Page:Ferdinand Lassalle - Lassalle's Open Letter to the National Labor Association of Germany - tr. John Ehmann and Fred Bader (1879).djvu/26

 And naturally the same analogy must exist in all the other German States.

These dumb official figures, if they do not claim mathematical exactness, every one, as you know, belittling his income before the tax-gatherer—a matter of no importance in this relation, it not in the least degree giving grounds for difference—will speak to you more distinctly than would whole volumes.

Seventy-two and one-fourth per cent. of the population with an income below 100 thalers; showing them, as a consequence, to be in the most miserable condition.

Another sixteen and three-fourths per cent. of the population, with an income of from 100 to 200 thalers a few degrees above misery. Another, seven and one-fourth per cent with an income of 200 to 400 thalers still in cramped conditions. Three and one-half per cent. with an income of 400 to 1000 thalers, in a comparatively comfortable position; and finally one-half per cent. in all possible degrees of wealth. The two lowest classes who are in the wretched, downtrodden condition form 89 per cent. of the whole population, and if we must add the seven and one-fourth per cent. of the third class, still in a cramped condition, comparatively without means, we find 96 and one-fourth per cent, of the entire numberhelpless and poverty stricken.

Now, gentlemen, remember this: It is to you, you the suffering, the patient and enduring class, that the State belongs; not to us of the higher classes; for the State is the consolidated people. I asked you what was the State, and you have found through a few figures, a more comprehensive answer than many books could give; I repeat it, you, the people, make the State.

I now emphatically ask, why should not your large associations develope and guide to fruition the smaller circles of associations?

This question you also will discuss with those who twaddle to you about the impropriety of State interference, and of the socialism and the communism inherent in the demand.

Finally, if you desire an especial clause to prove the im-