARDS OF MEMBERSHIP which you may dispose of as and when you find new candidates. They only have to pay ONE PENNY for their annual contribution but may subscribe more if they so wish. All you have to do is enter the names of new members on the cards.

I am also sending you 30 copies of the Rules.[3] Every member must be supplied with a copy, which costs ONE PENNY.

In accordance with a resolution passed at the last Conference,[4] adhesive stamps are now being manufactured representing the value of one PENNY, and these must be affixed to the Rules in possession of members.

Those who have already paid for their cards will not have to make a further payment for the stamps.

THE PAMPHLET ON The Civil War in France is SOLD AT Truelove's, 256 High Holborn.

Fraternal greetings,

Karl Marx

  1. ↑ On 19 December 1870 The Times published Gladstone's letter, dated 15 December, which announced an amnesty of the condemned Fenians (on the Fenians see Note 6). However, this amnesty was hedged round with numerous reservations, which caused Engels to compare it with the shabby amnesty of political prisoners announced in Prussia in January 1861 on the occasion of William I's accession to the throne.
  2. ↑ In his letter of 19 November 1871 Adolphe Hubert informed Marx of the forthcoming changes in the editorial board of Qui Vive! He suggested that French members of the International and Paris Commune refugees close to Marx be brought onto the board.
  3. ↑ K. Marx, General Rules and Administrative Regulations of the International Working Men's Association.
  4. ↑ K. Marx and F. Engels, 'Resolutions of the Conference of Delegates of the International Working Men's Association Assembled at London from 17th to 23rd September 1871'. IV: Contribution of 1d. per Member to the General Council.