MIA > Archive > Wilhelm Liebknecht
Written: In English by Wilhelm Liebknecht. The exact date is unknown.
English Source: The Kansas Agitator, Feburary 28th, 1896.
Public Domain: This work is free of any copyright restrictions.
Transcription and Markup: Bill Wright for marxists.org, July 2023.
Note: The context for this resolution and letter is Wilhelm Liebknecht’s prosecution for lèse majéste
(insulting the emperor) from an unspoken implication in an 1895 speech (available here).
This prosecution of one of Germany’s foremost political leaders made international headlines even in the capitalist press.
The following resolution was passed at the branch meeting held Nov. 15, and sent to Comrade Liebknecht:—
“That we, the members of the Bradford S. D. F. sympathise with Genosse Liebknecht, and protest against the despotic Kaiser in endeavoring to suppress the International Social-Democratic movement.”
Comrade Liebknecht replies:—
Dear Comrade,—
Many thanks for the resolution you passed with regard to my condemnation. I should have written sooner, but I was overwhelmed with work, and am so still. We are in the thickest of the fight now. But the battle is won already. Our enemies commit blunder over blunder, and public opinion is on our side. The English brethren may be sure that we shall do our duty. Next year I hope to come over and to deliver some lectures in England and Scotland, as I received many pressing invitations. So I may have, perhaps, an opportunity to thank you personally. Fraternal greetings to you and all other comrades in your branch.
W. Liebknecht.
Charlottenburg.
Last updated on 13 July 2023