MIA > Archive > Wilhelm Liebknecht
Written: In English in 1895, as a letter to the British newspaper The Clarion.
Source: The Clarion, May 1895 issue.
Transcription and Markup: Bill Wright for marxists.org, March, 2023
Dear Sir,
I am to send you a few lines concerning the First of May in Germany? Well, where facts speak, not many words are required.
The Germans have always been a cosmopolitan people; now they are an international people. Wherever Socialism rules, the thought of universal brotherhood and sisterhood fills men’s and women’s minds. And in Germany Socialism rules wherever there is not the spirit of brutal oppression or reckless selfishness, or stolid indifference. All that think and feel humanly are Socialists or on the road to Socialism. And the First of May is the great Festival Day of Socialism and International Solidarity.
There are no towns, and not many villages, in Germany where the day is not kept as far as it is possible. Processions and public demonstrations are forbidden by the police, and the great majority of workmen are, by the Capitalists, prevented from leaving their work. But this majority is decreasing, resistance is becoming less fierce; even the dullest of intellects begin to perceive that all attempts and efforts to stop our onward course are in vain.
And so we march on!
And on the First of May millions of German Socialists will celebrate the world’s holiday of Labor, thinking of their brethren and sisters in all other countries, and renewing the solemn vow not to rest till the Bastille of Capitalism is destroyed and mankind set free.
Fraternal greeting to the fellow fighters of England!
W. Liebknecht
Last updated on 8 March 2023