illusions; with one word you arrest the formation of capital, and
we build henceforth upon the sand instead of on a rock. That I
cannot agree to; and for that reason I have criticised your book,
so full of beautiful pages, so brilliant with knowledge and
fervor!

"I wish, sir, that my impaired health would permit me to examine
with you, page by page, the memoir which you have done me the
honor to address to me publicly and personally; I think I could
offer some important criticisms. For the moment, I must content
myself with thanking you for the kind words in which you have
seen fit to speak of me. We each possess the merit of sincerity;
I desire also the merit of prudence. You know how deep-seated is
the disease under which the working-people are suffering; I know
how many noble hearts beat under those rude garments, and I feel
an irresistible and fraternal sympathy with the thousands of
brave people who rise early in the morning to labor, to pay their
taxes, and to make our country strong. I try to serve and
enlighten them, whereas some endeavor to mislead them. You have
not written directly for them. You have issued two magnificent
manifestoes, the second more guarded than the first; issue a
third more guarded than the second, and you will take high rank
in science, whose first precept is calmness and impartiality.

"Farewell, sir! No man's esteem for another can exceed mine for
you.
"BLANQUI."


I should certainly take some exceptions to this noble and