Engels is not named in this report: he appears as “a German exile” who “concluded an excellent speech with giving ‘The Proletarians of England’”. Unsigned report in The Democratic Review of British and Foreign Politics, History and Literature (London, ed. G. J. Harney), May 1850, pp. 463-464. MEGA² (I/10, appendix) includes the press report of this speech by Engels. Text from the free OCR of the Internet Archive copy (Merlin Press facsimile reprint, 1968); the facsimile itself could not be consulted, so the obvious OCR errors have been corrected and the doubtful readings are marked in notes. Traducción al español
BIRTH-DAY OF MAXIMILIAN ROBESPIERRE.
Members and friends of the Society of Fraternal Democrats, to the number of nearly seventy, celebrated, by a social Supper, the Birth-day of the immortal and incorruptible Maximilian Robespierre, on the evening of Friday, April the [5]th.1 The great martyr was born on the Sixth of April, but that day of the month falling on a Saturday, the evening of the Fifth was selected as the more convenient. Julian Harney was appointed to preside, who, after the supper of good old English fare, had been disposed of, gave “The Sovereignty of the People, and the Fraternity of all Nations.” Citizen G. W. M. Reynolds responded to the toast, and in an able speech vindicated the principles of Social Democracy.
Song by Citizen Brown, “Base Oppressors leave your slumbers.”
The Chairman then gave the sentiment—“The immortal memory of Maxmilian Robespierre,—the Incorruptible; may his bright example inspire us with energy to the accomplishment of the triumph of the good cause of Democratic and Social Equality, for which he lived, laboured, suffered and died.” Citizen Bronterre O’Brien, in speaking to the sentiment, reviewed the career of that friend of the human race. His vindication of the character of the victim of Thermidore, was enthusiastically applauded.
Citizen Gerald Massey sang the English version of the “Marseillais Hymn.”
Citizen W. J. Vernon gave the next toast—“the heroic and incorruptible Marat, St. Just, and Couthon.”
A French exile sang the “Chant du Depart.”
Citizen D. W. Ruffy gave “Success to the Red Republicans of the Continent, and the speedy triumph of the Republic Universal, Democratic and Social.”
A German exile responded, and concluded an excellent speech with giving “The Proletarians of England,”—responded to by Citizens Reed and Massey. The latter concluded by giving the sentiment “To persecution and martyrdom in the glorious cause of freedom.”
Another of our German exiled friends, after delivering a high eulogium on Marat, finished his address by giving as a sentiment—“Citizen Blanqui, and the extinction of classes.”
Citizen Bronterre O’Brien proposed “The health and prosperity of the chairman, George Julian Harney,” who replied, and at the conclusion of his remarks, gave “The glorious Insurgents of June, 1848, and all who have struggled, suffered and died to establish the political and social rights of man.” Responded to by an insurgent of June, who sang “Vive la Republique—Vive la Liberte.”
Julian Harney on leaving the chair and retiring for the evening, gave—“Barbes, Albert, and all who are now suffering in the cause of Democracy.”
Citizen Stallwood was then called to the chair, when the following toasts were given:—“Health and long life to Bronterre O’Brien.” By Citizen Geogeaban2—“The memory of Robert Emmet, and the healths of John Mitchell, Thomas Meagher, Smith O’Brien, and all other true Irish patriots.” By Citizen Leno—“The memories of Paine and Washington.” By Citizen Huffy3—“Ernest Jones and other patriots.” By Citizen Arnoit4—“Prosperity to the Society of Fraternal Democrats.” “The Democratic Press,” and several other patriotic toasts, songs, and recitations were given, after which the assembly separated; each and all more than ever resolved to labour for the triumph of the holy principles of Equality, Liberty and Fraternity.