November 16, 1892 From Roggenbach I received the inclosed letter, which I beg that I may have back after a few days. I send it because it contains so much that is important, and what it contains is so useful for the formation and the programme of the new society, that it is well for you and the comrades to read it. The point is—this grows clearer and clearer—neither to deny nor to affirm the _status quo_; simply to leave it unmentioned. Only in this way can Frenchmen and Germans work in common for our end. November 21, 1892 In your letter received to-day I am startled by “Förster is not willing.” Had he not already given his adhesion? Have we not published the news a little too soon? To-day I have written twelve pages again to Roggenbach. November 29, 1892 I am very much delighted at the organization of the Committee. If a session took place, please get this intelligence into No. 12.... Unfortunately, Oldenburg will not come forward. He declares he has never wanted to go before the public politically, and as a colonel still less can he do so in the peace movement. But perhaps I may accomplish something yet. On the seventh of December he is coming to the General Assembly; on the eighth we dine with him and his wife at Castle Erlaa; perhaps at dessert he can be brought to something. December 3, 1892 The remissness of Förster and G[isitzky] I can very easily explain to myself; they are with their whole soul “Ethics,”[46] and in that case one cannot take charge of any second undertaking. The position of president might well remain temporarily vacant. The main thing is the secretary. Besides him, all the great names as “Honorary Presidents.” December 5, 1892 Here is the letter desired. Write address and name on it. Perhaps in the meantime K. [Professor Kohler] has already declined or you have another in mind. December 5, 1892 That was right unfriendly of Spielhagen. In the very lines in which he declined [the presidency] he might have included a manifesto. The _heart_ must be in it. Well,—and thank God,—ours is! December 16, 1892