Sir, In your publication of to-day you translate from the Berlin National-Zeitung, a notorious organ of Bismarck s, most atrocious libel against the International Working Men s Association, in which the following passage occurs: In reply to the venal writers of the National-Zeitung, I consider it quite sufficient to declare that I have never asked or received one single farthing from the working class of this or any other country. Save the general Secretary, who receives a weekly salary of ten shillings, all the members of the General Council of the International do their work gratuitously. The financial accounts of the General Council, annually laid before the General Congresses of the Association, have always been sanctioned unanimously without provoking any discussion whatever. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Haverstock Hill, Aug. 19, 1871
Karl Marx in Public Opinion 1871