| Author(s) | Friedrich Engels |
|---|---|
| Written | 5 September 1892 |
ENGELS TO KARL KAUTSKY
IN STUTTGART
[Ryde, 5 September 1892]
Dear Baron,
I forgot to reply to you about Bonnier the day before yesterday.[1]
If you look at the reports on England and Germany over the signature 'B' or Bernard in the Socialiste, it will enable you to judge to what extent you can make use of him. Bonnier is a sterling fellow, but his German studies have somewhat spoiled the Frenchman in him, something I have observed more than once in his fellow countrymen. He lives in a world of books and will find it difficult accurately to weigh the facts of the living movement one against the other. Moreover he resides at Oxford, far removed from all the activity, besides which he has an unshakeable faith in Guesde. Guesde's illusions and optimism are in many respects of great value within the movement itself, in much the same way as are Liebknecht's; neither is prone to despair. But these qualities are hardly suited to the reporting of current activities. However Bonnier, with his native intelligence, is bound gradually to gain in refinement — not that I have seen much of him of late. If the others on the daily are finding more than enough to do, you really haven't much alternative — provided that Bonnier, too, is not fully occupied in that quarter. Regards from Pumps and Percy.
Your
F.E.
I return to London tomorrow.[2]