Page:Ferdinand Lassalle - Lassalle's Open Letter to the National Labor Association of Germany - tr. John Ehmann and Fred Bader (1879).djvu/4



In the month of October, 1862, a Workingmen's Convention was held in the city of Nuremberg, Bavaria, for the purpose of considering means whereby the condition of the working people of Germany might be improved. The Convention adjourned without reaching any conclusion, but it was resolved to meet again in convention at Leipzig in the fall of 1863, and the Central Committee of the Workingmen's Association in Leipzig was instructed to make preparations for the proposed convention.

Accordingly this Committee visited Berlin and called upon prominent members of the Prussian Diet, especially those of the Liberal Party, asking them to frame a platform upon which the working people could unite for the advancement of their interests.

Schultze Delitzsch, the well-known Liberal member, declined to support the demand for Universal Suffrage, as did also all Representatives of the "Progressive" Party. Disgusted with these "statesmen" and convinced that their help was not to be counted on, the Committee met an old philanthropist, Dr. Joerrisen, who told them that he knew of only one man intelligent and courageous enough to draw up a suitable platform, and that man was Ferdinand Lassalle, a private and almost unknown citizen in Berlin. The Committee called at Lassalle's house, but as he was absent, the Committee left a letter stating the object of their visit.

In reply, Lassalle published this open letter.]