NEW LIGHT ON MARX

Evening Star, Issue 20033, 26 November 1928, Page 5

NEW LIGHT ON MARX

AH UtiKIKO PORTRAIT A rather sensational bock, ‘ Karl Marx! Life and Work,’ from the pen of Otto Ruble, has been published by (ho Ifelleraucr Avahin-Vcrlag (writes tlio Vienna correspondent of Dio ‘Observer’). Tlio author gives a portrait of ;ho founder of theoretical Socialism, entirely different from the traditional one. Marx, born at Trior in 1818, descended from many generations of rabbis, is described as a man of “ orthodox intolerance,” tho son of a father who became a Protestant. “Marx,” says tho author, quoting the opinion of a German Democrat of 1848, “was unbearably arrogant, respecting no opinion but bis own, and tolerating, no contradiction.” Despite his Jewish descent, Marx is described as a. vehement anii-Semile, who called Lassallo “Baron Itzig.” Lassirile, himself a Jew, wrote; “I;have hated two things in my life—-the Je.ws and tho literary men; unfortunately I am both!” Lassailo almost adored Marx, who, however, treated him with contempt. When in 1862 Lassallo came to London, Marx, who wa-s always in financial trouble, borrowed £ls from him and later on 400 thalers. Notwithstanding, Marx snoko of him later in disparaging tones, and expressed himself frivolously when Lassallo met hia death in a duel. Ruhio tells that Marx considered Bakunin, the great Russian revolutionary, a dangerous competitor, and, despite Bakunin’s services, morally ruined him, calling him a “ sharper ” and “ thief.” Bakunin, on his part, calls _ Marx vain, jealous, madly puffed up with his own greatness, spoiled by tho adoration of Ids followers, and a kind of “ doctrinaire Pope.” When Marx wanted to get rid of a competitor, lie reported Idm to the police ns a “dangerous person.” Although desirous of being the complete “ proletarian,” h« wore an eyeglass and ate caviare. Only one friend, Friedrich Engels, wa* patient enough to put up with him through life.