Letter to Hermann Schluter, March 19, 1887

Author(s)	Friedrich Engels
Written	19 March 1887

First published in Pionier. Illustrierter Volks-Kalender für 1902, New York, 1901
Published in English for the first time in Marx-Engels Collected Works, Volume 48

ENGELS TO HERMANN SCHLÜTERS

IN HOTTINGEN-ZURICH

[Extract]

London, 19 March 1887

It is truly fortunate that our people no longer constitute a 'faction' in the Reichstag—for the next few years, at any rate, this will be just as well.^[1] I also like the way so many have all of a sudden come to regard 'parliamentarism' as discreditable. Irresistible, gradually accelerating growth in the number of votes—that is the main thing. Our struggle is a form of siege warfare and so long as the approach trenches keep moving forward, all will be well. We are already close to the second parallel, where we shall be able to establish our dismounting batteries and silence the enemy's guns. And, if we get as far without the besieged's gaining temporary respite from a world war, we shall then be able to estimate when it will be possible to establish breaching batteries on the crest of the glacis, make a breach with our guns and mount an assault. Until then the quiet, unhurried advance of our siege-works is the best safeguard against an overhasty assault and unnecessary casualties. The nicest touch of all is that the besieged say that we the besiegers, are in a state of siege!

Kindest regards to you all.

Yours,

Engels

↑ At the Reichstag elections of 21 February 1887 (see note 15) the Social Democrats obtained 11 seats. Under the existing regulations, 15 mandates were needed to form a faction.

[1] At the Reichstag elections of 21 February 1887 (see note 15) the Social Democrats obtained 11 seats. Under the existing regulations, 15 mandates were needed to form a faction.

[1]