Page:Marx and Engels on Revolution in America - Heinz Neumann.djvu/31

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previous organization, they are just as much means towards the development of the latter organization.

"Where the working class is not yet sufficiently advanced in its organization, in order to undertake a decisive campaign against the collective power, i. e., the political power, of the ruling classes, it must under all circumstances be trained for this by incessant agitation against the hostile political attitude of the ruling class towards us. Failing, it remains a plaything in the latter's hands …"

IV.

The Formation of an Independent Working Class Party.

AS early as July 25, 1877, Marx wrote to Engels;

"What do you think of the workers of the United States? This first explosion against the associated oligarchy of capital, which has arisen since the Civil War, will naturally again be suppressed, but can very well form THE POINT OF ORIGIN FOR THE CONSTITUTION OF AN EARNEST WORKERS' PARTY. The policy of the new president will make the NEGROES, and the great expropriations of land (exactly the fertile land) in favor of railways, mining, etc., companies will make THE PEASANTS OF THE WEST, who are already very dissatisfied, ALLIES OF THE WORKERS. So that a nice sauce is being stirred over there, and the transference of the center of the International to the United States may obtain a very remarkable post festum opportuneness."

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