Page:Ferdinand Lassalle - Lassalle's Open Letter to the National Labor Association of Germany - tr. John Ehmann and Fred Bader (1879).djvu/25

 works of Prof, Huber, Cochut, Lemercier (Etudes sur les association ouvrieres.) The statutes and rules of these co-operative shops also contribute valuable information concerning the internal economy of these associations. Regarded from the standpoint of the philosopher, these societies are the promises of the future; the work of hard-palmed, clear souled men who through the dim vista of the coming generations saw humanity's possibilities. If so much, then, can be accomplished, not only unaided, but in the face of immense opposition and ridicule, it becomes an easy task by the aid of the State, to achieve the entire redemption and permanent elevation of the workingclass, And to that complexion it must come at last. Blind indeed must that man be who fails to see in the history and development of the years the unswerving swing of humanity toward the conditions aimed at by these associations.

Gentlemen; as a finale, let us now consider the question: What is the State?

In response, I ask you to cast a-glance at the official statistics published by the Government—for I do not purpose to appear with my own calculations merely.

The official statistical bureau of the kingdom of Prussia, superintended by the King's secret councillor, Prof. Dieterici, published -in 1857, founded upon the official tax list, shows how the population was divided in regard to income, (Prof. Dieterici's Statistical Bureau, year 1851, VOL. IV, P, 262; compare VOL. III, P. 243.)

I place the results of this calculation before you with the exact words and figures.

As there exhibited, one-half per cent. of the population of Prussia has an income of 1,000 thalers,

Three and one-fourth per cent. from 400 to 1,000.

Seven and one-fourth per cent. from 200 to 400,

Sixteen and three-fourths per cent. from 100 to 200.

Seventy-two and one-fourth per cent. below 100,

And this income falls upon the heads of the taxable portion of the population who, according to Dieterici, represent upon the average a family of five persons or at least three persons.