Note 237 — Chapter XXXIII
Eleanor Marx Aveling translation
In the Figaro of the 8th June—the same number which contained the plan of massacre—might be read, "We have received the following letter from M. Louis Blanc:—
"'To Monsieur Philippe Gille.
"'Sir,—I read in an article signed by you that the honest Republican party has the right to expect a protestation from me against the abominations of which Paris has been the theatre and the victim. This observation surprises me.
"'What honest man could, without lacking self-respect, believe himself obliged to warn the public that incendiarism, pillage, and assassination horrify him? I esteem myself enough to judge that, on my part, a declaration is perfectly useless.
"'When, too, public indignation is so legitimate and so great, are you aware, sir, that in the tribunals the silence of the assistants is obligatory; so true is it that the duty of everybody is to remain silent when the judge is about to speak. Receive, sir, the assurance of my regard.
"'Louis Blanc.'"